FEBRUARY 2009 • ISSUE II

FEATURES • Queen Underwood and Jerry Odom...... 2

• Team USA vs. Ireland Results and preparation...... 3

• Jessica Cohen ...... 4

• 2008-09 Scholarship...... 4

• Club of the Month - Victory Club, Omaha, NE...... 5

• National Silver Gloves Aiba Executive Committee Casts A Unanimous Vote Champions...... 6 For Women’s Boxing At The 2012 Olympic Games

• Physician’s Symposium...... 7 The International The IOC is expected to make a deci- Association (AIBA), amateur box- sion on whether women’s boxing is • Task Force Nominations...... 7 ing’s international federation, voted included in the 2012 Olympic Games at unanimously to send the International its Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, Olympic Committee a new proposal on which runs from October 3-5. Boxing • Nominate your Coach or Gym behalf of Olympic inclusion for wom- is the only summer sport that doesn’t for next month!...... 7 en’s boxing in 2012. The AIBA Execu- currently have a female counterpart in tive Committee officially approved the Olympic competition. The first wom- • AIBA News...... 8 initiative on the final day of meetings, en’s amateur boxing bout in the United February 16-18 in , Italy. States took place in 1993, and AIBA has governed women’s action since • In Memoriam...... 8 “This is a crucial decision in the de- 1994. velopment of women’s boxing,” AIBA • Get a USA Boxing T-Shirt for President Dr. Ching Kuo Wu said after AIBA created a women’s commis- just $10!...... 8 the meeting. “AIBA fully supports the sion 10 years ago and held the first idea of including women’s boxing in the ever Women’s World Championships Olympic Games and now we must work in Scranton, Pa., in 2001. Since that hard and try to put forward a proposal time, numerous World Championships the IOC can not refuse.” events and continental tournaments have taken place. Those events could The AIBA Technical and Rules Com- serve as qualifiers for the Olympic mission presented a new proposal, Games should the IOC approve AIBA’s which will incorporate women’s boxers proposal. into the Olympic program and stream- AIBA EC Meeting Milan, February 16-18, 2009 (photo line the men’s weight categories. credit: AIBA)

THE WRITE FEBRUARY 2009 1 ISSUE II QUEEN UNDERWOOD

Queen Underwood, a light ing Center with 11 male athletes during out of Seattle, Wash., represented the the week leading up to the dual and says United States this month as the only female relaxing while in the ring will be key to her in the USA vs. Ireland Dual. The 24-year- success. She also plans on observing old began boxing while in high school and prior bouts in an effort to see the types of currently trains out of Cappy’s Boxing gym punches the officials are more likely to rec- under the supervision of Cappy Kotz. ognize and score. This bout is only a stepping stone for Under- Underwood met her match in Ireland’s Katie wood who says a large part of her staying Taylor, a three-time World Champion in the amateur is the hope that women’s boxing division. Although Underwood will be included in the 2012 Olympics. It is was the 2007 U. S. Champion and 2008 U. her dream to represent her country in the S. Future Stars National Champion, these world’s premiere sporting event, and looks bouts were contested in the light welter- forward to having her sport be contested in weight division. She dropped down to 132 . lbs. to face Taylor. Underwood trained at the Olympic Train- See page 3 for Queen’s results. Queen Underwood (photo credit: Glenn DePriest)

JERRY ODOM Light Jerry Odom (Bowie, chance to meet a lot of people and judges.” Md.) has enjoyed a highly successful debut year in the sport of amateur boxing. Less With the first national title of what he hopes than one year after his first-ever amateur will be many under his belt, Odom will now boxing contest, Odom claimed not only the prepare for his first Junior Olympics, which title in the 14-15-year- will be contested as a part of the USA old age group, but also one of the highly Boxing National Championships in June in coveted outstanding boxing awards. Odom’s Denver. He continues to work hard in the uncle, Kenneth Williams, an AAU basketball gym and believes that his greatest strength coach, encouraged the teenager to take in the ring is the body shots he inflicts on up a sport and his nephew chose boxing. his opponents. He knows that many of the Through his contacts, William found Odom’s boxers he faces have more experience than coach Bernard Roach. He made his boxing he does, but continues to work to combat debut on February 23, 2008 and quickly that by learning in the gym everyday with his found his niche in the sweet science. A stu- coach. dent at Flowers High School in Springdale, Md., Odom trains at the No Excuses Boxing Odom continues to enjoy the camaraderie Gym in Capitol Heights, Md. and the chance to train hard with his team- mates in the gym, and says that’s what he photo credit: Nathan Armes Odom made his first trip to the National loves most about he boxing game. Odom Silver Gloves in February, and truly enjoyed celebrated his 16th birthday on Friday, and his first national championship event. “It was with the success he has enjoyed in his de- a great experience,” Odom said. “I got the but year, his future looks very bright.

THE WRITE HOOK FEBRUARY 2009 2 ISSUE II Team USA Faces Off in Two Duals with Ireland The United States took part in the first Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA, 17-11 Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash./USA, 30-3 international event of 2009, boxing in two 112 lbs/51 kg: Rau’shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio/ 132 lbs/60 kg: Ross Hickey, Ireland dec. Eric duals with Ireland. Twelve boxers from the USA* dec. Ruairi Dalton, Ireland Fowler, Montgomery, Texas/USA, 19-6 United States traveled to Ireland for the two 119 lbs/54 kg: Ryan Lindberg, Ireland dec. Er- 141 lbs/64 kg: Phillip Sutcliffe, Ireland dec. nesto Garza, Saginaw, Mich./USA, 18-6 Charles Watson, Johnson City, Tenn./USA, 13-9 competitions, which took place at the Na- 125 lbs/57 kg: David Oliver Joyce, Ireland dec. 152 lbs/69 kg: Willie McLoughlin, Ireland, dec. tional Stadium in on Friday, February Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio/USA*, 6-6 Javontae Starks, Minneapolis, Minn./USA, 15-10 27 and the Arch Centre Athy in Kildare on (13-12) 165 lbs/75 kg: Darren O’Neill, Ireland, dec. Aleem Sunday, March 1. 132 lbs/60 kg: Eric Donovan, Ireland dec. Eric Whitfield, Geneva, N.Y./USA, 13-5 Fowler, Montgomery, Texas/USA, 27-7 178 lbs/81 kg: Siju Shabazz won on walkover As the first senior level international competi- 132 lbs/female: Katie Taylor, Ireland*** stopped 201 lbs/91 kg: Con Sheehan, Ireland, dec. Paul tion for a full United States team following Queen Underwood, Seattle, Wash./USA, RSC-2 Koon, , Pa./USA, 14-4 the 2008 Olympic Games, the event was 141 lbs/64 kg: John Joe Watson, Ireland, dec. 201+ lbs/91+ kg: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev./ Charles Watson, Johnson City, Tenn./USA, 20-2 USA stopped Anthony Crampton, Ireland, RSC-2 the international debut for several members 152 lbs/69 kg: Roy Sheahan, Ireland dec. Javon- of the United States team. In addition, three tae Starks, Minneapolis, Minn./USA, 8-3 *2008 Olympian returning athletes, Rau’shee War- 178 lbs/81 kg: Denis Hogan, Ireland dec. Siju Sha- ** 2008 Olympic bronze medalist ren (Cincinnati, Ohio), Raynell bazz, Las Cruces, N.M./USA, 11-8 *** Two-time World Champion Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) and super heavy- 201 lbs/91 kg: Paul Koon, Philadelphia, Pa./USA weight Michael Hunter (Las Vegas, Nev.) all dec. John Sweeney, Ireland, 19-19 (45-37) enjoyed the chance to showcase their skills. Friday, February 27 – National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland The United States will return home today 106 lbs/48 kg: , Ireland, dec. Louie following more than two weeks away from Byrd, Denver, Colo./USA, 22-2 home for the training camp and competition. 112 lbs/51 kg: Rau’shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio/ USA dec. Declan Geraghty, Ireland, 15-4 The full results from the two duals were: 119 lbs/54 kg: John Joe Nevin, Ireland dec. Er- nesto Garza, Saginaw, Mich./USA, 16-1 Sunday, March 1 – Arch Centre Athy, Kildare, 125 lbs/57 kg: Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio/ Ireland USA dec. Carl Frampton, Ireland, 13-10 (photo) Rau’shee Warren, Michael Hunter and Raynell 106 lbs/48 kg: Paddy Barnes, Ireland**, dec. Louie 132 lbs/female: Katie Taylor, Ireland,*** dec. Williams

USA vs. Ireland Squad Speaks At Colorado Springs Elementary School

only been boxing for four years, he has already whether it is in a or in life as adversity become the top ranked boxer in the country and will also come, but the important thing is how you they should all chase their own dreams. Fowler chose to react to it. then went around the room asking the students what they dream of being when they grow up. The squad handled all the young people’s ques- The students wished to be every profession in tions with great poise and champion the spectrum including: President of the United Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.) even taught one of States, a doctor, an engineer, a ballerina, a track the students how to throw a . runner, and even a boxer. USA Boxing plans to engage in additional speak- The young students had many outstanding ques- ing opportunities in the future, creating important tions for the boxers throughout the presentation, outreach for the organization and its athletes in (photo) Eric Fowler at Helen Hunt Elementary including specific questions for the lone female schools and youth facilities across the country. School athlete¸ Queen Underwood, on how it felt to be the only woman on a men’s time. Underwood The United States team facing Ireland in Dual told the students that her teammates were very action today and Sunday took time out of their welcoming to her and she truly enjoyed the experi- training schedule to visit Helen Hunt Elementary ence. School in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Friday, February 20. The boxers spent an hour with the A second topic reemerged throughout the pre- youngsters, sharing their own experiences of sentation – how does it feel to receive a ? adversity and success with the approximately 150 Numerous team members answered the various students in attendance. versions of the question, explaining to the young people that there was much more to boxing than Lightweight Eric Fowler opened the presenta- receiving blows. They also explained the impor- Team USA at Helen Hunt Elementary School in tion by telling the students that although he has tance of getting up when you get knocked down, Colorado Springs

THE WRITE HOOK FEBRUARY 2009 3 ISSUE II Staff Spotlight Jessica Cohen Cross

Jessica Cohen Cross joined USA Boxing’s team as the Marketing Manager in November of 2007. As Marketing Manager, Cross handles the organiza- tion’s grant outreach, sponsor sales support, sponsor and licensee account management, event marketing, as well as assisting the membership depart- ment with membership marketing. In addition, she has worked to build and grow USA Boxing’s Gloves Not Guns program.

Prior to her time at USA Boxing, Cross served as the Senior Manager of Marketing Partnerships at the Road Runners/IMG Marathon in New York. Cross is a graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Busi- ness, where she majored in Marketing and Statistics while competing in both swimming and diving. She and husband Greg have a 20-month-old daughter, Haley. Outside the office, Cross enjoys swimming, running, crafts, baking and playing with Haley.

USA Boxing Announces 2008-09 Scholarship Recipients

USA Boxing provides annual schol- Masters in Business); Tahree Carroll and Community Sciences); Joseph arships to its athlete members. The (Philadelphia, Pa./ University Radunzel (Milwaukee, Wis./Marquette recipients were announced on February of , Respiratory Care); University, Accounting); Jeremy Ramos 2. The USA Boxing Foundation awarded Arturo Crespin (Las Vegas, Nev./New (Colorado Springs, Colo./Pikes Peak a total of $33,000 from the Thomas Mexico State University, Undecided); Community College, Physical Educa- "Sarge" Johnson Scholarship Fund to Tiaryn Daniels (Palm Bay, Fla./Brevard tion); Tracy Rollins (Homewood, Ill./ 23 deserving college students. Of the 23 Community College, Sports Medicine); Roosevelt University, Undecided); Jose recipients, 12 are receiving the scholar- Tommy Duquette (Waltham, Mass./ Saenz (Kansas City, Mo./Rockhurst ship for the first time, while the remain- Mass Bay Community College, Unde- University, Accounting/CPA); Michael ing 11 are continuing with the program. cided); Donna Gallardo (Milwaukee, Schreckengost (Imperial, Pa./Uni- The recipients represent 16 different Wis./Milwaukee Area Technical College, versity of Pittsburgh, Administration local boxing committees with Allegheny Electrical Engineering); Andre Henry of Justice and Kinesiology); Joshua Mountain being the most represented, (Brooklyn, N.Y./St. Francis College, Pre Stone (College Park, Md./University of having three students receive funding. Med); Brittany Inkrote (Red Lion, Pa./ Maryland, Architecture); Samuel Suska Scholarships are available to USA Box- York College, Criminal Justice); Jack (Pittsburgh, Pa./Indiana University of ing members who have three consecu- Maine (Elwood City, Pa./Slippery Rock Pennsylvania, Health and Physical tive years of membership and are not University, Elementary Education, Spe- Education); Herman Taylor (Knoxville, based on performance in the ring. cial Education); Luis Mora (Los Ange- Tenn./University of Tennessee at Knox- les, Calif./California State University, ville, Business); Shawn Weyer (Stillwa- The 2008-09 recipients are Luis Arias Los Angeles, Sociology); Willie Padilla ter, Minn./North Dakota State University, (Milwaukee, Wis./Marquette University, (Rock Springs, Wyo./Western Wyoming Business and Certification for Massage Business Management); Caroline Bar- Community College, Secondary Educa- and Chiropractor); Christian Williford ry (Colorado Springs, Colo./College of tion); Kevin Pearson (Fort Pierce, Fla./ (Lafayette, La./University of Louisiana at Management and Technology - Walden, University of Florida, Family, Youth, Lafayette, Secondary Education).

THE WRITE HOOK FEBRUARY 2009 4 ISSUE II USA Boxing’s February “Club of the Month” - Victory Boxing Club, Omaha, Nebraska

together as a team daily at 5 Perales pride themselves on providing new p.m. “It’s quite a scene to see and unique opportunities beyond teach- 25 boxers running together ing an and a jab. They took 20 in South Omaha,” Determan inner city kids on their first camping trip said. and participate in city events such as the annual Cinco de Mayo parade. Through The gym has recently wel- their new facility, the Victory Boxing Club comed a group of firefighters is able to host local shows and participate and policeman to its facility in community outreach events. They will in preparation for an upcom- have their official grand opening on April ing Guns and Hoses event. 25 with the Mayor taking part in the rib- Determan believes the in- bon cutting ceremony. volvement of the policeman The Victory Boxing Club in Omaha, Neb., is and firefighters only helps to Numerous police officers make time to USA Boxing’s Club of the month. Founded strengthen their already positive relation- visit the gym to meet the boxers and build by former professional boxer and current ship with local police and their community. relationships with the community’s young minister, Rev. Servando Perales, the Victory people. While they have enjoyed success Boxing Club provides a ring of refuge for The gym relies mainly on the donations of in the ring, including 2007 Junior Olym- young people in South Omaha. A former others, sponsorships and grants for its op- pic national champion and number four gang member who admits he terrorized erating budget. Yet the Victory Boxing Club ranked flyweight Johnny Determan; their the streets of South Omaha, Rev. Perales was dealt a tough blow in the summer measuring stick extends beyond wins and now provides a positive alternative for of 2008 as storms drove the boxers and losses. “Some of our kids will never box, young people through boxing. Upon cre- coaches out of its facility. Due to the roof but that’s okay because we are not just a ating the gym, Perales received a donation being torn off the building, rain threatened boxing club,” Determan said. of boxing equipment from Coach John to destroy the gym’s equipment so Perales Determan. The coach would soon donate and Determan were forced to move it into Determan and Perales believe that being more than gloves and bags as Perales their garage and basement. However an mentors to their boxers outside of the ring recruited Determan to become head coach anonymous individual who believed in the as is critical to their success as serving as for his new gym. important work being done in the gym, coaches. They take pride in seeing their purchased a 10,000 square foot building athletes succeed in every area and have Two years later, Perales and Determan for the program. “Someone who believes taken pride in seeing gym members go on enjoy a highly successful boxing gym that in our mission and our program bought to college and into the military. USA Box- routinely houses 25-30 boxers a night, the building for us,” Determan said. ing would like to congratulate the Victory ranging in age from 10-25-years-old. Yet, Boxing Club on the outstanding work it is Determan and Perales teach more than Despite the kind gesture, the Victory doing in the community as well as receiv- boxing; they are mentors for the young Boxing Club still struggles to may their ing the first Club of the Month award. people who come to the gym everyday. rent. We live on faith to pay our rent every There are strict guidelines for the boxers month,” Determan said. who train there, which include no swear- ing or gang activity as well as respect for The gym is hosting a fundraising event this themselves and others and maintaining week – an enchilada feed. The boxers and good grades in school. Both the boxer and coaches will make all of the enchiladas in a parent must sign an agreement stating a nearby church kitchen, and have been that they understand all the gym’s rules advertising the opportunity to purchase and agree to abide by them. enchiladas to go, or the chance to come see the gym and eat their enchiladas on New boxers are welcomed with two weeks site. of conditioning obefore they are intro- duced to boxing skills, and the athletes run Determan, a former police officer, and

THE WRITE HOOK SEPTEMBER 2008 5 VOLUME IV 2009 National Silver Gloves Champions

The 2009 National Silver Gloves cham- 80 lbs: Christian Bermudez, Brooklyn, 12-13-year-olds pionships were contested, February 5-7, N.Y. 60 lbs: William Dierksheide, Huntsville, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Indepen- 85 lbs: Aujee Tyler, Waldorf, Md. Texas dence, Mo. The annual event showcas- 90 lbs: Daniel Ramirez, Richardson, 178 lbs: Damien Rico, Los Angeles, es many of the nation’s top 10-15-year- Texas (defending champion) California old boxers as they vie for a national title. 95 lbs: Hector Valdez, Dallas, Texas 201 lbs: Eduardo Duran, Detroit, Michi- All of the competitors in the three-day 100 lbs: Heriberto Ramirez, Richardson, gan event earned their spot in the National Texas 14-15-year-olds Silver Gloves by competing in local and 106 lbs: Luben Erickson, Orlando, Fla. 70 lbs: Detek Slater, Lima, Ohio regional qualifiers before advancing to 112 lbs: Gary Salazar, Fresno, Calif. 75 lbs: Melik Elliston, Denver, Colorado the national level. 119 lbs: Tra-Kwon Pettis, Atlanta, Ga. 125 lbs: Darrion Lawson, Flint, Mich. n addition to the national champions, The Silver Gloves often provide an early 132 lbs: Kareem Martin, Clinton, Md. several awards were distributed at the showcase for future stars of the sport, 139 lbs: Junior Younan, Brooklyn, N.Y. event. The award winners are: and seven of the nine 2008 United 147 lbs: Christopher Johnson, Birming- States Olympians competed in the event ham, Ala. OUTSTANDING BOXER AWARD before moving on to the senior level. 165 lbs: Rodney Anthony, Paterson, N.J. JUNIOR 10 – 11 Forty-five champions were crowned 14-15-year olds Angel Alba, Cudahy, Calif.Region 8 over the weekend with six 2008 titlists 80 lbs: Gabriel Muratella, Fontana, Calif. INTERMEDIATE 12 – 13 repeating the feat in 2009. Congratula- 85 lbs: Stephen Fulton, Jr., Philadelphia, Kareem Martin, Largo, Md. Region 3 tions to all of the national champions. Pa. SENIOR 14 – 15 The 2009 National Silver Gloves cham- 90 lbs: Steven Ortiz, Philadelphia, Pa. Jerry Odom, Bowie, Md. Region 3 pions are: 95 lbs: Trinidad Sanchez, Pacoima, Calif. SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD 100 lbs: Steve Cross, Covington, Texas 10-11-year-olds 106 lbs: Marshall Sanchez, Houston, 55 lbs: Juan Aguilar, Desert Hot Springs, JUNIOR 10 – 11 Calif. Texas (defending champion) Manuel Rodriguez, Region 8 60 lbs: D'Angelo Sandate, Arvada, Colo. 112 lbs: Ray Ximenez, Dallas, Texas 65 lbs: Jordan White Waldorf, Md. 119 lbs: Danyell Lynch, Buffalo, N.Y. INTERMEDIATE 12 – 13 70 lbs: Zimmie Dickinson, Waldorf, Md. 125 lbs: Ricardo Gallegos, Caldwell, Chase Calloway, St. Joseph, Mo. Region 5 Idaho (defending champion) (defending champion) SENIOR 14 – 15 132 lbs: Manuel Rojas, Dallas, Texas 75 lbs: Ruben Villa, Salinas, Calif. Kasean Parker, Region 1 80 lbs: Miguel Alcantara, Los Angeles, 139 lbs: Semajay Thomas, Chicago, Ill., Calif. 147 lbs: Angel Bojado, Los Angeles, 85 lbs: Gabriel Rojas, Lancaster, Calif. Calif. LEO LONG MENTOR AWARD 90 lbs: Wrylee Padilla, Rock Springs, 156 lbs: Damian Howard, St. Louis, Mo. Rodrigo Mosquera, San Bernadino, Calif. Wyo. 165 lbs: D'Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, Md. 95 lbs: Eric Chavez, Aloha, Ore. HALL OF FAME AWARD 100 lbs: Cesar Pineda, Hillsboro, Ore. 178 lbs: Jerry Odom, Bowie, Md. Junious Hinton, District Heights, Md. 110 lbs: Angel Alba, Cudahy, Calif. 201 lbs. Lamar Richards, Philadelphia, 115 lbs: Quintayse Samples, Atlanta, Pa. Ga. 201+lbs: Robert Coons, San Diego, TEAM AWARDS Calif. (defending champion)

12-13-year-olds First Place Team Region 8 Unopposed champions 65 lbs: Nico Hernandez, Wichita, Kan- Second Place Team Region 3 10-11-year-olds sas (defending champion) Third Place Team Region 6 70 lbs: Amery Zavala, Corona, Calif. 50 lbs: Jerome Williams, Washington 75 lbs: Armando Mercado, Pueblo, DC Colo.

THE WRITE HOOK FEBRUARY 2009 6 ISSUE II USA Boxing to Host The 2009 Ringside Physician’s Symposium June 10-13 in Denver, Colorado

The USA Boxing Physician’s and the second from other USA The hotel is located five minutes Symposium will once again be Boxing personnel. You must have from the Denver Coliseum where held in conjunction with the USA also served as the lead physician boxing will take place and USA Boxing National Championships. at three events to take the exam. Boxing will provide shuttle service The 2009 Physicians Symposium between the hotel and venue. will take place June 10-13 in The lecture/classroom instruction Please contact Lynette Smith at Denver, Colo., and any licensed will take place Wednesday-Fri- (719) 866-2311 or physician may participate. Mem- day, June 10-12 and the certifica- [email protected] for ad- bership in USA Boxing is required tion exam will be given on Satur- ditional information and event but can be done at the time if day, June 13 from 9 a.m. – noon. forms. necessary, and is free. For your convenience, a block of PLEASE NOTE- THE RED LION In order to take the certification rooms has been reserved at the ADDRESS AND PHONE exam, you must have three years Red Lion Hotel (4040 Quebec NUMBER LISTED ON of experience with USA Boxing or Street, Denver, Colorado, 80207) PREVIOUS PAPERWORK IS the American Association of Pro- at a rate of $79 per night plus INCORRECT. THE CORRECT fessional Ringside Physicians. tax. Please call 303-321-6666 PHONE NUMBER AND Two letter of recommendation and mention the USA Boxing ADDRESS ARE SHOWN are required – one from your Lo- Ringside Physicians Symposium ABOVE. cal Boxing Committee president when making your reservation.

Nominate Your Club or Get Involved with USA Boxing’s Task Forces Coach!!

USA Boxing is currently accept- Our current task forces have been in place for a little over one year now. ing nominations for its Club of the They have tackled many issues and brought forth a lot of new ideas for im- Month and Coach of the Month proving our organization. If you are interested in serving on a task force or would like to nominate an individual member to chair one of USA Boxing’s awards. If there is an exceptional task forces, please send your request to Lynette Smith at club or coach in your area, give lsmith@usaboxing .org. Current task forces include: Women’s, Official’s, them the recognition they de- LBC’s, NMU Fundraising, Coaches, Rules and Regulations, and Group serve by nominating them for this Member. award. Send any nominations to [email protected] with Please refer to the USA Boxing Website for guidelines. pertinent information about why you think the club and/or coach is deserving of this award as well as your contact information for any follow-up questions.

THE WRITE HOOK FEBRUARY 2009 7 ISSUE II IN MEMORIAM AIBA News AIBA has announced the host cities for up- coming major international events. Busan, Korea will host the 2011 World Champion- ships, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. The 2011 Women’s World Boxing Champi- onships will take place in Barbados while France will host the 2010 Youth World Championships.

AIBA and (formerly known as World League) partner IMG, Stan Gallup (photo courtesy of Dr. Donald Romeo (photo signed a shareholder’s agreement at the newmexicoboxing.com) courtesy of SUN FILE PHOTO) Executive Committee in Milan, Italy. The project is due to launch in 2010 with inter- USA Boxing lost two highly influ- ruary 5-7 in Independence, Mo. He national franchises. ential and respected individuals was 87-years-old when he passed in February as Stan Gallup and Dr. away at his home in Kentucky on AIBA will introduce an official international Donald Romeo passed away. Gal- February 21. world ranking system following the 2009 lup was known as the Godfather of World Championships in Milan, Italy. the Golden Gloves and Mr. Boxing Longtime boxing physician, Dr. of New Mexico. His time in boxing Donald Romeo died Sunday, Febru- began shortly after World War II, ary 15 in his hometown of Las Ve- in which he was a member of the gas. A staple at major fights in Las Get this official USA Flying Tiger corps. Gallup became Vegas, Romeo served at contests Boxing T-Shirt for just part owner of a radio station that such as Muhammad Ali vs. Floyd sponsored the Golden Gloves. In Patterson in 1965 as well as Golden $10 1964, after the Chicago Tribune Gloves competitions. He served as (retail value: discontinued their sponsorship the team physician for the 1984 $17.99) of the National Golden Gloves, he Olympic Boxing team and was in- Use promo started the Golden Gloves of Amer- strumental in creating the Ringside ica, which still continues today. Physicians Association in Nevada. code BXTS Gallup was also known for his skills Romeo was a member of the South- at the USA as a ringside announcer and even ern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and Boxing announced over 200 bouts at the a lifetime/gold card member of the recent National Silver Gloves, Feb- Nevada State Athletic Commission. Online Store. Hurry!!! Special offer ends March 15.

THE WRITE HOOK FEBRUARY 2009 8 ISSUE II