Category Archives: Ring 8

boxing, Ring 8

Jimmy Slattery book author Rick Blake to be Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday night in New York

Leave a comment

NEW YORK (Apr. 20, 2015) – Author Rich Blake will be tomorrow night’s (Tuesday, April 21) special Ring 8 guest speaker at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.

Blake is a veteran New York City-based author who has written, Slats: The Legend & Life of Jimmy Slattery, to be released next month by publisher No Frills Buffalo. Blake is best known for covering the financial world for numerous publications, including Institutional Investor, ABCNews.com and Reuters HedgeWorld. He was a co-founder and executive editor of Trader Monthly magazine. The 46-year-old Buffalo native is the author of two non-fiction books, The Day Donny Herbert Woke Up and Talking Proud: Rediscovering the Magical Season of the 1980 Buffalo Bills. He also is co-author of a third work of non-fiction, Diary of a Hedge Fund Manager.

Slattery personified the Golden Era of sports during the boom/bust 1920s and ’30s.

The sleek, handsome, lightning-fast Slattery was a phantom in the ring, soaring across the national stage like a comet before crashing into oblivion. Discarded by the ages, Blake’s book is the incredible true story of the Irish boy-wonder who captivated the boxing world at its peak.

 

At Ring 8’s monthly meeting tomorrow evening, Blake will recount his research into Slattery’s early burst to fame in the metropolitan area during the spring of 1924, sharing some highlights of what he uncovered like tying in Queens fight promoter Simon “Si” Flaherty, the Queensboro A.C. in Long Island City and the Queensboro Bowl, which was expanded in the spring of 1924 as part of efforts by Flaherty and Paddy Mullins to land a Jack Dempsey-Harry Wills fight that, unfortunately, never came materialized. Blake will also speak about how the New York City fire department condemned the club’s stadium built at the base of the Queensboro Bridge and how Flaherty managed to get around that.
ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Ring 8

WBC & Ring 8 to honor the late Joe Dwyer & Tony Mazzarella at the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame 2015 Induction Dinner

Leave a comment
    

Sunday, April 26 at Russo’s On The Bay, Howard Beach, NY

 

NEW YORK (Apr. 1, 2015) – The World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ring 8 will honor the late Joe Dwyer and Tony Mazzarella at the fourth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 26 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman will make a special presentation to Dwyer’s family. Ring 8 will make presentations to the Dwyer and Mazzarella families. Dwyer and Mazzarella, both longtime Ring 8 members, passed away earlier this year. Dwyer was president of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF). Mazzarella, who served many years as Ring 8’s treasurer, was a major influence in the founding of the NYSBHOF.

 NYSBHOF Class of 2015

 

Boxers

 

WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby      Bronx/Brooklyn

WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra                              Buffalo

1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol                             Brooklyn

Two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston                      New York City

WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley                                               Harlem

(Deceased)

World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach                                    Astoria

“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham                           Manhattan’s Eastside

2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro                                       New York City

World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan                     Redwood/Syracuse

World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery                                      Buffalo

 

Non-Participants

 

NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy                                                        Manhattan/Massapequa Park

Journalist Mike Katz                                                                                            Bronx

Trainer Tommy Gallagher                                                                                   Howard Beach

Promoter/cutman Bob Miller                                                                              Albany

Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade                                                       Brooklyn

(Deceased)

Trainer Charley Goldman                                                                                    Brooklyn

MSG matchmaker Harry Markson                                                                    Kingston

Promoter Cedric Kushner                                                                                   Manhattan

MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson                                                                   New York City

Journalist Damon Runyon                                                                                   Manhattan

Manager/matchmaker Al Weill                                                                           New York City

 

 

Renown ring announcer David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

 

The 2015 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

 

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

 

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

 

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

 

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

 

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day.

 

Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting and Duffy.

 

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Ring 8

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner tickets selling fast

Leave a comment
    

Sunday, April 26 at Russo’s On The Bay, Howard Beach, NY

NEW YORK (Mar. 24, 2015) – Tickets are selling fast for the fourth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 26, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

 NYSBHOF Class of 2015

 

Boxers

 

WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby      Bronx/Brooklyn

WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra                            Buffalo

1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol                            Brooklyn

Two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston                     New York City

WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley                                           Harlem

(Deceased)

World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach                                 Astoria

“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham                          Manhattan’s Eastside

2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro                                    New York City

World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan                     Redwood/Syracuse

World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery                                    Buffalo

 

Non-Participants

 

NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy                                                   Manhattan/Massapequa Park

Journalist Mike Katz                                                                                    Bronx

Trainer Tommy Gallagher                                                                          Howard Beach

Promoter/cutman Bob Miller                                                                       Albany

Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade                                                  Brooklyn

(Deceased)

Trainer Charley Goldman                                                                           Brooklyn

MSG matchmaker Harry Markson                                                              Kingston

Promoter Cedric Kushner                                                                          Manhattan

MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson                                                           New York City

Journalist Damon Runyon                                                                          Manhattan

Manager/matchmaker Al Weill                                                                    New York City

 

 

Comments from some of the 2015 NYSBHOF inductees:

 

BRUCE SILVERGLADE: “I am extremely happy to be inducted into the NYSBHOF. It is an honor to be recognized and put in with such a wonderful group of people. I have always admired and have in awe of the Hall of Famers. Now, I am one of them. I have to thank my wife for always pushing me to achieve a little bit more.”

 

TOMMY GALLAGHER: “This is a great way to end my boxing career. I’ll only be doing this another 2-3 years, I’m beat. This is a wonderful honor but, most importantly, I wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for all the great fighters who’ve gotten me here. I’d just be another guy without the A-side guys. I had my gym for 30 years and was able to meet so many great kids to train. I’ve had a great career.”

 

BOB MILLER: “It is good upstate people aren’t forgotten in boxing. We’re not that well known and I’m happy they reached out to somebody from this area. This means a lot to me and my family, including all of my kids who will be there. This will probably be the highlight of my career. Getting inducted is tops. I’m very, very happy that they think I’m worthy of it. I feel a lot of guys going in have done a lot for boxing. I’m very happy to be going into the NYSBHOF in the same class as Bob Duffy. We’ve been good friends for a long time, going back to when he was with the commission. I’m really looking forward to this.”

 

JOEY GIAMBRA: “First, I want to thank my son, Joey Jr., for all he has done for me.  I would like to thank Bob Duffy for all of his hard work and devotion to our beloved sport, Ring 8, the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, Henry Hascup. Rick Farris, the WBC and many others. I am deeply honored and humbled to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. I could not be more excited with my name along some of the very best boxers born and raised in the great state of New York. As many may already know, the best in the game come from New York!  What a tremendous honor and recognition this is for me and my family.”

 

The 2015 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

 

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

 

 

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

 

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

 

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

 

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day.

 

Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting and Duffy.

 

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Ring 8

Attorney Jack Stanton & Luis Orlando Cruz Ring 8 Guest Speakers Thursday night in New York

Leave a comment

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 18, 2015) – Attorney Jack Stanton and new gym owner Luis Orlando Cruz are scheduled to be Ring 8 guest speakers tomorrow night, Feb. 19(doors open 6 p.m, meeting starts at 8 p.m.), at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, New York.

 

“We’re fortunate to have two very interesting speakers of interest for our members,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “Jim is an expert in all aspects of boxing litigation, while Luis has opened a new gym in Brooklyn, Fight for Fitness.”
ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Ring 8

New York City boxing leader Tony Mazzarella has passed away

Leave a comment

NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 27, 2015) – New York City boxing leader Tony Mazzarella passed away after a long illness this past Monday at the age of 75.

 

During his long career in boxing, Mazzarella was a former New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) Deputy Commissioner and inspector – honorary NYSAC Deputy Commissioner the past few years – Ring 8 treasurer, New York State Sports Commission member, amateur (including Golden Mittens and Mayor’s Week of Boxing) and professional promoter (co-promoter of Ring Promotions) and the major influence in the founding of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF).

 

“Tony was a loyal, dedicated Ring 8 member for more than 30 years,” his close friend and Ring 8 & NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said.” Without his restaurant, the Waterfront Crabhouse (in Long Island City), serving as the home of Ring 8, I don’t think there would be a Ring 8 today if not for Tony’s generosity and perseverance. He kept Ring 8 alive and due to his diligence, Ring 8 has always maintained its integrity. It was his idea to found the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

“We were partners (Ring Promotions) and great friends for the past 25 years. Tony enjoyed being part of events, whether it was promoting shows or hosting award dinners. He was very generous to fighters. Tony was also a good baseball player and an avid fan. He was a leader and remains a legend in New York City boxing. He was without question the most respected Ring 8 member. We will all miss Tony Mazarella more than words alone can properly describe.”

 

Tony Mazzarella (standing, far right) shown here with the NYSBHOF Class of 2013

 

A native of Queens, Tony resided in Tappan, where his funeral will be held this Friday(Jan. 30, 11 a.m.) at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church (120 Kings Highway). His wake will be held this Thursday (Jan. 29), from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., at Pizzi Funeral Home (120 Paris Ave. in North Vale, New Jersey).

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Fight Network, Ring 8

Fight Network a proud sponsor of Ring 8 Holiday Events & Awards Ceremony

Leave a comment

(L-R) Hall-of-Famers Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor and Carlos Palomino
All pictures by Peter Frutkoff / Ring 8

NEW YORK/TORONTO (Jan. 13, 2015) – Ring 8 was a proud sponsor of the recent 28th annual Ring 8 Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony, held at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Ring 8, formed in 1954 by ex-prizefighter Jack Grebelsky, became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, Ring 8 – and today the organization’s motto is still the same: Boxers Helping Boxers. With its 350+ plus members, Ring 8 is the largest group of its kind in the United States. It remains fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Below find a photo gallery from the aforementioned event:

 

Former world welterweight champion Tony DeMarco

(L-R) – Ring 8 president Bob Duffy & Ring 8 2014
Fighter of the Year Chris Algieiri

Ring 8 2014 Comeback of the Year – Daniel Jacobs

Ring 8 2014 Contender of the Year – Frank Galarza

Ring 8 2014 Prospect of the Year – Julian Williams

Information:

www.FightNetwork.com

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork
ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes throughout North America, available on all major carriers in Canada, streaming live on website KlowdTV.com, and in more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.