Tag Archives: Michael Bentt

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2021 May 1st Induction Dinner

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New York State Boxing Hall of FameAnnounces Class of 2021

May 1st Induction Dinner

NEW YORK (November 16, 2021) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has announced its 29-member Class of 2121. The 10th NYSBHOF induction dinner, disponsori dening Ring 8, bakalSunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 P.M. Lan), May 1, ing Russo On The Bay Howard Beach, New York.

“Every year the selections get more difficult,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Everyone of these new inductees has been a major part of New York boxing. It’s talent like this that makes NYSBHOF so successful.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include WBO Heavyweight World Champions and Michael Bentt (11-2, 6 KOs), also a 4-time New York Golden Gloves gold medalist, and Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs), 3-time World light middleweight titlist Verno Phillips (42-11-1, 2 KOs), WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Donny “Golden Boy” Lalonde (42-11-1, 21 KOs), WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny “The Heat” Verderosa (41-5-1, 33 KOs), 2-time World title challenger and No. 1 ranked welterweight contender Larry “No Fear” Barnes (44-3-1, 17 KOs), and welterweight Johnny Turner (42-6-2, 32 KOs)

Posthumous participants being inducted World Lightweight Champion Al Singer (62-9-2, 26 KOs), World’s Colored Light Heavyweight Champion Kid Norfolk (88-25-7, 49 KOs), lightweight Patsy “Cannonball” Giovanelli (44-7-1, 14 KOs), World Bantamweight Champion Cannonball Eddie Martin (81-12-4, 29 KOs), World Light Heavyweight title challenger Battling Seki (60-24-4, 31 KOs), Novice New York Golden Gloves and Intercity Golden Gloves champion Solly Krieger (82-25-6 , 54 KOs), Aja. 1  world ranked middleweight contender Herbie Kronowitz (55-23-5, 10 KOs), World featherweight champion Tommy Paul (80-28-10, 26 KOs), and World Bantamweight Champion and US Olympian Lou Salica (67-17-12, 13 KOs).

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are judge Ron McNair,  promoter/manager/matchmaker Don Elbaum, journalists Ed Schuyler and Bill Verigan, author/journalist Tom Hauser, author/journalist/promoter/inspector Mike Silver, and Jill Diamond, Secretary of the World Boxing Council and International Chair or WBC Cares.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are trainer and Stillman’s gym owner Lou Stillman, promoter/manager Bill Cayton, NYC Mayor James Walker who legalized boxing in NY, publicists John Condon and Irving Rudd, journalist Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

Saben inductee nekani (utawa keturunan langsung saka) bakal nampa sabuk adat-dirancang nélakaké marang dheweke utawa prabawa menyang NYSBHOF.

Ing 2021 Tembako padha dipilih dening anggota panitia nominasi NYSBHOF: Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.

Kabeh boxers needed dadi aktif kanggo ing paling telung taun dadi layak kanggo NYSBHOF prabawa, lan kabeh inductees kudu mapan ing New York State kanggo bagean pinunjul saka Careers boxing utawa sak Perdana saka karir pamilike.

NYSBHOF

CLASS saka 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 Kuk lan Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS saka 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 Williams, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard lan Don DUNPHY.

CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan Laporte, Gerry Pitulung, 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 lan Tom O'Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Ida Sang Prabu Saul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Pasensiya Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Moses Goldman, jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016:  Harun Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017:  Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug DeWitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018:  Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Chocolate Kid, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Eka Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.

No class of 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions

CLASS OF 2020: Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie LiberatoreDennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve BelloiseJimmy GoodrichTami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella and manager Dan Morgan.

Tiket sing diregani ing $125.00 saben diwasa lan $60.00 kanggo anak (wonten 16) lan kalebu madhang lengkap lan cocktail jam marang entri, miwiti ing 12:30 P.M. Lan, uga nedha bengi (Perdhana rib, fish, or poultry) lan mbukak bar sedina muput. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 utawadepcomish@aol.com. Ads kanggo program NYSBHOF kasedhiya, kiro-kiro saka $80.00 kanggo $200.00, kontak Duffy. Go online atwww.nyboxinghof.org utawawww.Ring8ny.com kanggo informasi tambahan bab Boxing Hall New York State of Fame.

ABOUT RING 8: Kawangun ing 1954 dening Ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 dadi tambahan kawolu saka apa iki banjur dikenal minangka Veteran National Petinju Amérika Sarékat Association – Empu, RING8 – lan dina semboyan organisasi kang tetep: Boxers Ngewangi Petinju Amérika Sarékat.

RING 8 wis kebak setya ndhukung wong kurang Begja ing masyarakat boxing sing uga mbutuhake pitulungan ing syarat-syarat mbayar sewa, medical expenses, utawa apa wae justifiable perlu.

Online kanggowww.Ring8ny.com kanggo katrangan luwih bab RING 8, klompok paling gedhé saka sawijining jinis ing Amerika Serikat karo luwih saka 350 anggota. Iuran anggota taunan mung $30.00, lan saben anggota wis anduweni hak nedha bengi prasmanan ing RING 8 rapat-rapat saben wulan, kalebu Juli lan Agustus. Kabeh boxers aktif, amatir lan profesional, sing anduweni menyang RING tambahan 8 anggota tahunan. Tamu ring 8 anggota olèh ing biaya mung $7.00 saben wong.

INFORMASI:

www.nyboxinghof.org

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

Langkawi, Lap. (Februari 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 titlistMichael 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 Korea, 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) lanBaik 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, sing nolakJesse McGhee in the third round of their fight in Atlantic City. “Merciless” won his first 18 pro gelut, 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) rekaman, defeating four world champions in Damiani, Morrison, Tim Lawler lanOssie Ocasio.  Five of his eight career losses were to world championsLennox LewisWladimir Klitschko,Larry HolmesEvander Holyfield lanShannon Briggs

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

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fansThe Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, lan metu saka dering.

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 atalumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Mercer’s outstanding amateur boxing career also included a classic match-up against Cuban great and three-time Olympic gold medalistFelix 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 kamenangan.

“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.”

Dina iki, Mercer is founding a charity at home in North Carolina, which will include free boxing clinics, nanging, 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.

INFORMASI:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT 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.