Tag Archives: Chris cugliari

boxing, USA Boxing

Boxing saved the life of Two-Division World Champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub rau hli ntuj 4, 2020) – Like many boxers, ob-faib lub ntiaj teb no yeej “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera credits boxing for saving his life.

“Absolutely,” Rivera agreed. “After my mom passed away when I was 10 xyoo, I gave up on life and my decision-making reflected that: hanging around with the wrong crowd including gang members, consuming alcohol between the ages of 10 and 15. I was definitely going in the wrong direction.

“I never thought I had a future until I started boxing. It’s hard to say what I’d be doing if I had never boxed, but by the way I was living, I’d probably be in jail or dead by now.”

Born in Philadelphia, Rivera lived in Puerto Rico and Springfield, MA, prior to him moving to Worcester, MA, where he met a man who helped change his life, Carlos Garcia, who was in charge of a special boxing program at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club.

Rivera had started boxing at the age of 14 ½ in a basement with his friend, Felix Lopez.  He had fallen in love with boxing after watchingRoberto Duran upset“Sugar” Ray Leonard in their first fight. The young Puerto Rican-American specifically used his amateur boxing experience to prepare for the professional ranks. Garcia, who is in the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame, put him in a novice match after only one amateur fight in order to put Rivera on the fast track, because he understood that Rivera dreamed of becoming a world champion as a professional. Rivera finished with a 35-15 pib xyaum ua cov ntaub ntawv, highlighted by a bronze medal performance at the PAL Nationals.

“I never had big amateur aspirations but, ntawm chav kawm, I wanted to win every fight I competed in,” Rivera said. “Once I didn’t qualify for the Olympic Trials, my plan was to turn pro. I didn’t know how much the amateurs would groom me to be a successful professional boxer. I’m glad I listened to my coaches, otherwise I would have turned pro earlier, because I would get frustrated with the politics of the amateurs. I hated losing, but I hated losing even more when I knew that I should have won. After three years together (with Garcia) in the amateurs and gaining a great wealth of experience traveling all over New England, the country and even fighting in Canada, I saw all types of styles and talented boxers that helped me as a pro. Carlos is like a father figure to me and during all of our training and travels, he was always in my head, building me up to become a good boxer, but also to help me become a better man.”

Nyob rau lub kaum ib hlis 7, 1992, Rivera made his pro debut, khob tawmFrancisco Mercedes in the second round. He went on to win his first 23 pro bouts, including the Massachusetts State welterweight title in 1995. His first pro loss was to veteran Philadelphia fighterWillie Wise (20-3-4), who won a controversial 10-round split decision at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. Rivera had proven that he was more than a prospect in his first loss, losing a close decision (98-95, 94-97, 94-96) to an opponent that upset Mexican iconJulio Cesar Chavez (102-3-2) only three years later.

Showing the same resiliency that stayed with Rivera his entire career, two fights later Rivera stoppedGilberto Flores in two rounds to capture the International Boxing Organization (IBO) world welterweight championship. Rivera extended his new win streak to seven, before losing back to back fights. Four fights later, tab sis yog, Rivera registered his first statement victory in 2001, khob tawmFrankie Randall (55-10-1) nyob rau hauv lub 10th round to retain his North American Boxing Association (Tsis tas li ntawd) crown in his first defense.

Now promoted by legendary Don King, Rivera traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in September 2003 to Germany, where few Americans were able to win. Rivera proved early that he meant business, dropping previously undefeatedMichel Trabant in the second round en route to winning a 12-round majority decision for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA).  His reign, Txawm li cas los, didn’t last long. In his first defense, Rivera lost a 12-round split decision at home in Worcester to challengerLuis Collazo (24-1)

Rivera moved up one weight class for his next fight, showing the resiliency that was a staple during his career for his next fight, also at home, against WBA junior middleweight World championAlexandro Garcia (25-1).

In his next fight and first defense of his third world title, Rivera was stopped for the first time in his pro career, by new champTravis Simms (24-0), and then he was knocked out byDaniel Santos (24-0) in round eight of their WBA junior middleweight title eliminator.

Rivera retired in 2008 only to make a comeback in 2001, after which he retired again until returning for two fights in Worcester to complete his pro career with 50 fights, the last coming at the age of 46.

“Jose’s USA Boxing experiences shaped him into the man of character he is today, ob nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib,"Hais tiasChris cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Director. “He took the road less traveled for a world champion, and in doing so he showcased his toughness and perseverance that made him a great example for today’s USA Boxers.”

Tebchaws USA Boxing Alumni Koom Tes

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, cov nom, Cov qhia thiab Boxing kiv cua — Lub Koom Haum Alumni txuas ntau tiam kev sib tw, Kev tshoov siab thiab muab rov qab rau USA Boxing lub neej tom ntej champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

Txhawm rau koom nrog lub koom haum Alumni, Tsuas sau npe ntawmalumni@usaboxing.org rau a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, Keychain thiab e-hnab nyiaj.

Rivera was a true working world champion. Few world champions also had full-time jobs during their title reigns. Rivera used vacation time, as well as personal and sick days, when he went to training camp for some of his major fights.

“I always had a good work ethic growing up,” he explained. “When I moved to Worcester at 16 xyoo, I lived by myself: school, work, and then to the Boys & Girls Club to train. I kept the same work ethic I had at 19 when I turned pro. I became a father at 20, so providing for my family was essential. Although it was hard, I knew boxing wasn’t going to last forever, and I was lucky enough to find a good job working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Courts. It made for long days when I was training, especially when I was fighting for or defending my world championships. In the end, tab sis yog, keeping my job was the best decision I could have made for me and my family.”

Rivera. who was an Associate Court Officer for years and promoted last year to Assistant Chief Court Officer, is still involved in boxing. He and his oldest son, A.J. Rivera, own and operate a boxing promotional company, Rivera Promotions Entertainment, to give young fighters in his area opportunities to fight more often and at home. Jose occasionally drops by the Boys & Girls Club to visit his former coaches, Garcia andRocky Gonzalez, to support their young talent. He also goes to his friendKendrick Ball’s gym, Camp Be Right, to give young fighters there a few tips and to keep in shape (not for another comeback).

Jose Antonio Rivera will be best known for his toughness and determination, which led him into a different life, including three world championships and a wonderful life he never would have enjoyed.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, Ausaboxingalumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

HAIS TXOG USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

1988 Olympic gold medalist “Merciless” Ray Mercer Looks back at his Olympic experience

Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub ob hlis ntuj 11, 2020) – Thirty-two years after he captured an Olympic gold medal, “Merciless” Ray Mercer fondly remembers his Olympic experience like it was last month. Mercer, who is the only American heavyweight champion to knock out all of his Olympic opponents, went on to become world heavyweight champion as a professional for our “heavyweight double.”

For Mercer, it all started in Germany, where his U.S. Army unit was based. Offered a chance to avoid a 30-day field exercise, Mercer accepted an offer to serve as a sparring partner for the post’s heavyweight boxing champion. Despite never having put on a pair of gloves before, Mercer was a quick learner who was naturally strong, and he rapidly developed into the 1985 U.S. Army and Inter-service heavyweight champion.

The World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in which qualified athletes have an opportunity to train fulltime for the Olympics, didn’t exist back then, nor the Olympic qualifier rules of today. Mercer defeated future world heavyweight championTommy Morrison in the opening round of the 1988 Olympic Trials and another future world heavyweight titlist, Michael Bentt (5-0) in the championship final. At the 1988 USA Olympic Box-offs at famed Caesars Pala

ce in Las Vegas, Mercer won a split decision (3-2) over Bentt, but Mercer had already qualified to fight in the Olympic Games by being the U.S. Armed Forces champion.

“When I was in the Army, I had to win in the service, maintain things, and go to the next step,” Mercer remembered. “I had to beat some good fighters on my way to the Olympics, and I was in the best shape of my life. There was more discipline in the amateurs than the professional ranks. The final year before the Olympics, I left my home unit, traveled a lot to fight, and stayed in my trainer’s house instead of living in the barracks.

Mercer made history at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Kauslim, when he became and remains the only Olympic heavyweight champion from the United States to knockout all four of his opponents:  Rudolf Gavenciak (Czechoslovakia – RSC3), Luigi Gaudiano(Italy – KO1), Arnond Vasnderlyde (Netherlands – RSC2) thiabBaik Hyun-Man (South Korean – KO1).

“I knew I had to knockout the South Korean in the final,” Mercer admitted. “I just wanted to do what I could to be the Olympic gold medalist. I don’t think I used a jab.

“Winning the Olympic gold medal resulted in some big-time changes for me. I became a celebrity, a household name, and it allowed me to make money as a professional. The best thing that ever happened to me was winning the Olympic gold medal, even more than winning the world title as a pro. Nothing compared to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. I accomplished my dream. I had never dreamed of going pro, until after I won the gold medal.

“It was really important to win that gold medal. I fought with my heart; no money was involved, celebrated so hard that night (after winning the gold medal) that I lost my medal for a few hours. My dream had come true, my hands were shaking, and I lost my medal. What a night!"

Mercer offers members of the 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team one bit of advice, “Keep fighting, follow your dream and take that last step.”

Mercer, who was born in Jacksonville, Florida, made his much-anticipated pro debut in 1989, siv ceev xwmphemJesse McGhee in the third round of their fight in Atlantic City. “Merciless” won his first 18 pro sib ntaus, including a ninth-round knockout ofFrancisco Damiani, followed by a successful defense against Morrison, who was stopped in the fifth round.

During his 19-year pro career, Mercer compiled a 36-7-1 (26 Kos) cov ntaub ntawv, defeating four world champions in Damiani, Morrison, Tim Witherspoon thiabOssie Ocasio.  Five of his eight career losses were to world champions: Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko,Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield thiabShannon Briggs. 

“Ray represents everything that makes USA Boxing proud,"Hais tiasChris cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “As an Army veteran, Olympic kub medalist, and heavyweight champion of the world, he has demonstrated excellence and professionalism that reflects the best of what USA Boxing has to offer.”

Tebchaws USA Boxing Alumni Koom Tes

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, cov nom, Cov qhia thiab Boxing kiv cua — Lub Koom Haum Alumni txuas ntau tiam kev sib tw, Kev tshoov siab thiab muab rov qab rau USA Boxing lub neej tom ntej champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

Txhawm rau koom nrog lub koom haum Alumni, Tsuas sau npe ntawmalumni@usaboxing.org rau a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, Keychain thiab e-hnab nyiaj.

Mercer’s outstanding amateur boxing career also included a classic match-up against Cuban great and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Felix Savon, at USA vs. Cuba dual match, in which Mercer twice staggered Savon, who survived without suffering additional damage only because the Cuban referee made a questionable intervention that gave his fellow countryman time to recover and a controversial 2-1 yeej.

“And he gave me a standing eight-count for no reason,” Mercer added. “I beat that guy and he knows it. We’re still in touch even though he doesn’t speak English. He has a friend translate and we’re in touch on Facebook. We like each other.”

Hnub no, Mercer is founding a charity at home in North Carolina, which will include free boxing clinics, tab sis, more importantly, give back to the community and teach youths, especially those who are bullied, the skills they’ll need to go out into the real world.

Ray Mercer has reached the zenith twice in boxing as an Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight champion as a professional. Not too shabby for somebody who never really wanted to box.

“Boxing saved my life,” Mercer concluded. “I can’t imagine my life without boxing, it certainly wouldn’t be the same.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, Ausaboxingalumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

HAIS TXOG USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

pib xyaum ua boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Jamel “Semper fi” Herring Patriot, Olympian & now World Champ

Cia ib saib
USA Boxing Alumni: (L) Jamel Herring and his stablemate, Terence “Bud” Crawford
(picture courtesy of Mikey Williams / Sab saum toj nyob qib)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub rau hli ntuj 13, 2019) – Newly crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion Jamel “Semper fi” Herring has been a fighter practically all his life as a U.S. Marine and elite boxer.

The 33-year-old Herring (20-2, 10 Kos), fighting out of Cincinnati, has come full circle since he started boxing at the age of 15. “I started because I was doing poorly in school, cut from the basketball team,” he explained on why he chose the Sweet Science. “I didn’t want to be in the streets. It was not my character, so I had to find something else to do. A friend introduced me to boxing and I stuck with it. I eventually got my grades back up and made high honor roll.”


Herring also developed into an Olympic boxer, mostly while he was serving nine years in the U.S. Marines, and even when he was deployed twice in Iraq. He compiled an 81-15 pib xyaum ua cov ntaub ntawv, including top honors at the 2011 & 2012 Armed Forces Championships, 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials and 2012 US Nationals gold medalist, along with a silver medal at the 2010 World Military Games. He was the first active duty U.S. Marine to qualify for the US Boxing Team since 1992, as well as the first U.S. Marine to compete in the 2012 Olympics.

“I boxed a little during my second deployment during free time,” he noted. “I came back from my second deployment toward the end of 2007 and began boxing for the Marine Corps in 2008. Most of my amateur career came under the Marine Corps. I learned a lot traveling with the Marine Corps. I got to see more styles and competed in national tournaments as a Marine. They also had the funding to send me.”

The highlight of his amateur career was representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London as captain of Team USA. Although he lost (19-9) in the opening round to two-time Kazakh boxer Daniyar Yeleeussinov, who won gold at the 2013 World Championships and later at the 2016 Olympics, the opening Olympic ceremonies was the most memorable moment of his entire amateur boxing career for a special reason.

“That was the anniversary of my daughter’s passing,” Herring said. “It let me know that no matter what, you can still accomplish anything, even through ups and downs.”

Other members of the 2012 USA Olympic Team Herring captained included present day world champions in the pro ranks such as Errol Spence, Jr., Claressa Shields thiab Marcus Browne, yav tas los lub ntiaj teb no yeej Rau'shee warren, and world title challengers Terrell Gausha, Michael Hunter thiab Dominic Breazeale.


Herring remains close to USA Boxing, hais tias: “USA Boxing helped me because of the relationships I created, many of which still remain today. I met other fighters from around the world that I kept good relationships with. It also helped me become more of the people-person I am today. Being team captain taught me patience, because I had to deal with a lot of personalities, I still use those traits today. And I’m still close to my Olympic teammates today.”


Tebchaws USA Boxing Alumni Koom Tes

Tsim los rau tus yeej ib lub neej, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, cov nom, Cov qhia thiab Boxing kiv cua — Lub Koom Haum Alumni txuas ntau tiam kev sib tw, Kev tshoov siab thiab muab rov qab rau USA Boxing lub neej tom ntej champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Kev Koom Tes Qhib tau rau txhua tus neeg uas muaj kev hlub rau kev ntaus pob thiab xav kom nyob nrog kev ua si lom zem. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

Txhawm rau koom nrog lub koom haum Alumni, Tsuas sau npe ntawm alumni@usaboxing.org rau a $40.00 Ib Xyoos Tus Nqi. Cov tswvcuab tshiab yuav tau txais lub tsho t-shirt, Keychain thiab e-hnab nyiaj.



“Jamel is the perfect example of resiliency and persistence,” mentioned Chris cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “His hard work, txi, and inability to quit no matter what obstacles he encounters will continue to inspire the next generation of champions for many years. The USA Boxing Alumni Association wants to thank him for all that he has given to others, both in and out of the ring.”

Nothing has ever come easy for Jamel Herring, especially his remarkable turnaround after the tragic loss of his infant daughter, Ariyanah, which happened three years to the day prior to the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

“My road wasn’t easy,” Herring added, “I had my ups and downs. I’m an Olympian, but nothing was ever handed to me. I had to fight for everything I’ve gotten. Qhov no yog kuv lub sij hawm!”

It certainly is, particularly after he defeated defending WBO super featherweight champion Masayuki Ito, dhau los no May 25, ua lub ntiaj teb champion. Proof that good things do indeed happen to good people.


NTAUB NTAWV:www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, Ausaboxingalumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
boxing, USA Boxing

Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Alumni Assocument tshaj tawm Wall ntawm FAME chav kawm ntawm 2018

Cia ib saib
Roy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward, Claressa Shields,
Emanuel Steward & Tom Cleiny
Dec. 7 Txais tos hauv Salt Lake City, Utah

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub yim hli ntuj 6, 2018) – Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Alumni Association tau tshaj tawm nws chav kawm thib ob kom ua tiav rau hauv nws lub koob meej, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 7, ntawm Radisson Hotel (215 S. Tuam tsev kawm ntawv) Hauv Salk Lake City, Utah.

 

 

 

Kev txais tos tau ua ke nrog rau 2018 USA Boxing Elite thiab Cov Hluas Kev Sib Tw Tsoom Fwv thiab Junior thiab Prep qhib, Dec. 2-8, Kuj tseem muaj nyob hauv Salt Lake City.

 

 

 

Chav kawm ntawm 2018 suav nrog U.S. Pab pawg neeg Olympic Medalists thiab Ntiaj Teb (kev) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Lwm Ward thiab Claressa Shields, Zoo li qub Asg usa Boxing teb chaws tus thawj coj ntawm kev qhia Emanuel Steward thiab qub qub tub rog Asmeskas Boxing Official Tom Cleiny. Lub tom ntej ob yuav yog posthumously inducted.

 

 

 

Xyoo no cov inductees tau xaiv nyob hauv ib pawg ntawm 17 Cov neeg raug xaiv los ntawm ntau pua ntawm cuv npe USA Boxing cov tswv cuab hauv lub hlis ntawm Lub Rau Hli thiab Lub Xya Hli.

 

 

 

“USA Boxing Kev Koom Tes Alumni yog qhov zoo siab heev rau kev hwm lub xyoo no cov cuab yeej ntawm Fame Class, Raws li txhua tus hauv inductee sawv cev txhua yam zoo uas kev lom zem tawg tau muab,” hais tias Chris cugliari, Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Cov Koom Haum Laus Alumni Cov Thawj Coj. “Xyoo tas los cov chav kawm tau pab rau lub koob meej hauv lub koob meej txais tos thiab peb tab tom pom zoo kom paub txog xyoo no chav kawm nrog kev tshwm sim zoo dua.”

 

 

 

Tsim los rau tus yeej ib lub neej, Kev muaj kev sib raug zoo ntawm kev sib raug zoo ntawm Asmeskas Boxing thiab nws cov alumni, –boxers, cov nom, Cov qhia thiab Boxing kiv cua — Lub Koom Haum Alumni txuas ntau tiam kev sib tw, Kev tshoov siab thiab muab rov qab rau USA Boxing lub neej tom ntej champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

 

 

 

Lub Tsev Kawm Ntawv Charter Charter Txoj Haujlwm Tseem Ceeb Muhammad Ali thiab Evander Holyfield, Ntxiv rau cov tub rog qub Roosevelt Sanders thiab Tom coulter.

 

 

 

“Txhua qhov chaw hauv lub hauv paus tau muab ntau rau Olympic-style amateur Boxing thiab lub zej zog Alumni xav ua lawv tsaug, rau ua li ntawd,” Cugliari ntxiv. “Peb cia siab tias yuav pom cov neeg Asmeskas Boxing Alumni tawm hauv Droves los txhawb lub npe xyoo no hauv lub Kaum Ob Hlis.”

 

 

 

Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Kev Koom Tes Qhib tau rau txhua tus neeg uas muaj kev hlub rau kev ntaus pob thiab xav kom nyob nrog kev ua si lom zem. Cov tswv cuab tau txais kev nkag mus rau ntau yam tshwj xeeb cov xwm txheej tus tswv tsev ntawm Alumni Association, suav nrog Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Alumni Association Hall ntawm Fame Txais Tos.

 

 

 

Txhawm rau koom nrog lub koom haum Alumni, Tsuas sau npe ntawm alumni@usaboxing.org rau a $40.00 Ib Xyoos Tus Nqi. Cov tswvcuab tshiab yuav tau txais lub tsho t-shirt, Keychain thiab e-hnab nyiaj.

 

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, Ausaboxingalumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing declares June “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month”

Cia ib saib
Miguel Cotto Gerry Cooney
Jesse Vargas
Kevin McBride Reggie Johnson
Junior Jones
Michael Spinks Antonio Tarver
James Toney

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub rau hli ntuj 11, 2018) – USA Boxing’s “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month” got off to a knockout start this past weekend in Canastota, New York, at the annual International Boxing Hall of Fame Class induction ceremonies, as nine high-profile boxers, featuring an incredible accumulate pro record of 365-51-7 (239 Kos) thiab 24 major world titles, joined the growing USABAA ranks as proud, new members.

 

Chris cugliari thiab John Scully represented USA Boxing Alumni Association, manning tables at the IBHOF golf tournament and Memorabilia Show, to increase USABAA awareness and recruit new members.

 

 

 

“The spirit of amateur boxing was alive and well throughout the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend,” explained Cugliari, Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Cov Koom Haum Laus Alumni Cov Thawj Coj. “Information about the new USA Boxing Alumni Association was well received by the weekend’s guests, and esteemed alumni such as Jesse Vargas and Reggie Johnson mentioned that they are excited to become more involved. The Alumni Association thanks the support provided by many this weekend, particularly Micky Ward and Antonio Tarver, who continue to spread our mission.”

 

 

 

“The fact is that the vast majority of professional boxers who attend the Hall of Fame weekend at Canastota each year were at one time amateur boxers and knew each other well before they ever even turned professional,” added invaluable USABAA advisor Scully, who recruits boxers for group-sponsored events like this. “At some point in the conversations between boxers across the grounds, the topics frequently will eventually turn to their amateur days together.”

 

 

 

“The amateurs, for me, was about fighting for respect,” ob-faib lub ntiaj teb no yeej Junior Jones (50-6, 28 Kos); sau. “To go to different places and make it very far (raws li ib tug pib xyaum ua), you have to learn how to conduct yourself and transact with others.”

 

 

 

Other new USABAA members are six-time, ob faib lub ntiaj teb champion Miguel Cotto(41-6, 33 Kos); four-time, ob faib lub ntiaj teb champion, raws li zoo raws li 1976 Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Famer, Michael Spinks (31-1, 21 Kos); Irish heavyweight who retired Mike Tyson, Kevin McBride (35-10-1, 29 Kos); two-time, ob faib lub ntiaj teb championJesse Vargas (28-2-1, 10 Kos); five time world champion and 1996 Olympic Bronze Medalist Antonio Tarver (31-6-1, 22 Kos); two-time, ob faib lub ntiaj teb champion Reggie Johnson (44-7-1, 25 Kos), three-time, peb faib lub ntiaj teb champion James Toney (77-10-3, 47 Kos); and world heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney (38-3, 24 Kos).

 

Tebchaws USA Boxing Alumni Koom Tes

 

 

 

Tsim los rau tus yeej ib lub neej, Kev muaj kev sib raug zoo ntawm kev sib raug zoo ntawm Asmeskas Boxing thiab nws cov alumni, –boxers, cov nom, Cov qhia thiab Boxing kiv cua — Lub Koom Haum Alumni txuas ntau tiam kev sib tw, Kev tshoov siab thiab muab rov qab rau USA Boxing lub neej tom ntej champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

 

 

 

Tebchaws Asmeskas Boxing Kev Koom Tes Qhib tau rau txhua tus neeg uas muaj kev hlub rau kev ntaus pob thiab xav kom nyob nrog kev ua si lom zem. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

 

 

 

Txhawm rau koom nrog lub koom haum Alumni, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 Ib Xyoos Tus Nqi. Cov tswvcuab tshiab yuav tau txais lub tsho t-shirt, Keychain thiab e-hnab nyiaj.

 

.

 

 

“I think this is great,” Jones talked about the formation of the USA Boxing Alumni Association. “Fighters who turned pro were great amateurs, but there are also a lot of amateurs who didn’t turn pro. Everybody doesn’t become champion, but they tried and gave their best, and that’s why this organization is good because all boxers are appreciated.”

 

 

 

“Although Hall of Fame weekend tends to focus on the professional careers of many fighters,” Cugliari concluded, “it was hard not to notice the effect that amateur boxing has had on the lives of many of these great champions. The USA Boxing Alumni Association wants to thank Ed Brophy for his generosity and support for boxing, and we look forward to a long partnership with the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

 

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing