Tag Archives: West Point

U.S. Army veteran Daniel Bailey, Jr. fighting this Thursday at West Point

BOSTON (April 20, 2021) – Recently discharged U.S. Army specialist 4th class Daniel Bailey Jr. will be fighting in front of soldiers this Thursday night at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. 

The 24-year-old Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), will face Luis Alvarado (1-2) in a 4-round featherweight bout on a Ring City USA card, the first live boxing in New York since before the pandemic.  

All the action will be streamed live (9 pm. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on the Twitch.tv app, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, as well as via the Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific (AFNTV). 

“I’ve never been to West Point,” Bailey said.  “I’m excited to fight there in front of other soldiers.  I’m honored.  We’re all brothers and sisters in arms and I want to put on a great show for them.  I’m bringing the heat!” 

“This is a great opportunity for Daniel,” Bailey’s manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) commented.  “Ring City USA has really taken over during the pandemic, putting on some really great shows. Ring City reached out to me looking to get some U.S. Army veterans on the card and Daniel answered the call, as always. I’m excited for this and Daniel is ready for the big stage.”   

Born in Miami, Bailey’s cousin is Randall “The Knock-Out King” Bailey (46-9, 39 KOs), the 2-division World champion who was considered one of the hardest pound-4-pound punchers of his era (1996-2016).  

Bailey was honorably discharged from the military this past March 19 after serving a 6-year stint.  He was a 4-time U.S. Army champion rated as high as No. 1 in the country as an amateur boxer.  He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs (CO), where Daniel was enrolled in the special soldier-athlete program there, World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). 

Bailey made his pro debut November 7, 2020, when he stopped Noe Marquez Talamantes in the second-round of their fight in Mexico.  His last action was an opening-round knockout of Jahterris Lewis last month in Alabama. 

During his solid amateur boxing career, Bailey benefitted from sparring world champions Terence Crawford and Jamel Herring, among the more notables. 

“I’ve become a much more complete fighter since I turned pro,” Bailey explained.  “I have more control, like fully hydrating after a weigh in.  I’m like a kid in a candy store now.  I’ve made changes and sparring top guys has really helped my conditioning. 

“This is the right place, right time for me,” Bailey concluded.  I’m already on weight and ready to fight.  It was a good time for me to get out of the army to pursue my dream.” 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.compunch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, DanielBaileyJr 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

West Point Boxing Fall Classic Winchester Senior Cadet Luca LoConte Botis to be showcased in final local boxing match

Nov. 10 at Anthony’s in Malden, Mass.

BOSTON, Mass. (October 28, 2019) – United States Military Academy Senior Cadet Luca LoConte Botis, who was born and raised in Winchester (Mass.,) is looking forward to his final local boxing competition on Sunday, November 10.  
 
Botis, captain of the West Point boxing team, will be in action in front of many friends and family members Nov. 10 at the National Collegiate Boxing Association’s (NCBA) “West Point Fall Classic,” to be held at Anthony’s in nearby Malden, Massachusetts.
 
Members of the West Point boxing team will compete against amateur boxers from USA Boxing New England, University of Connecticut, Trinity College, Hartford College, and the University of Massachusetts.
Botis is a 2015 graduate of Winchester High School, where he captained the school’s cross country, swimming and outdoor track teams.  
 
“It always feels nice to comeback home and fight in front of my home crowd,” Botis said. “Since this is the last local fight for me, I can definitely say there is an early sense of nostalgia.”
 
Botis will graduate from the United States Military Academy on May 23, 2020, after which he will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Although he hopes to serve in the Infantry in either Colorado or Kentucky, Botis will not know his first assignment until Nov. 13, nor where he will be assigned until February.
 
Boxing has been an enjoyable experience for Botis for numerous reasons. “Boxing has helped me become a more humble, respectful person,” he explained. “In the boxing ring there must be mutual respect between the two opponents; no taunting, teasing, or any form of disrespect. Boxers must also learn to not feel emotional toward their opponents. I learned these lessons by fighting in or watching fights where instances as such occurred.
 
“I will not be boxing competitive in the army, but I will continue to train, because it is the best form of exercise I have ever experienced. Regarding my post-Army life, I will most likely volunteer at local gyms to train the younger generations to box.”
 
Unsure how long he will serve in the U.S. Army, at least at this stage, Botis plans to serve more than his required five years, but less than 10 years. He speaks an incredible seven languages: English, Italian, Sicilian and Romanian he learned at home, adding Portuguese, Spanish and a little Hebrew at West Point.
 
Botis has somewhat followed the path set by his great uncle, Louis LoConte, who was a varsity athlete excelling in hockey. He graduated in 1948 with honors from West Point, where he was trained to fly B-52 bombers. The now 93 years old, who lives in Louisiana, served in the military until 1956. Lucas’ great, great grandfather, Louis LoConte, Sr., immigrated to the U.S. from Sicily, working as mason on the West Point military base. He used to speak to his son, Lou, about how much he admired young Cadets, understanding that they were special.  
 
“West Point has taught me that life is not about my own personal gains but, instead, about service to others,” Botis concluded. “It doesn’t matter what kind of service, military of civil, but what does matter is that I will help people everywhere I go. I value my relationships at West Point so much that I would not have made it this far if I didn’t have them.”
 
A tribute to the USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be held during the “West Point Fall Classic,” including appearances by 1988 Olympic gold medalist Ray Mercer, three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), three-time, two division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera(Worcester, MA), and former New England amateur champion and reigning IBA super welterweight champion Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (Stoneham, MA).
 
Doors open at 2 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.  
 
Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling Seacoast Ticket Agency at 1.800.382.5242.  
 

West Point Boxing Fall Classic Winchester’s Cadet Luca LoConte Botis Returns home Nov. 10

Anthony’s in Malden, Mass.

BOSTON, Mass. (October 14, 2019) – The National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) will present the “West Point Fall Classic” on Sunday, November 10, at Anthony’s in Malden, Massachusetts.

Members of the West Point boxing team will compete against amateur boxers from USA Boxing New England, University of Connecticut, Trinity College, Hartford College, and the University of Massachusetts.

“We are excited for this upcoming event featuring the best college athletes in the Northeast,” said Eric Buller, President of the National Collegiate Boxing Association and member of the USA Boxing Board of Directors.  “We are also happy to include some of the most impressive local athletes as well.  This is a win for everyone who attends:  local athletes, future leaders of America, dedicated coaches and officials, boxing legends, great venue and outstanding ring action.  Thanks to Anthony’s for hosting us and to all that are working hard to make this event the great success it will be.”

United States Military Academy Senior Cadet Luca LoConte Botis, who hails from nearby Winchester (MA), will be showcased in what will likely be his final local boxing competition.

A 2015 graduate of Winchester High School, where he captained the school’s cross country, swimming and outdoor track teams. Botis will be supported by a large contingent of family and friends. 

A tribute to the USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be on tap, including appearances by 1988 Olympic gold medalist Ray Mercer, International Boxing Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger, three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), three-time two division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (Worcester, MA), and former New England amateur champion and reigning IBA super welterweight champion Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (Stoneham, MA).

Doors open at 2 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. 

Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling Seacoast Ticket Agency at 1.800.382.5242.    

Springfield embodies spirit of USA Boxing

 
Second stop of USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour on Mar. 15
 
TICKETS ON SALE, VISIT WWW.USABOXING.ORG
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 28, 2018) – Central City Boxing Club and Barbell, based in Springfield, Massachusetts, embodies the true spirit of USA Boxing.
Dean Fay, the Central City Boxing and Barbell Gym Founder & Director, has helped develop the Western New England Golden Gloves franchise into the preeminent power in the six-state region, capturing numerous individual All-New England titles and five consecutive team championships.
More importantly, though, Dean and his outstanding staff have reshaped the futures of countless youth in Greater Springfield, instilling an invaluable philosophy that, through amateur boxing, provides an opportunity for members to reshape their lives, in addition to making a significant difference in their communities.
From a storied past at the nearby Holyoke Boys & Girls Club, Dean and his young boxers have a new home at MassMutual Center in Springfield, which will host the second stop of the USA Boxing USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour on Thursday, March 15. An exciting evening of entertainment, headlined by 10 bouts of amateur boxing between the two powerhouse national programs, as well as Springfield’s hometown AC/DC tribute band,BACK IN BLACK, kicking off the show and continuing to perform throughout the night.
Tickets are on sale now, ranging in price from $35 for Upper Bowl seating to $100 for a limited premium seat at a ringside table. Seats in the Lower Bowl section of the MassMutual Center can be purchased for $50. Tickets can be purchased online here.Groups of 10 or more can enjoy select savings by calling Richard DeCusati at 413-271-3259.
Fay is a Springfield police officer who started his program 10 years ago, last year moving into Central City Boxing and Barbell Gym, primarily to keep kids off the street, teaching them values to become productive citizens.
“Our program, first, is youth development and second, boxing,” Fay explained. “We use boxing as a vehicle for valuable teaching lessons, embodying the same values of boxing: competition, cohesiveness and integrity. Springfield has had a long history in boxing. The Golden Gloves were held in Holyoke, one city over from Springfield, for 50 years before coming here. Golden Gloves has funded a lot of small gyms because many of these kids can’t afford fees. We’ve bridged the gap by hosting shows that raises money and creates fanbases.
“Through the years, Marvin Hagler, Marlon Starling, Micky Ward, John Scully and so many others have come through USA Boxing programs in New England. Boxing represents life; how to conduct themselves in and out of the ring. Boxing is a small fraternity and boxers walk up those steps and through the ropes, in front of everybody, and confront their fears. Boxing is determined by judges and, in life, you are judged by how you live by laws. Life values are taught through boxing.
“Hosting the USA-Boxing Northeast Boxing Tour gives kids in our program an opportunity to watch up close the top boxers who are representing their country. My kids realize that they could do that someday. They see the best boxers in the country and that’s where they want to be.”
Anticipated Team USA boxers competing in Springfield include 2017 Elite World Championship bronze medalist Troy Isley (Alexandria, VA.), along with 2017 Elite World Championship team members Delante Johnson (Cleveland, OH), Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, TX), who won four international gold medals last year, and 2016 Youth World Championship bronze medalist and 2017 USA Boxing Super Heavyweight National Champion, Richard Torrez (Tulare, CA). All boxers are subject to change.
Retired three-time, two-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera started boxing in Springfield before moving to another Western N.E. stronghold in Worcester (MA). Now promoting professional shows, Rivera excelled as an amateur, winning top honors at the New England Golden Gloves and twice in the Western N.E. Championships, highlighted by a bronze-medal performance at the PAL Championships.
“I was fortunate to be part of USA Boxing,” Rivera said. “Gaining experience in amateur boxing helped mold me as a person and give me confidence to pursue my dream of becoming world champion as a professional. I started boxing in Springfield when I was 15, before moving to Worcester (MA), becoming part of Carlo Garcia‘s growing stable of national and regional champions.”
The three-city boxing tour kicks off at Boston’s Royale Entertainment Complex on March 12 and closes Mar. 21 at the Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, N.H. A full roster for both teams will soon be released.
To stay up to date on the USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour click here.
USA vs. Ireland Schedule
March 12: Royale Entertainment Complex, Boston, Mass.
March 15: MassMutual Center, Springfield, Mass.
March 21: The Manchester Downtown Hotel, Manchester, N.H.
All boxers and bouts are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Micky Ward & Kevin McBride Named Honorary Captains in Boston dual

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
 
USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour
Kicks-off March 12 in Boston
 
TICKETS ON SALE, VISIT WWW.USABOXING.ORG
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 26, 2018) – One of boxing’s most beloved boxer of all-time, “Irish” Micky Ward, and the Irishman best known for knocking out legendary Mike Tyson into retirement, Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride, have been selected as honorary team captains, respectively, of Team USA and Team Ireland for the first leg of the three-city 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour.
The tour commences Monday, March 12, at the newly renovated Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The Boston stop, which is being presented by Budweiser, have general admission tickets for $20.00 and a limited amount of $30.00 reserved tickets on sale and are available to purchase online here.
Ward, 52, is the pride of Lowell, Massachusetts, where he is a living legend. A three-time New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur boxer, Ward fought professionally between 1985-2003, registering a 38-13 (27 KOs) record as a junior welterweight throughout his pro career. He is best known for his epic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti, in which he became the first fighter with double-digit losses to earn a $1-million purse (twice).
An all-action, crowed-pleasing fighter, Ward was involved in three Fight of the Year honors, the first and third of the Gatti trilogy, along with a memorable match with Emanuel Augustus. Ward was the winner in two (first Gatti and Augustus) of those classic fights.
Boston-native Mark Wahlberg portrayed Ward in, The Fighter, a movie about Micky’s life that won two Academy Awards.
“To be honorary captain of Team USA means a lot to me,” Ward said. “It’s great having elite amateur boxing back in Boston with the national teams from the United States and Ireland. It’s especially exciting for me as an Irish-American.”
The 44-year-old McBride was born in Clones, Ireland. He was a member of the 1992 Ireland Olympic Boxing Team at the age of 19, competing in the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Two years earlier, he represented Ireland at the European Championships and one of his teammates was Billy Walsh, Team USA’s current head coach of Team USA and former chief trainer for Team Ireland.
Like other Irish boxers, McBride came to the United States to enhance his professional career, landing in the predominately Irish neighborhood of Dorchester, a working-class section Boston, back in 1999. The 6′ 6″, 285-pound McBride started training in Brockton, MA with Goody Petronelli, who had trained Marvelous Marvin Hagler, and later Packy Collins, the brother of another Petronelli-trained fighter, world champion Stevie Collins.
McBride fought professionally between 1992-2011, retiring with a 35-10-1 (29 KOs), highlighted by his shocking sixth-round knockout of Tyson in 2005, driving the “Baddest Man on the Planet” into ring retirement.
“I feel good about being honorary captain of Team Ireland,” remarked the still thickly Irish-brogue McBride, who still lives with his family in Dorchester. “I’m honored to be carrying the Irish flag for these fighters. I’m not sure how many of them remember me as the man who beat Tyson. I know some of the Irish coaches and I still support boxing in Ireland as well as America. I just love boxing. And it’s always a pleasure to be with my friend, Micky Ward. He’s a good lad.”
The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., concluding March 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in New Hampshire.
All the duals will begin at 7:00 p.m. EST and tickets will be made available for purchase in the coming weeks. Each city will showcase up to 12 bouts, which will all be live streamed, free of charge, on USA Boxing’s website (www.usaboxing.org).
Tentatively headlining Team USA’s roster in the Boston dual s 2017 World Championship bronze medalist Troy Isley (Alexandria, VA). Four-time 2017 international gold medalist Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, TX), 2016 Youth World Champion and 2017 Elite Continental Championships silver medalist, Delante Johnson (Cleveland, OH), and 2016 Youth World Championship bronze medalist and 2017 USA Boxing Super Heavyweight National Champion, Richard Torrez (Tulare, CA).
Full team rosters for each city will be released closer to the start of the tour.
USA vs. Ireland Schedule
March 12: Royale Entertainment Complex, Boston, Mass.
March 15: MassMutual Center, Springfield, Mass.
March 21: The Manchester Downtown Hotel, Manchester, N.H.
All boxers and bouts are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

“Collegiate Fight Night” West Point vs. New England  This Saturday night in Winchester, MA

WINCHESTER, Mass. (November 6, 2017) – Veterans Day will be celebrated in a unique way this Saturday night (7 p.m. ET) when the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA), in association with USA Boxing, presents an evening of amateur boxing, “Collegiate Fight Night”,
With 10 amateur matches being held at Maurer Auditorium in Winchester Town Hall (on Mt. Vernon St.).
The Cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point are matched against a New England all-star caliber team comprised of boxers from the Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT), University of Massachusetts, University of Connecticut and Trinity College.
“COLLEGIATE FIGHT NIGHT”
(all 3 X 2 Rounds)
 
OPEN CLASS
160 lbs
Luca Botis LoConte (18-7), Army West Point / Winchester, MA
vs.
Joseph Orosco (10-8), Trinity College / Pomona CA
NOVICE CLASS
Heavyweights
Jack Ward (0-0), Army West Point / North Hampton, NH
vs.
Jesus Fequiere (0-0), UConn / Windsor, CT
200 lbs.
Jordan Elliott (4-5), Army West Point / Camden, AZ
vs.
Marshall Rayburn (4-5), Coast Guard / New London, CT
185 lbs
Emmanuel Ahou (0-0), Army West Point / Newark, NJ
vs.
Luke Psoimas (0-1), Coast Guard / New London, CT
175 lbs.
Kalen Khan (0-0), Army West Point / Bonne Terre, MO
vs.
Josh Bennett (1-1), UConn / Bridgeport, CT
158 lbs
Alex Lawrence (0-0), Army West Point / Carrollton, TX
vs.
Jacob Cohen (0-0), UMass / Northborough, MA
158 lbs
Moses Sun (5-3), Army West Point / Granite Falls, WA
vs.
Colin Johnson (4-3), Coast Guard / New London, CT
156 lbs
Kyle Taylor (1-0), Army West Point / Oro Valley, AZ
vs.
Aaron Schneider (1-2), Trinity College / Needham, MA
156 lbs.
Chandon Hutchinson (0-0), Army West Point / Orange County, CA
vs.
Dante Gilbert (0-0), UConn / Stamford, CT
125 lbs.
Isiah Ortiz (4-2), Army West Point / Stockton, CA
vs.
Christian Moura (2-4), UMass / Hollis, NH
(all matches & boxers subject to change)
 
Former professional world champions “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell) and Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera (Worcester) will be special guests at “Collegiate Fight Night”.
Seacoast Ticket Agency is the exclusive online (www.seacoastticket.com) and phone (1.800.382.5242) ordering ticket service for “Collegiate Fight Night”. Tickets plus ($2.50 service fee) are priced at $20.00 for general admission and limited $40.00 ringside reserved. Limited $500 VIP packages are also available and include four ringside reserved tickets, including a pre-event reception at Lucias Ristorante in Winchester (cash bar), company name recognition in the event program, post and pre-event Meet & Greet with special guest boxers at Lucias. Tickets may be available to purchase fight night at the door, however, this event is expected to sell-out in advance.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /NCBA, /USABoxing
ABOUT NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BOXING ASSOCIATION (NCBA): The NCBA is the senior college boxing governing body in the United States. The NCBA provides student athletes an opportunity to box at the recreational, intramural, and competitive levels. Its philosophy and rules provide a safe and level playing field for both new and experienced athletes.
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, bit also oversee and every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

“Collegiate Fight Night” Homecoming for two West Point Cadet Boxers Luca LoConte Botis & Jack Ward

Saturday, Nov. 11 in Winchester, MA
(L-R) – Luca LoConte Botis, head coach Ray Barone, and Jack Ward
 
WINCHESTER, Mass. (October 29, 2017) – “Collegiate Fight Night”, presented by the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) in association with USA Boxing, on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET start), November 11, will be a homecoming for a pair of West Point Cadets boxers with close ties to the town of Winchester (MA), Luca LoConte Botis and Jack Ward.
Ten amateur bouts are on tap at Maurer Auditorium in Winchester Town Hall (on Mt. Vernon St.) as the Cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point are matched against a New England all-star caliber team comprised of boxers from the Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT), University of Massachusetts, University of Connecticut, Trinity College and Harvard University.
West Point requires all its Cadets, male and female, to take 19 lessons of boxing and that, combined with the program’s tremendous success in competition over the years, results in its relatively high number of boxers (40) on a college boxing team. West Point voluntary head boxing coach Ray Barone is a military retiree who taught at West Point.
“Luca and Jack work hard in the gym and are leaders amongst their peers,” Coach Barone said. “They are top-of-the-line guys and we’re fortunate to have both on our team. West Point is a high-end academic school, like an Ivy League school, and we aren’t allowed to recruit boxers.
“We have another great group of boxers this year. It’s always, ‘Yes, sir; no, sir’ and they’re all very articulate. Luca and Jack, like other boxers on our team, are very respectful. Luca is a very good boxer who could very well be in the Fight of the Night. Jack came here as a football player and he’ll be in his first boxing match on November 11th.”
LoConte Botis and Ward, who has close to a 4.0 GPA, are sophomores who aspire to be Infantry officers upon graduation from West Point.
Luca attended West Point Prep School for one year before entering West Point Military Academy. A 2015 graduate of Winchester High School, he started boxing at a young age, capturing top honors in the New England Junior Olympics, and he developed his skills at Peter Welch’s Gym in South Boston, as well as with the Rivera brothers at the Somerville Boxing Club.
Because he always intended to box at West Point, Luca contacted boxing officials there when he was still in high school, and he knew the coaches and boxers before he officially got there. With 18 (11-7) amateur matches under his belt, Luca has invaluable experience in a sport he passionately views as a lifestyle, much more than a sport
“I am from Winchester and look at this show as a homecoming,” Luca remarked. “I fought there once as a freshman and now I want to show everybody at home that I’ve grown. I’m no longer a boy, I’m growing into a man, and boxing has a lot to do with that. Styles make fights and I know who I’m fighting. I plan to relax in the ring and give everybody a real show. I’m going to have a lot of fun, too, and leave with a smile on my face.
“I become a better version of myself, every day, by getting in the ring. Boxing takes its toll on the body and mind but, if I have a tough day academically or during military training, I get that anger out in the gym. Boxing is a release for me. It reminds me why I’m here. What I overcome in the ring, I can do in any other way. I plan to compete in the Golden Gloves this year and as an officer, I will lead men and women soldiers.”
Ward grew-up in Hampton, NH, but he has roots in Winchester, which he considers his second home. Jack attended Salisbury School, in Connecticut, and he was recruited as a football player. He decided not to play football at West Point and, despite having no prior experience as a boxer, he joined the West Point Boxing Team after meeting Coach Barone and some members of the squad.
“I love competing, discipline and conditioning and I’ve never been in as good shape as I am now as a boxer,” Jack explained. “Boxing adds to my overall development, mentally and physically, and the it will help me become a more effective leader: Calm under pressure, in and out of the ring.
“Because my entire mother’s side is from Winchester, my extended family lives in Winchester, which is like home for me. I’m very happy to be boxing for the first time there and I plan on having a great outing.”
Former professional world champions “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell) – no relations to Jack Ward — and Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera (Worcester) will be special guests at “Collegiate Fight Night”.
Seacoast Ticket Agency is the exclusive online (www.seacoastticket.com) and phone(1.800.382.5242) ordering ticket service for “Collegiate Fight Night”. Tickets plus ($2.50 service fee) are priced at $20.00 for general admission and limited $40.00 ringside reserved. Limited $500 VIP packages are also available and include four ringside reserved tickets, including a pre-event reception at Lucias Ristorante in Winchester (cash bar), company name recognition in the event program, post and pre-event Meet & Greet with special guest boxers at Lucias. Tickets may be available to purchase fight night at the door, however, this event is expected to sell-out in advance.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /NCBA, /USABoxing

“Collegiate Fight Night” Saturday, Nov. 11 in Winchester, MA

WINCHESTER, Mass. (October 18, 2017) – Studying will be replaced by punching on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET start), November 11, when the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA), in association with USA Boxing, presents “Collegiate Fight Night” at Maurer Auditorium (town hall on Mt. Vernon St.) in Winchester, Massachusetts.
An entertaining evening of 10 amateur bouts are scheduled as the Cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point take on a New England all-star caliber team comprised of boxers from the Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT), University of Massachusetts, University of Connecticut, Trinity College and Harvard University.
“College boxing is not just a sport but also a high-impact leadership development activity,” NCBA president Eric Buller said. “Come out and support these young men and women who face the highest levels of rigor in the classroom and the boxing gym. They will ultimately be the future leaders of our companies, communities and our nation.  Each has worked hard to earn membership in the “Six-Minute Fraternity”.
Two West Points Cadets from Winchester, Luca LoConte Bota and Jack Ward, will headline the event in the homecoming.
Former professional world champions “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell) and Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera (Worcester) will be special guests at “Collegiate Fight Night”.
Seacoast Ticket Agency is the exclusive online (www.seacoastticket.com) and phone(1.800.382.5242) ordering ticket service for “Collegiate Fight Night”. Tickets plus ($2.50 service fee) are priced at $20.00 for general admission and limited $40.00 ringside reserved. Limited $500 VIP packages are also available and include four ringside reserved tickets, including a pre-event reception at Lucias Ristorante in Winchester (cash bar), company name recognition in the event program, post and pre-event Meet & Greet with special guest boxers at Lucias. Tickets may be available to purchase fight night at the door, however, this event is expected to sell-out in advance.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /NCBA, /USABoxing

Melson and Holyfield to visit Sloan Kettering Children’s Hospital and St. Albans Community Living Center

Melson and Holyfield.jpeg


For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY (September 4, 2017) – Retired boxer and NY-11 congressional candidate Boyd Melson and 2017 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee turned promoter Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield will visit two New York care centers this week.

On Tuesday, September 5, Melson and Holyfield will spend time with children at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The world’s oldest and largest private cancer center, the MSKCC’s devoted more than 130 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research and outstanding educational programs. The visit takes place at the main campus, located at 1275 York Avenue in New York, NY.

Two days later, the pair heads to St. Albans Community Living Center in Queens, NY. Run by the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System (VA NYHHS), St. Albans Community Living Center has 386 beds and provides extended care, primary care and housing for homeless veterans. The center also offers counseling and training for patients looking to return to independent living.

Melson, an Army Public Affairs Officer who comes from a military family, is looking forward to teaming up with a boxing legend to spend time with those in need.

I have differing emotions here,” said Melson, who hopes to unseat Rep. Dan Donovan in the 2018 election. “My inner child is extremely excited because I remember the first fight I watched was Evander Holyfield against Riddick Bowe. My father would talk about Evander and his warrior heart every time he brought up boxing, so he became my first favorite fighter. 

Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this with somebody like Evander. I sincerely thank him for going with me to visit Sloan Kettering and my fellow Veterans that served in our nation’s armed forces but are now homeless. Between my parents, two siblings and myself, we have about 65 years of military service. Helping the military is extremely important for me and I’m also on the Advisory Board for the non-profit Stop Soldier Suicide.

For the Sloan Kettering visit, I’ve spent the past week trying to emotionally prepare to see innocent children suffering from cancer. These children are the truest of warriors with more bravery than anybody. They’ll be my greatest teachers on Tuesday. Children are the key to our future and veterans that represented this great country will forever have my gratitude.”

For more information on Melson, please visitwww.BoydMelson.com. To learn more about Real Deal Promotions, go to www.therealdealboxing.com.

BOXING CHAMPION BOYD MELSON LAUNCHED CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS IN NEW YORK’S 11TH DISTRICT

 

STATEN ISLAND-Today, Boyd Melson, former WBC USNBC champion, 2008 Olympic alternate, and Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, publicly launched his campaign for Congress against Republican Dan Donovan. The campaign released a video to mark the announcement which highlights Melson’s dedication to helping others through his service to our country, his passion and commitment to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries, and the personal struggle and vow he made to help those struggling with drug addiction.
Melson’s deep passion for helping others motivated his stalwart advocacy and support for spinal cord research. He donated all of his professional boxing winnings and worked to raise a combined total of nearly $400,000 to fund research to cure spinal cord injuries. Melson has continued to support the non- profit he co-founded “TEAM FIGHT TO WALK” and has also taken on a new challenge-raising awareness about opiate and opioid addiction. He has donated earnings from fights to a non-profit which aims to defeat drug addictions among young adults and he conducts a weekly free boxing clinic on Staten Island for any resident in the borough who is battling a drug addiction.
“I’ve spent my entire life fighting-for people I love, for causes I believe in, and for this country,” said Melson. “I want to represent those who live on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn because I can be their Champion and make sure their voices, needs, and concerns are heard throughout the halls of Congress.”
Melson, who is mixed with Louisiana Creole and Jewish, is a native New Yorker who spent most of his childhood in South Brooklyn and Staten Island. After graduating from High School, he earned an appointment at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, following in the footsteps of his family to serve his country. While at West Point, Melson was quickly recognized as a skilled pugilist and racked up many achievements,  including his winning of the National Collegiate Boxing Association National Championship.
 “The struggle that so many people here in New York, in this district, and all over the country are facing every day is tragic,” said Melson. I understand the challenges and barriers individuals with a drug addiction face and I want to do everything I can to help them. Ramping up law enforcement part of the solution, but by itself, is not the solution. We need to tackle this issue by helping people and giving them the resources they need to get healthy.”
Melson filed paperwork to run for Congress in April. For four weeks spanning from May to June following Melson’s filing, he was away on Active Duty orders serving at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. His campaign raised more than $50,000 in the second quarter of the year.
For more information on the campaign, please visit : www.boydmelson.com