Tag Archives: John Scully
Large turnout for recent 1st USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering on West Coast
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A good time was had by all who attended the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association on the West Coast
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 9, 2018) – A large group of past and present amateur boxers, as well as others involved in the sport, recently turned out in force for the first USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering on the West Coast.
The inaugural West Coast gathering of the USA Boxing Alumni Association, held at Fortune Gym in Hollywood (Los Angeles), resulted in memorable storytelling, welcome reunions, even between past foes, in addition to a substantial increase in membership ranks.
In addition to longtime amateur boxing supporter, actor/singer Frank Stallone, along with the Godmother of amateur boxing, Melanie Ley, attending past and present boxers and trainers included Mickey Bey, Alex Ramos, Maureen Shea, Ronnie Essett, Paul Banke, Jorge Hawley, Les Fabri, Frank Vassar, Don Deverges, Michael and Anna Keopuhiwa, Zachary Padilla, Lenny Gargaliano, Tony Lesbeur, Felix Nance, Derrickand Vince Hudson, Rudy Garza, Justine Fortune, Alan Santana, Willie Tubbs, Randy Crippen, Alan Santana, Jacquie Richardson, Steven Stokes, Manny Salcido, Jason and Jeremy Williams, Mike Simms, Jeff Bumpus, current Team USA heavyweight Richard Torres (Tulare, CA), and 2018 Youth World Champion and Los Angeles local Iyana Verduzco. 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Tilman was also in attendance and registered as a new Alumni Association member.
USA Boxing board advisor and fighter liaison, “Iceman” John Scully, was responsible for recruiting most of the attendees.
“The USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering in Hollywood fully demonstrated our mission: Connecting Generations of Champions,” said attendee Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “While former opponents reunited after exiting the ring decades ago, two of today’s champions and Team USA members, Richard Torres and Roxy Verduzco, were proudly recognized for their recent success. The Alumni Association wants to thank Fortune Gym for hosting this gathering, and we look forward to connecting with our West Coast members at future events.”
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — the Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
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 host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the USA Boxing Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
10 Questions with up and coming Junior Welterweight prospect “Action” Anthony Laureano
By: John Scully
Anthony “Action” Laureano
7-0 (3)
Age 23
East Hartford, CT
140 lbs/Junior Welterweight
2016 Western New England and New England Golden Gloves 152 pound champion
2016 National Golden Gloves Semi-Finalist
Trainer: Angel Gonzalez
Manager: Nate Torres
Promoter: Joe DeGuardia/Star Boxing
Anthony Laureano is a 23 year old rising prospect in the boxing game today. An extremely hard working and focused young man, Laureano is a throwback type of fighter. He put the hard work in each and every day, strives to learn the finer points of the game and approaches each fight like a Do Or Die event.
Thus far Anthony and his team have chosen a unique path to success in the boxing world. They have not shied away from tough competition thus far and, in fact, have had to dig down and overcome several very stiff challenges from eager opposition. Laureano’s last two opponents in particular, Tobias Green (7-1) and John Hernandez (8-2), both provided extremely tough challenges in bouts that forced “Action” Anthony to dig down to places that most up and comers simply aren’t forced to go until quite a bit later in their careers.
Both performances drew rave reviews from fans and media alike and compelled me to conduct this interview with one of the best professional prospects the Hartford-area has seen in many years.
Humble, clean living, fearless, hard-working and as fan friendly and approachable as they come, undefeated (7-0) Anthony Laureano is definitely one to root for.
The following is a 10 question interview in advance of his June 30 bout at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut against Juan Rodriguez (8-9-1) of Haymarket, Virginia on Star Boxing show that features contender Joe Smith Jr. in the main event against Melvin Russel in a light heavyweight match up.
“10 Questions With “Action” Anthony Laureano”
QUESTION 1. How did you originally get started as a boxer?
LAUREANO: My father put me in boxing. He wanted us to stay active and in shape. I originally started boxing at age 8 with (former lightweight contender) Pito Cardona. We used to follow him everywhere he went to teach us some techniques. I started competing at age 11 or 12 in a garage. Where the ropes were sheet rock walls. The ring floor was a rug and in the winter time you’d better bundle up. I would go to the gym in all types of weather. Snow, rain and heat waves. I didn’t care, I would just go on my bike. Right after school I would get my big bag ready and get my bike ready to ride.
QUESTION 2. What are your goals as a fighter? What do you want to do in this game?
LAUREANO: My goal as a fighter is to become champion of the world. It would be an achievement that I could share with the people. In this game I want to show that no matter how hard it is at first you still can accomplish big things. With hard work, dedication and will power anything is possible. I want to put God first. I want to give people hope.
QUESTION 3. In your opinion what was the highlight of your amateur boxing career?
LAUREANO: The highlight of my amateur career was my first fight with my trainer Angel Gonzales. This fight changed everything. I felt had the talent, but I was coming from a back to back losing streak. This fight was a close one. I was just getting ready to lose because when it was close I never got the decision. Angel yelled at me “What;s wrong with you? You don’t do this in sparring. You better show me something!!!” I went out that round and gave the kid two standing 8 counts in the 3rd round. This fight was the turning point of my career. This made everything possible.
QUESTION 4: So far you’ve faced several tough opponents for someone with only a few fights yourself under your belt. And as long as I have known you its been very obvious that you are not shy about stepping in with the tougher competition. Where do you think that comes from? Where did you develop this mindset?
LAUREANO: The reason that I’m not shy about taking on competition is because I have faith God. I failed a lot in the amateurs so I know what it is to lose. Every time I lost one of my amateur fights I went right back at it the next day. Of course, I felt like I shouldn’t be in the gym. I even felt embarrassed to go to the gym. I wanted to be something in the sport of boxing, though, so I didn’t care what other people thought. The reason I’m willing to take on better competition is to prove to myself and get better as a fighter.
QUESTION 5: How did you begin working with your trainer, (1986 New England Golden Gloves 106 pound champion) Angel Gonzalez, and what is the training like?
LAUREANO: Angel Gonzalez was always around me. He would do little group exercises and I’d jump in sometimes. I eventually got to work with him when I was looking for a new trainer. I even thought about doing Muay Thai, but I still had a love for boxing. So I went back to boxing and started training with Angel. Angel gave me discipline in the sport and that was something I needed. After my first pro fight, Angel spoke to Nate Torres and ask him to help him train me. Nate accepted and now is my manager and co-trainer. The professional game is different and we must continue to improve my skill set in order to continue my success as a professional boxer.
I have a great team now. Truly blessed!
QUESTION 6: Were u a boxing fan growing up or are you one now? Who did you grow up watching in the sport and who are your favorite boxers?
LAUREANO: My favorite boxers of course are the fighters who take risk and keep coming forward. I look up to Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti wars. Growing up I just really loved doing boxing. It’s really an art form. There is Lomachenko, he shows that it’s sometimes just a master in his angles. I see fights of his to learn new things that I like. Adrian Boner when he is on his game boxing is really nice to see. Of course, people really down play him but, if you take all the drama and leave it to the side, he is really something to see when he has it together.
QUESTION 7. Do you have anyone in the sport who you try and emulate as a fighter? What boxers influenced your style as a professional fighter?
LAUREANO: My style is like Ward and Gatti in terms of heart and will to win. My trainers say my style resembles Miguel Cotto at 140. Similar left hook to body and boxing style. Miguel is a warrior with no quit in him and I’d like for people to see that in me, too..
I also really like Mikey Garcia today because he is a complete fighter. He takes on big challenges. Can adjust to any situation. He has such good speed and power. Even after a two year layoff he still came back so strong.
QUESTION 8. What is the best thing about being a professional boxer?
LAUREANO: For me the best thing about being a pro is I’m doing what I love. Using the gifts that God gave me to honor him. Also the opportunity it creates to provide a better life for my family.
Question 9: So far what has been the toughest part of being a professional fighter for you?
LAUREANO: I would say the toughest part about being a professional fighter is just managing life and training. Right now I’m in the come up. So it’s tough I would love to work but, then I would lack in training. It’s managing the people around you some support and some don’t. So you really just got to stay with positive people that support. Your mindset is everything so if your failing to manage your emotions it will hit hard when you got a fight coming up.
QUESTION 10. At this point in your career you are still working your way up, fighting on undercards in preliminary bouts. Spots often open up on these smaller cards on short notice. How long would you need to get ready for a fight if called for one?
LAUREANO: I’m always ready for a fight because I don’t take any time off from the gym. I do my cardio at a fitness club then I do my boxing later on in the day. Always.
ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY
“The wait in the dressing room before a professional boxing match -that last hour- could be enough to strip a man who never fought before of whatever pride, desire, heart or courage he thought he had.” – Iceman John Scully, April 2002
USA Boxing declares June “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month”
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 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) and 24 major world titles, joined the growing USABAA ranks as proud, new members.
Chris Cugliari and 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, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “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,” two-division world champion Junior Jones (50-6, 28 KOs); noted. “To go to different places and make it very far (as an amateur), you have to learn how to conduct yourself and transact with others.”
Other new USABAA members are six-time, two division world champion Miguel Cotto(41-6, 33 KOs); four-time, two division world champion, as well as 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, two division world 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, two division world champion Reggie Johnson (44-7-1, 25 KOs), three-time, three division world champion James Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs); and world heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney (38-3, 24 KOs).
USA Boxing Alumni Association
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
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.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
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“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.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
USA Boxing declares June “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month”
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PAST & PRESENT of USA Boxing: (L-R) 1972 Olympic bronze medalist Jesse Valdez, 2004 U.S. Nationals champion Austin Trout, future Olympic hopeful Sharaha-Taina Moreu, 2-time world (pro) champion Danny Romero, and 1984 Olympic silver medalist Virgil Hill.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO (May 31, 2018) – USA Boxing has declared June as its “Alumni Association Membership Drive Month”.
“I have been involved in boxing my entire life,” USA Boxing president John Brown said. “I’m a strong believer in USA Boxing and The Grass Roots Program; that truly makes up everything that IS boxing in America. The USA Boxing Alumni Association was started to keep this FAMILY together. I’m hoping that each of our current members will reach out to ONE other potential new member. I look forward to a busy month of June. ”
Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
Chris Cugliari and John Scully will oversee two USA Boxing Alumni Association tables at the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, June 7- 10 Canastota, New York, during the its golf tournament and Memorabilia Show.
USA Boxing product Winky Wright (51-6-1, 25 KOs), a two-time junior middleweight world champion, is one of only three boxers being inducted into the IBHOF Class of 2018.
Multiple world champion as a pro and 1984 Olympic silver medalist, Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill, three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward, world champions Riddick Bowe, Junior Jones and other “Alumni Association” members are expected to make supportive appearances.
“USA Boxing Alumni Association has enabled countless alumni to congregate at various events throughout the country since its inception last November,” added Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “By expanding our membership through a strong June campaign, we will build on our successful infancy and strengthen our ability to support the Alumni Association’s mission statement. We are very thankful for the support provided by our members and look forward to even better times to come.”
The Alumni Association drive will continue June 24-30 in Charleston, West Virginia during the 2018 Junior Olympics, Prep Nationals and Youth Open.
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 host by the Alumni Association.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
Hartford Boxing Promotions To launch this summer
(L-R) – Michael Tran, Richard Rivera & Tony Blanco
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HARTFORD, Conn. (April 4, 2018) – Professional boxing’s newest promotional company, Hartford Boxing Promotions, has announced its official formation, as well as tentative plans calling for its inaugural event this summer in Hartford.
Boxing trainer Tony Blanco and his Hartford-based House of Boxing gym partner, Michael Tran, have teamed with their undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (6-0, 5 KOs), to form Hartford Boxing Promotions. Rivera is one of the best and most popular pro fighters in New England.
“We want to bring boxing back to Hartford,” Blanco addressed why they founded this new promotional company. “Hartford is a hotbed of boxing. There’s a lot of talent here and Hartford has a rich boxing history.
“We hope to promote our first show on June 16th, subject to Connecticut Boxing Commission approval, at Xfinity Theatre in Hartford. It’s owned by Live Nation and has been used only as a concert hall, but it has an old-school feel and will be an awesome venue for boxing. We’re excited about promoting events in this new venue for boxing.”
Boxing’s roots in the Hartford market dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega, “Iceman” John Scully and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.
INFORMATION;
Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter
Twitter: @hartfordboxing
Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center/
You Tube: /c/HartfordBoxingCenter
1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association event in N.E. A knockout in Lowell, Mass
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NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Open division semifinal results from Lowell
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Former USA boxers to hold private meet-and-greet at New England Tournament of Champions Open Division Championships
1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association Event in N.E.
Thursday, February 22
Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 19, 2018) – USA Boxing will host a private USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet this Thursday night (Feb. 22), prior to that evening’s open division finals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Feb. 22nd USA Boxing Alumni Association also being held, in part, to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Monday, March 12, at the newly renovated Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. and concludes March 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including hometown hero and three-time New England champion, “Irish” Micky Ward. Others include Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, Travis and Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Joe Alloj, Lawrence Clay-Bey and Troy Wortham.
All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, until the first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ticket prices start at $18.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com.
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
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 host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
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“New England’s Future 5” Press Conference Quotes
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