Boxing In New York: 2010 Ring 8 Awards Slated For December 19

ByBoxing Press

The 24th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 PM/ET), December 19 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Ring 8 was formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, and it became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association — hence, Ring “8” — and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

“We’re delighted to host our 24th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony,” Ring 8 spokesperson Tony Mazzarella said. “We are genuinely dedicated to lending a helping hand to those in the boxing community who are less fortunate and may require assistance in terms of paying their rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

“This wonderful event not only celebrates our great sport of boxing, but it also insures that much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will always proudly stand in their corner.”

In addition to Joe Frazier, other invited former world champion quests include Emile Griffith, Vito Antuofermo, “Neon” Leon Spinks, Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill, Iran “The Blade” Barkley and Junior “Poison” Jones, as well as past world heavyweight challenger Ken Norton.

2010 Ring 8 Honorees

Father/Son Award: “Smokin’” Joe Frazier and Marvis Frazier

Uncrowned Champion Award: “Sonny Lou Volpe & Lenny Mangiapane

Trainer of the Year: Tommy Gallagher

Lifetime Achievement Award: Lou Raino

Integrity in Boxing Award: Joe Dwyer

Ringside Physician Award: Dr. Ralph Bohm

Amateur Official Award: John Holden

Outstanding Service Award: Paulette Balog

Dedicated Service Award: David Yatkowitz

Prospect of the Year Award: Gabriel Bracero

Tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are available to purchase by calling 1.718.729.4862, emailing DepComish@aol.com or mailing checks (payable to Ring 8) to Tony Mazzarella, C/O Waterfront Crab House, 2-03 Borden Ave., Long Island, NY 11101. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.

Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating.

Call Tony Mazzarella (718.729.4862) for additional information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday and Awards Ceremony, or go online to www.Ring8ny.com.

Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach (718.843.5055).