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Long Island City, NY - January 10, 2010
RING 8 2009 HOLIDAY AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Russo’s on the
Bay
162-45 Crossbay
Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Dec 20th, 2009 celebration was regretfully cancelled due to the
2009 North American blizzard. A Nor'easter that formed
over the Gulf of Mexico, and produced whiteout conditions, dumped about 16–20
inches (41–51 cm) of snow in many places, including major cities along the
Eastern seaboard. No choice but to reschedule for Jan 10th,
2010.
Jan 10th,
2010 the Ring 8 2009 Ceremony took place on a sunny and brisk Sunday
afternoon. At 12:00 record crowds of over 450 members, honorees, guests and
celebrity guests entered to 90 minutes of a full brunch which included gourmet
breakfast foods, pastries, appetizers, and open bar with top shelf liquors and
beers. At 1:45, Matt Farrago announced that the event was to begin.
Special guest,
Michelle, sang the National Anthem and was given a standing ovation.
The 10 count was
delivered for our fallen warriors such as Alexis Arguello, Arturo Gatti,
Vernon
Forest, Tony Thornton,
Jackie Tonawanda, Greg Page, Jose Torres, Ingehmar Johansson. Also, Budd
Schulberg, Howie Albert, Roland LaStarza, and many more, who passed away in
2009.
Honorees and
Celebrity Guests were introduced and asked to take their place on the
dais.
Vito Antuofermo Middleweight Champion Tony DiPippo
Iran Barkley Middleweight Champion Tommy Gallagher
Emile Griffith Welter/Middleweight Champion Bill Gallo
Vinny Maddalone Heavyweight Contender Dr. Schwartz
Junior Jones Bantamweight
title Pete Brodsky
Gerry Cooney Heavyweight Contender Bob Goodman
Larry Holmes Heavyweight Champion Dr. Lynn
Mark Breland Welterweight Champion Burt Young
Bert
Sugar
Special guest appearance by actor, Paul Sorvino
Opening statement
was delivered by Matt Farrago:
“Ring 8 is a
not-for-profit organization. As stated in its charter, its purpose is to
"FOSTER, PROMOTE, and PERPEPUATE" a spirit of benevolent Fraternity and Charity
among active and inactive valid professional boxers, and to provide for the
physical, mental, and monetary welfare of indigent professional
boxers.”
“Unlike other major
sports that have a union to represent the athlete, professional boxers have no
such safetynet. Even without a union it
is hard to believe that such legendary fighters such as Mickey Walker, Kid
Gavilan, Sandy Saddler, Joe Louis, Joe Frazier, and Ken Norton would not be
taken care of by the boxing establishment when they fall on hard times. So Ring 8 was started as the 8th charter and
continues to be at the forefront of taking care of these legendary
warriors."
“Your
donations go directly to helping fighters in need. Our Motto still stands
today:
"Boxers Helping Boxers."
Please visit our website to make tax deductible
donations.
www.Ring8NY.com
or send email to
MattFarragoRing8@yahoo.com
Awards were
presented by members of the Ring 8 Board.
Tommy Gallagher made
a special speech about the uncrowned warriors that go unnoticed and
unremembered. He announced 30 - 40
names. Fighters from every section of
the room came up one by one and filled the stage. Fo
Mark Breland: Ring 8 Community Service Award presented by Tommy Gallagher
Pete Brodsky: Ring 8 Contributions to Boxing Award presented by Bob Duffy
Tony DiPippo: Ring 8 Outstanding Service Award presented by Bob Bartel
Bill Gallo: Ring 8 Good Guy Award presented by Gallagher, Bartel, and Duffy
Bob Goodman: Ring 8 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Richie O'Neill
Vinnie Maddalone: Ring 8 Uncrowned Champion Award presented by Joe Dwyer
Dr. Michael Schwartz: Ring 8 Ringside Physician of the Year Award presented by Jack Hirsch
Dr. Jerry Lynn: Ring 8 Humanitarian Award presented by Lenny Mangiapane
rmer contenders, top ranked fighters and
warriors were called up to be given the respect that they deserve. Ike Padilla, a retired local heavyweight
fighter, spoke eloquently of how he was personally helped by Ring 8. Mark Medal, IBF light middleweight champion,
came to tears speaking about how much he appreciated just the invitation to come
as a guest. Top contender Larry Stanton,
who fought world champion Howard Davis twice, spoke about his appreciation of
our organization and how we’re able and willing to help many of our fallen
fighters.
Gloves signed by Ray
"Boom Boom" Mancini and Leon Spinks were auctioned off.
A picture of Joe
Frazier knocking down Muhammad Ali, signed by referee Arthur Mercante, was
auctioned off.
The winners of the
Silent Auction were announced. Some of
the items auctioned off were signed boxing gloves by Ricky Hatton, Floyd
Mayweather, Carlos Palomino, Alexis Arguello; signed boxing shorts by Joe
Frazier and Ken Norton; our 2009 journal cover illustration by Bill Gallo; a
signed fight poster of Holmes/Ali, donated by Mike Silver; workout clothing
signed by Johannsen/Patterson, donated by Vice President, Henny
Wallitsch.
The ceremony
concluded at 5:30 pm
The next general meeting will be held at 7:00pm
on February 16, 2010 at the Waterfront Crabhouse.
Ring 8 is a tax exempt organization that has helped hundreds of boxers. Anyone interested in boxing can help by making a tax deductible contribution to Ring 8 can send to.
Veterans Boxers Association Inc Ring 8
c/o Waterfront Crabhouse
2-03 Borden Ave.
L.I.City N.Y.11101 Tel 718 729 4862
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