Tag Archives: Muhammad Ali

Quest for Muhammad Ali Trophy begins as three cruiserweight stars sign up for World Boxing Super Series

Press Release
Zurich, 2nd June 2017
 
The first three star names have signed up for the inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series. IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) as well as former IBF / WBC champion & IBF top-ranked challenger Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs) will all participate in the revolutionary global knock-out tournament, with five more elite fighters to be confirmed shortly. The winner will receive the GREATEST prize in boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Boasting a combined record of 99 wins and 3 losses along with 72 KOs, Gassiev, Briedis and Wlodarczyk can´t wait to get in on and write history.
It is an honor to be in the World Boxing Super Series,” said Gassiev, who holds the IBF title. “This is the best fighting the best. I have never lost a fight, I am the IBF champion and I look forward to winning the other belts as well to cement my position as the best fighter in the division!”
WBC Champion Briedis is also thrilled to participate. “This is the Champions League of boxing and I am going to prove that I am the world´s best cruiserweight,” he said. “The competition will be tough, but to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Wlodarczyk, the former IBF & WBC Champion who now occupies the number one spot in the IBF rankings, is equally confident of success. “I will stamp my authority on the division by beating the best cruiserweights out there and winning the World Boxing Super Series,” he stated. “There is a reason the winner gets the Muhammad Ali Trophy. He was the Greatest of all time, and the winner of this tournament has the right to call himself the greatest cruiserweight of our time.”
Saturday will mark the first anniversary of Muhammad Ali´s death. Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa´s Head of Management Board, paid tribute to the GREATEST of all time. “Nobody will ever forget what Ali has achieved,” he said. “He was the GREATEST of all time because he defeated the best opponents out there. The World Boxing Super Series is all about the best fighting the best, and that is why we named the trophy after him.”
With three high-profile signings confirmed and many more to come, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. “The quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has officially begun and we are thrilled to welcome two unbeaten world champions and a top-ranked challenger, who is a former champion, to the World Boxing Super Series,” Dalmiglio said. “They have accepted the ultimate challenge to determine the best cruiserweight in the world.”
Season 1 of the World Boxing Super Series will feature the cruiserweights and super-middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight top fighters will battle out a bracket-style elimination tournament. There will be four quarter-finals (September / October 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018), which makes for a total of 14 high-class fights. “We have received a massive amount of applications for both divisions,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa`s Chief Boxing Officer. “The best fighters are lining up to be in the tournament. Just like the fans, they love the format and the fact that there will only be one man standing at the end.”
Richard Schaefer, Comosa`s Chairman of the Americas, added: “We promised you the biggest names and champions in the divisions and here we are delivering. More names will follow shortly. We simply can’t wait to get the action started!”
The quarter-final pairings will be determined during the Draft Gala in Monaco in early July. In each weight class, the four top-seeded boxers (which will be determined by the Comosa Board) will select their quarter-final opponents from the four unseeded boxers. Once the pairings are set, the exact fight dates and venues will be announced. Details about the participants in the super-middleweight division will be revealed shortly.
For more information, please visit www.WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE FIFTH CLASS OF INDUCTEES ON FEB. 15 IN LAS VEGAS

 
CEO/President Michelle Corrales-Lewis to welcome “exceptional” new class
 
LAS VEGAS (February 13, 2017) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will announce its fifth class of inductees on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. PST, Hall CEO/ president Michelle Corrales-Lewis announced. The 2017 class of nine boxers and five contributors will be revealed at Real Boxing, 5137 W. Oquendo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89118.  Lunch will be provide by TC’s Rib Crib.
The honorees will be formally inducted at the popular gala dinner on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Caesars Palace. Ticket information will be released shortly.
“We have elected yet another exceptional class of inductees and I can’t wait to introduce them,” said Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was a member of the NVBHOF’s inaugural class in 2013. “We have some of the best boxers ever in this group and I know fans are going to be excited to have the opportunity to meet them.
“Our class of contributors is very strong as well and all have made a significant imprint upon boxing in Nevada.”
Past inductees include some of the greatest fighters who have ever lived, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and more.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible. The Hall’s charitable contributions over the five years since its formation have helped boxers in need and boxing-related charities. Donations are welcome.

The Hall was founded in 2013 by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta.   For more information, phone 702-3NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.
For Media Credentials Contact:                    For Information And Sponsorship Opportunities Contact:
Media Coordinator Jon Hait                             Chief Executive Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis
Email: jhshark@aol.com                                  Email: michelle@nvbhof.com
Phone: (702) 277-1020                                    Phone: 702-3-NVBHOF (702-368-2463)

Baltimore Boxing Presents “Rumble Young Man Rumble” August 4

Baltimore, MD (July 13, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions will pay tribute to legendary Muhammad Ali with “Rumble Young Man Rumble” Thursday, August 4 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
During Baltimore Boxing’s June 16 card, Smith, who had his first amateur fight as part of a charity event hosted by Ali, honored “The Greatest” with a speech and honorary ten count. He also announced that his next card would be named after Ali.
Tickets are on sale now by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first fight starts at 8.
Headlining is a heavyweight slugfest between Dallas Butts and Drew Ryan. In their first meeting, Butts won a controversial decision that upset the pro-Ryan crowd and immediately set the tone for a rematch. Ryan is confident he’ll leave no doubt as to whom the better fighter is and Butts believes he’ll win without question this time around.
Baltimore Boxing standout Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey returns for his final amateur fight against Rashad Kirkpatrick. He was scheduled to finish his amateur career by competing in the Ringside Tournament but instead opted to fight locally. Veazey, who is turning pro later this year, won various titles during his decorated amateur career and has a large fan base.
Wildly popular Clayton Frazier will face an opponent to be named. A multi-sport star, Frazier is amongst the hungriest local fighters and is coming off a victory June 16.
Justin “Psycho” Sykes and Ashton “The Goon” Sykes will appear in separate bouts and other fighters will be added shortly.
“Michael’s Eighth has been a great home for Baltimore Boxing and we’re expecting another solid crowd,” said Smith. “This will be our second consecutive card paying homage to the great Muhammad Ali. “Rumble Young Man Rumble” will feature all competitive fights and boxers giving everything they have to entertain the crowd. We’ve got a great local following and the exposure the fighters are getting is only growing. If you’re in the area, please make sure to
come out and support not just the fighters but local boxing.”
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.

TOP SPORTS AGENT HARLAN WERNER TO REPRESENT HOWARD BINGHAM’S HISTORIC PHOTO COLLECTION

 

LOS ANGELES, CA— July 6, 2016—One of the greatest photographers of all-time, Howard Bingham, has entered into a long-term licensing agreement with renowned sports and marketing agent Harlan J. Werner to handle his photo collection featuring Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela, the Black Panthers and Elvis Presley.

 

Bingham’s unbelievable talent and work has been seen world-wide in books, magazines, television and museums and art galleries as he has followed world leaders, the top musicians, Hollywood royalty, pop culture and one of the most recognized sports figures in the world in Muhammad Ali.  Bingham was one of Ali’s best friends for over 50 years and followed the champion throughout his career and traveling with him world-wide.

 

“Howard has a very historic collection of photos numbering in the millions and this is the first time he has decided to license and offer his work to the public,” said Werner, who did a lot of work for Ali and currently represents Joe Namath, Sandy Koufax and many other superstar athletes.  “I appreciate the trust that Howard and Dustin Bingham have put in me and Sports Placement Services to represent this historic collection of work.  The collection and totality of the work is mind boggling.  It is truly one of the few untapped photo collections in the world.  We hope in the next year to be able to start sharing this incredible collection with the world.”

 

 

“Harlan’s love and dedication to the people he has worked with, including Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, Sandy Koufax, Joe Namath and Mike Tyson and his vision to protect my father’s work made it an easy choice for us,” said Dustin Bingham.  “We look forward to working with Harlan and sharing my father’s incredible work with the world.”

 

Werner, who is a long-time sports memorabilia collector and dealer as well as co-owner of a national chain of retail movie memorabilia stores, is the founder of Sports Placement Service Inc., a sports licensing and marketing company that was established in 1985 to market and capitalize retired athletes.  Werner has represented some of sports greatest athletes—Ali, Namath, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Koufax, John Riggins, Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale and Mike Tyson to name a few.

 

Werner is currently doing work for Koufax, Namath, Riggins, Fernando Valenzuela, Clayton Kershaw and Kershaw’s Challenge as well as the estate of Sonny Liston.

 

In addition to his personal knowledge of the memorabilia and autograph industry, Werner executive produced the movie “Tyson” and consulted on “One Night in Vegas” for ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

 

For more information, visit the Sports Placement Services website at http://www.sportsplacement.com.

BUD GREENSPAN’S “KINGS OF THE RING: FOUR LEGENDS OF HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING” TO AIR TONIGHT, FRIDAY, JUNE 10 AT 8 P.M. ET/PT ON SHOWTIME®

SHOWTIME Sports® presents “KINGS OF THE RING: Four Legends of Heavyweight Boxing” featuring legendary heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali, Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis. The captivating film-length documentary written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Bud Greenspan, is airing on SHOWTIME Friday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“KINGS OF THE RING” explores the lives of four of the greatest heavyweight champions of the 20th century, who made an impact in history in and out of the ring, advocating for political issues and civil rights. The athletes not only pushed the boundaries by becoming champions, but they also achieved greatness while changing the world in the process.

 

An encore presentation of “KINGS OF THE RING: Four Legends of Heavyweight Boxing” will replay on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT. It will also be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning June 15.

TALKBOX podcast Tackles Tough Subjects

Everlast Worldwide, the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment, is proud to  offer the second installment of TALKBOX, a boxing-themed podcast on the brand-new #TeamEverlast Podcast Network.
The boxing world and indeed all pockets of the globe experienced a massive loss last week, with the death of The Greatest, Muhammad Ali.
The legacy of the greatest sports entertainer the planet has and will ever know is examined by persons who were there by his side for the monumental battles, both inside and outside the ring, in pod No. 2.
Podcast host Michael Woods spends time with Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” partner George Foreman, who talks about how dearly he misses a man who become a treasured friend.
Woods also interviews sports journalist Jerry Izenberg, a confidante to the departed pugilist. The writer enters the Boxing Hall of Fame this weekend, and sheds light on what made Ali such a bright, shining light, a credit to humanity.
Finally, Woods and TALKBOX listeners hear from Gene Kilroy, Ali’s business advisor and right-hand man who shares a most poignant message to Ali, who he knows is in a better place, with other champions of days past.
The TALKBOX series seeks to be the prime, pound-for-pound podcast destination for all things boxing, including news, analysis, interviews and the proverbial much more.
In the first pod, Woods chatted with boxing super-fan Rosie Perez, the actress/activist who talked about the last time she was involved in a fist-fight, and who she likes to win the June 25 Keith Thurman-Shawn Porter fight.
Each episode is 60 minutes of championship quality material published bi-weekly on iTunes, Google play, Stitcher, and everlast.com.
“Mike is one of the most compelling personalities in all of sports – not just boxing,” said Chris Zoller, Director of Brand Marketing at Everlast. “His voice and credibility in the boxing world is second to none. We’re extremely excited to partner with him on TALKBOX and look forward to building something great.”
“I am as or more excited for this assignment than any I’ve taken on since I started covering boxing in the early 90s. And that’s largely because I’m so proud and pleased to be working with the people at Everlast,” said Woods, a Brooklyn resident who is publisher/editor of his own site, NYFIGHTS.com, and also contributes to the RING website. “The world is a better place for having boxing. We will not be shy about spreading that message on the show. I sincerely hope you will subscribe to TALKBOX and join us to ponder all boxing matters.”
Latest Episode will always be the featured content on  www.everlast.com/teameverlast
Subscribe:
(or open your podcast app and search “Talkbox”)
(or open your Google Play store and search “Talkbox”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE PROVIDENCE, R.I. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Unbeaten Super Welterweight Opens Up On The 154-Pound Division, Pros In The Olympics & Muhammad Ali As He Prepares To Face Willie Nelson In WBC Title Eliminator This Saturday, Live on SHOWTIME®

 Demetrius Andrade

 

Click HERE For Images; Credit Stanley Bois / A Team Promotions

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 7, 2016) – A Team Promotions hosted an open media workout on Monday at Bix Six Academy in Providence for undefeated former world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade(22-0, 15 KOs). The 2008 U.S. Olympian, of Providence, R.I., is finalizing preparations for this Saturday 12-round WBC Super Welterweight eliminator against Willie “The Great” Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, in one of three fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®  live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

Here’s what Andrade, who’ll also be risking his WBO International title, said Monday:

 

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

 

Reflections of Muhammad Ali:

 

“Muhammad Ali certainly shook the world, and not only in boxing.  He was colorful; nobody talked like him.  He helped boxers, too.  Ali is the reason Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.) is who he is because Ali set the bar high.

 

“As an entertaining boxer, Ali brought blacks and whites together and later he spread the word about religion, culture and his other diverse interests.

 

“What young boxer didn’t do the Ali Shuffle?  I know I did, and taunted my opponents like him, too.”

 

About Pros in the Olympics:

 

“I’m for pros in the Olympics as long as an amateur, who has a few Olympic trials, has the first opportunity to qualify for the Olympics.  Coming up in the amateurs, I fought grown men, some who had been Olympians a few times.  I was 21 and some of the opponents were 34-35 and had already been Olympians one or two times.  They had advantages in experience, power and skill.  Unfortunately, Americans only have Olympic opportunities when they’re young amateurs.

 

“Would I go the Olympics now?  Yes! The Olympics is the biggest thing on the planet.  To represent the United States again, yeah, I’d do it now for the chance to win gold.  But I do think headgear should be applied in amateur boxing, including the Olympics.”

 

On the 154-pound division:

 

“I’m putting myself in the best position to fight for the WBO or WBC title.  There are rumors of Canelo fighting (WBO champion Liam) Smith.  Let me fight Smith and the winner gets Canelo.  Or let me fight Canelo with the winner getting Smith.

 

“I’m going to knock out the Charlo twins.  Both guys have fought on SHOWTIME, so those fights shouldn’t be too difficult to make.  Once I take care of business with the Charlo twins, I’ll fight Lara (WBA champion) to clean up the division.”

 

On Gennady Golovkin:

 

“I definitely want to fight Golovkin.  Let me build myself up first, by cleaning out the 154-division, and then we’ll have a mega-fight with two different styles.  GGG is known for his knockouts.  I knock out people, too, but I’m a better boxer than him.  It’ll be one of the biggest fights in the sport of boxing.  I’m going to clean up the 154-division, make my reputation and then it’s a go with GGG.”

 

Relationship with his opponent Willie Nelson:

 

“We were in the U.S. amateurs together, but because we were in two different weight classes – he was 140-147 and I was 152 – there were no problems between us.  We used to watch each other fight and watch other Americans box.

 

“Nelson is experienced having gone through the amateurs.  He fought (Vanes) Martirosyan, who I beat (for the vacant WBO title by 12-round unanimous decision).  He’s fought at this level.  I know he’s tall, but I’m 6-foot-1, so our height difference isn’t serious.”

 

On returning to the ring:

 

“I’m pleased that we have this opportunity.  SHOWTIME has given me this chance and now it’s up to me to prove I can backup what we said.”

 

For more information: Twitter: @AndradeATeam, @BooBooBoxing, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports. Instagram:  @BooBooATeam,www.Facebook.com.DemetriusAndrade

Baltimore Boxing shares Muhammad Ali story; plans ceremonial 10 count June 16

muhammad-ali.jpg
For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (June 6, 2016) – In 1977, long before becoming a pro boxer, trainer, gym owner, successful promoter and member of the Maryland and Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fames, Jake Smith was scheduled for his first amateur fight in Maryland.
The 12-year-old Smith was excited to fight in front of a crowd for the first time after spending a significant amount of time training in a local gym. The fight was on a card as part of a special charity event; an event hosted by legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Prior to the fight, Smith got to meet Ali. Inspired by the once in a lifetime encounter, Smith remembers every detail to this day and considers it one of the highlights of his life.
Muhammad was a giant compared to me at that time,” Smith said of his interaction with the legendary Ali. “He told me good luck and to go out there and put on a show. It was my first fight but it was one of my best performances amateur or pro. I really beat the crap out of the kid I faced that night.”
Later that evening, Ali participated in an exhibition against three different men as part of the evening’s fundraising efforts.
Ali was a champion not just of the boxing world but of the people. He came out to Maryland when he was the most recognizable athlete in the world with the most coveted crown in sports, the heavyweight championship. A lot of guys wouldn’t do that and his willingness to help raise money truly showed me the kind of human being Muhammad Ali was.”
On June 16, Smith’s company Baltimore Boxing is hosting their next card at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD. The card is headlined by a heavyweight title fight featuring rising star Stefon “Showtime” McCray against Milton Williams.
During the evening, Smith and Baltimore Boxing will pay respects to Ali with a ceremonial ten count and their upcoming show in August will be dubbed “Rumble Young Man Rumble” in his honor.
Ali is more than a once in a lifetime figure. He’s somebody that will never be replicated at any time in the rest of history. It’s only fitting that we honor him with a ceremonial ten count. It’s unlikely that Ali remembered me but knowing that the greatest of all time was watching me in the ring that night is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
 
Tickets and more information on the card are available by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175.

New 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach Carrying on rich boxing history

 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

“The Greatest” Muhammad Ali regularly trained at 5th St. Gym

Through the years 5th St. Gym photo gallery below

(pictures courtesy of Tom Tastas and 5t St. Gym)

MIAMI BEACH (June 8, 2015) – The new 5th St. Gym is carrying on the rich boxing history established there in 1950 by the famed Dundee brothers, Chris and Angelo.

 

Known throughout boxing as the world’s most famous gym, 5th St. Gym became a major attraction for boxers, international celebrities and tourists alike, originally due to presence of a rising star training there, Cassius Clay, who, of course, went on to become The Greatest, Muhammad Ali.

 

Hall of Famers and future inductees have trained at 5th St. Gym over the years, including Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Carmen Basilio, Archie Moore, Willie Pep, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones, Jr. and so many other ring greats.

 

Others who have been part of the 5th St. Gym experience are actor Matt Damon and comedian Dave Chappelle, in addition to elite athletes such as Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Lebron James, Green Bay Packers future Hall-of-Famer Julius Peppers and former UFC great George St. Pierre. 5th St. Gym’s history also includes legendary celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery, Jackie Gleason.

 

5th St. Gym fell on hard times at one point but a revitalization started in 2009, thanks to new owners Tom Tsatas and Dino Spencer, who re-opened the gym at its original location on 5th and Washington in Miami Beach.

 

In 2013, 5th St. Gym moved from its original location of 63 years, off and on, when CVS took over the property and forced the gym to move to its present location at nearby 1434 Alton Road.

 

“We’re slowly getting back,” Spencer explained. “We’ve only been reopened since 2010 and in our new location since 2013. We have new people – trainers, manager and fighters – and offer unique opportunities for up-and-coming professional boxers. You can’t catch passes from Tom Brady but boxers can train here every day with champions and contenders. There are also ultra-successful people here who can teach boxers about how to be successful outside the ring. We’re creating an environment at 5th St. Gym to give young boxers every opportunity to succeed.

 

“Wildcard Gym (Los Angeles) is the No. 1 spot today but, on this side of the country, fighters from all over the world are coming here to train. Brian Jennings trained here for his fight with (Wladimir) Klitschko, Manual Charr trained here for his last fight, Anthony and Andre Dirrell have trained here, (Sergey) Kovalev, too. They get elite sparring here for their training camps. Some come here with their coach, others have me train them.

 

“A lot of boxing managers are here every day like John Seip and Charr’s manager was hanging out here, too. In fact, he’s interested in signing a fighter he saw at our gym. People from Warriors Gym are here a lot looking for young talent. These people can make a difference in a young fighter’s life.   Fighters are getting exposure here before they ever get to fight on TV. We also have great weather and all the amenities of South Beach. It’s only a matter of time before we’re back on top at No. 1.”

 

Times have changed and today the heart and soul of 5th St. Gym beats strong once again with world-class boxers training alongside supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra and Nina Adgal, as well as Grammy winner Cedric Gervais, just to name a few of the more notable non-boxer members working out there on a regular basis.

 

Once again, 5th St. Gym is the training mecca for world champions, top contenders and promising prospects. In fact, Seip discovered gifted Italian boxer Daniele Marco Scardina at 5th St. Gym and signed him to a professional contract.

 

Newly-crowned International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion James DeGale, pictured here with 5th St. Gym owner Dino Spencer, trained at 5thSt. Gym for his recent title-winning performance against Andre Dirrell, who has also trained at 5th St. Gym in the past, in Boston. DeGale sparred with the gym’s top amateur southpaw, Niko Valdes, to prepare for Dirrell. DeGale won a unanimous 12-round decision over Dirrell to become the first Olympic gold medalist from Great Britain to capture a major world title as a professional boxer.

 

“Four years ago,” Seip explained, “I moved my managerial company to Miami from New York City. It had become very difficult to find solid sparring in New York City, where boxing gyms were closing due to the demand for high rents. The 5th St Gym has grown back into a big time professional boxing gym. I house all my fighters in Miami and they all train exclusively at 5th St. Gym for boxing and conditioning. There are pros who fly in from other countries to prepare there for fights. The atmosphere is incredible and professional boxers, heavyweights to featherweights, spar there three or four days a week. Let’s face it, sparring is like a classroom and it’s pivotal for pros to prepare and learn. The teachers at 5th St. Gym — Dino Spencer, Guy Laieta and Louis Perez – are all top rated. It’s also a fun place to hang my hat. You cannot beat Miami weather for training, either.”

 

For more information about 5th St Gym, visit www.5thstgym.com, follow on Twitter @5thstgym, or call 305.763.8110. Operation hours of gym are Monday throughFriday, 9:00 am.-9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ET.

 

Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali

 

(L-R) 2008 U.S. Olympic Bronze medalist and world super middleweight title challenger Andre Dirrell, 5th St. Gym owner Dino Spencer and former world heavyweight/cruiserweight world champion David Haye

(L-R) – Seated the late HOF trainer Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali, the late journalist Bert Sugar and Dino Spencer, behind (L-R)Tom Tsatas, unknown person, and former world heavyweight title challenger Fres Oquendo

(L-R) – Former world heavyweight/cruiserweight champion David Haye & comedian Dave Chappelle

Manager John Seip signs Italian super middleweight prospect Daniele Marco Scardina

(L-R) – Daniele Marco Scardina and John Seip

 

MIAMI (April 6, 2015) – Veteran boxing manager John Seip has signed highly decorated Italian amateur boxer Daniele Marco Scardina to an exclusive managerial contract.

 

Seip is best known for guiding Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world middleweight title. The native New Yorker also manages rising British super middleweight Steed “The Stallion” Woodall (7-0-1, 5 KOs).

 

The 21-year-old Scardina hails from Rozzano, a town of less than 40,000 people in the Province of Milan. He started boxing in 2008 at the age of 16, following in his uncle’s footsteps who was a boxer at that time, as well as Daniele’s role model.

 

Scardina, who had 56 amateur bouts, captured top honors in numerous Italian tournaments including the Rovereto National, National Silver Glove, and two National Golden Gloves. He also won a bronze medal at an International event.

 

In 2013, he boxed for the Italia Thunder Boxing Team in the World Series of Boxing, winning his only match against a German opponent.

 

Scardina first caught Seip’s attention at the world famous 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach, originally opened in 1950 by Chris Dundee, and the home of countless world champions have trained there including Muhammad Ali, Carmen Basilio, Willie Pastrano, Emile Griffith, Archie Moore, Roberto Duran, Sonny Liston and Willie Pep. The rich tradition continues at the new 5th St. Gym, located nearby at 1434 Alton Street, where top fighters from around the world such as Bernard Hopkins still train.

 

“I first saw him training at the 5th St. Gym and he looked like a typical amateur,” Seip explained. “He threw wide punches and didn’t know how to throw a good jab. Trainers Guy Laieta and Dino Spencer started working with him and now he’s using his reach, fighting at a distance, and throwing combinations of jabs and hooks. He’s passionate about boxing, listening and learning every day. Daniele has good hand speed and power. He’s a handsome kid, too. I saw something in him, intangibles, and decided to sign him.

 

“Dino is an owner who has created a top-notch gym with great sparring opportunities in an atmosphere featuring so many talented fighters who really push each other. It’s already apparent that Danielle has improved his skills training there. He’s long, fast and powerful. His work ethic is incredible; he’s the first in the gym, last to leave. You can’t hurt this kid, either. We all believe that he has a very bright future.”

 

Scardina hits heavy-bag at 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach

Unlike fighters from Russia and former Soviet-bloc nations, as well as those from Latin America who come to the United States to establish their professional boxing careers, Italian-born fighters rarely have followed the same route as Scardina, who moved to Miami last year and sleeps on the floor of his brother’s apartment.

 

The lone Italian-born world champion who fought professionally in America is Vito Antuofermo (50-7-2, 21 KOs), who was the WBC/WBA middleweight champion in 1979-1980. Antuofermo, though, moved with his family to Brooklyn from Puglia, Italy when he was 17 and he learned how to box in America.

 

“I have always wanted to be a champion in America,” Scardina said. “That’s the American dream for me. I think I’ll have a great opportunity in this country to be the greatest boxer I can be with the right help. John Seip is the right manager for me because he believes we can the world championship together as a team.”

 

Scardina’s favorite boxers are Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Miguel Cotto. “I’m working on perfection as an outside fighter and to main my arms closer,” Scardina added. I’m fighting to become world champion.”

 

Scardina is expected to make his pro debut this May or June.

 

Follow Scardina on Instagram @danieletoretto.