The next general meeting will be held at 7:00pm on February 16, 2010 at the Waterfront Crabhouse.

To those who came to the event and to all those who helped make this the best awards ceremony Ring 8 has ever had...

THANK YOU!

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