Tag Archives: Melvina Lathan

boxing, charity, Raging Babe, women's boxing

RAGING BABE BRUNCH NEW YORK, NEW YORK A SUCCESS, DUVA HONORED 

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NEW YORK – June 28, 2016 – Inspiration was in the air June 11th as the women of boxing gathered at Seven Bistro for The Raging Babe Brunch, New York, New York, Raging Babe Events’ seventh gathering of its kind, designed to break barriers and leverage contacts to conduct business and build friendships. The gathering was the first in New York City, and drew a slew of “Raging Babes,” who together honored Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva. Included in those who attended were former NYSAC Chairwoman Melvina Lathan, Referee Sparkle Lee, IFBA World Flyweight Champion Eileen Olszewski, WBC World Super Bantamweight Champion Alicia Ashley, four-time National Boxing Champion Melissa St. Vil, IWBF World Super Featherweight Champion, Ronica Jeffrey and guest speaker John Femiano of John Francis LLC.
After a rousing introduction by “Raging Babe” Michelle Rosado, attendees brunched and networked, with Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, sharing their triumphs and business cards. “The brunch is so much more than just a breakfast event,” said Rosado. “The connections forged here have resulted in business collaborations and friendships. What started as an annual event, has grown, and I can easily see us gathering quarterly, all over the country.”
Post brunch, the time had come to honor one of boxing’s trailblazers, Kathy Duva, who was presented the Raging Babe Luminary Award. Among those who shared stories of Duva’s boxing growth and dominance was Main Events’ Vice President of Operations, Joleen Mizzone, who has worked side-by-side with Duva for 19 years. Although she couldn’t attend in person due to being in California with three of Main Events’ fighters, Mizzone had colorful, but moving words for her friend and colleague. “Kathy Duva has been through a lot in her life. I have seen her overcome so much in these past 19 years. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow she is one of the strongest people I know!” She has inspired me to be the person I am in this business. Her morals and eye for this business are [expletive] extraordinary.
“One of the secrets to happiness is the innocent enjoyment of simple things,” said first-time brunch attendee and former NYSAC Chairwoman Melvina Lathan as she described the event. “With that in mind, how wonderful to share a moment in time with a group of women, dining,, conversing, and laughing, all the while emanating beauty, power, grace and joy, without even trying. It was intimate, genuine and loads of fun, especially the reading of the infamous congratulatory letter submitted by Jolene!”
“This was another inspiring event in one of the greatest cities in the world,” said Rosado of the brunch. “There was so much talent, so much heart, so much passion, and so much boxing knowledge contained in these four walls. There were lovers, fighters, survivors, and I sincerely hope that the connections they made on that day result in amazing business collaborations and lifelong friendships.  I’m so grateful for everyone who attended, and to Kathy Duva, for being an example for all women in the industry.”
The Raging Babe Brunch is made possible by the generous support of several organizations. “The Raging Babe brunches are labor of love for me,” said Rosado.  “They aren’t meant to put money in anyone’s pocket – on contrary, and the cost has often fallen far short of sponsor contributions.  I want to take this opportunity to truly, from my heart, thank the organizations that make it possible for these events to continue.  These organizations, by virtue of their partnership, celebrate and support the women of boxing, and the spirit of these events. From my heart, and the hearts of the women who attended New York, New York, thank you World Boxing Organization (WBO), War Tape, Box Stats, Boss Case, World Boxing Council (WBC), John Francis LLC and Youth Fighting Forward.
boxing, Ring 8

Timothy Bradley, Melvina Lathan & Sadam Ali Leading 2015 award winners honored at  29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony 

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(L-R) — 2015 Ring 8 Award Winners: New York Fighter of the Year Sadam Ali, Woman of the Decade Melvina Lathan and Fighter of the Year Timothy Bradley
(photo by Peter Frutkoff)
NEW YORK, NY (December 21, 2015) – A capacity crowd enjoyed the recent 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley received the Ring 8 Fighter of the Year Award.  Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners (see complete list below) included former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan(Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy (NY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year). Randy Gordon served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We had 340 people and everybody enjoyed themselves,” reported Ring 8 president Bob Duffy.  “Things went very well.  There were a few emotional acceptance speeches and some tears shed.
“We donated a table to Wounded Warriors and also presented Keith Sullivan with a special trophy for all the legal work and support he gives Ring 8, New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, Atlas Foundation, Boxing Writers Association of America, and boxing in New York.”
2015 Ring 8 Award Winners
(Photo by Peter Frutkoff)
2015 RING 8 Award Winners
Fighter of the Year:  Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade:  Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year:  Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year:  Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year:  George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year:  Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year:  Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year:  Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year:  Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year:  Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award:  Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year:  Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year:  David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.
boxing, Ring 8

Fighter of the Year Timothy Bradley to attend 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 13 in New York; Melvina Lathan, Sadam Ali, Heather Hardy & John Duddy among 2015 award winners

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Timothy Bradley (R) vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
(pictures courtesy of Chris Farina / Top Rank)
NEW YORK, NY (November 30, 2015) – Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley will attend the 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 13, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.  Bradley will receive his award as the 2015 Ring 8 Fighter of the Year.
Randy Gordon will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.  Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners (see complete list below) include former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan (Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy(BY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year).
The 32-year-old Bradley, fighting out of Palm Springs, California, is a two-time and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO welterweight champion, in addition to being a three-time world light welterweight titlist.
His list of victims reads like a Who’s Who of boxing in the 140 to 147 pound divisions:  Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ruslan Provodnikov, Joel Casamayor, Devon Alexander, Jessie Vargas, Luis Carlos Abregu, Lamont Peterson, Kendall Holt,Junior Witter and Brandon Rios.
“Timothy Bradley earned his award with an outstanding performance against Brandon Rios (WTKO9),” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “Working with his new trainer, Teddy Atlas (pictured to below to right with Bradley) , the sky is the limit for Bradley. We’re very fortunate to have Timothy traveling cross country to attend our Holiday Event to receive his Fighter of the Year award.
“Because this is such a great group we’re honoring this year, we expect a sold out crowd of 400.  Our members look forward to this event every year.  We truly appreciate them lending their support as Ring 8 proudly continues its record for lending a helping hand to  those in the boxing community who are less fortunate. Each year our Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony celebrates our great sport of boxing, insuring much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will never waver from their corners.”
2015 RING 8 AWARD WINNERS
Fighter of the Year:  Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade:  Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year:  Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year:  Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year:  George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year:  Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year:  Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year:  Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year:  Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year:  Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award:  Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year:  Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year:  David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.
Limited tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are still available to purchase by contacting Bob Duffy by phone (516.313.2304), email DepComish@aol.com, or mail checks (payable to Ring 8) to him (164 Lindbergh Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762). Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.
Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating.
The deadline for program ads is approaching for full Page ($150.00), Half-Page ($80.00), and Quarter-Page ($50.00). All ads must be emailed (DepComish@aol.com) or mailed to Duffy (516.313.2304) at the address listed above.
Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony.
Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach(718.843.5055).
Ring 8 News:  Jack Hirsch, who will be receiving the 2015 Ring 8 Long & Meritorious Service Award, was recently elected as Vice President of Ring 8.
Attending Ring 8 Holiday and Awards Ceremony celebrity guests include former world champions Mark Breland, Luis Collazo, Iran Barkley and Vito Antuofermo, as well Sean Monahan, Bobby Cassidy, Harold Lederman and Frankie Galarza
boxing

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FROM SPORTS INDUSTRY HONORED AT TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

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May 2 Installment Of Annual Breakfast Celebrated Hard Working Professionals in Sports and Entertainment

Las Vegas (May 20) – Mayweather Promotions kicked-off the Saturday, May 2 Mayweather vs. Pacquiao festivities with the Titans of the Trade breakfast entitled “Breakfast of Champions,” in celebration of the hard working professionals in sports and entertainment.  This year, the Titans of the Trade Committee honored three formidable women who have forged their own paths to success in the sports industry – renowned sportscaster Lesley Visser, former world champion Mia St. John and New York State Athletic Commission Chairwoman Melvina Lathan.

 

“I accept this award on behalf of anyone who has faced the odds and over came them,” said Visser. “Mandela once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world,’ and I agree because this honor I’ve received today is an example of how sport has changed the world.”

 

In addition to the honorees, there was a full program of speakers and other activities. Guest speakers included boxing legend and Hall of Famer Lucia Rijker and Andrea Haynes and Dr. Rena Menard of the United States National Committee for United Nations Women (Houston Chapter).

 

Haynes and Menard spoke specifically about HeForShe, a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. The campaign encourages them to speak out and take action against inequalities faced by women and girls.

 

“Why I’m passionate about the HeForShe campaign is because it is important that we get the men involved to support us,” said Haynes. “UN Women and He for She is dear because what it’s saying is that we all recognize that for us to be better and do better, we have to support our women.”

 

Titans of the Trade has created a platform for the revered honorees, noteworthy speakers and worthy causes to be front and center on the biggest days of the boxing calendar and will continue to do so moving forward.

 

“What started as a women-only event with 25 attendees has grown to a Floyd Mayweather fight day tradition with over 100 women and men from across the sports industry and it has been a pleasure to see the event thrive,” said Nicole Craig, Vice President of Marketing and Operations for Mayweather Promotions.  “This year we honored three incredible women and welcomed new guests that got the opportunity to network and form lasting relationships.”