Joe DeGuardia Champions are defined as those who reach the pinnacle of their chosen field. Joe DeGuardia has exceeded this definition, turning the pursuits of his passions into repeated success stories. In the ring, the courtroom, the office or the classroom, DeGuardia has proven to be a true Champion time and time again.
Born and bred in the Bronx, DeGuardia, the son of a professional prizefighter, excelled in school. Boxing competitively since the age of five, DeGuardia started fighting in organized boxing tournaments at the age of nine. Through the years, DeGuardia won numerous titles in boxing, including the coveted NY Golden Gloves Championship in 1988. Consistent with his ability to master separate fields simultaneously, DeGuardia won the Golden Gloves Championship while graduating in the top of his class at Hofstra Law School.
Upon graduating, DeGuardia started his work as a lawyer prosecuting cases for the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. After his success in the District Attorney’s office, DeGuardia founded the law firm that bears his name. The Law Offices of Joseph M. DeGuardia is a highly regarded, successful, Bronx-based law practice that has been repeatedly recognized for its exemplary service. Notwithstanding his work as a lawyer, DeGuardia always remained professionally active in the boxing world.
DeGuardia moved the community based Morris Park Boxing Club, which his father had founded, to a new and improved location. In his capacity as chief operator of the club, DeGuardia transformed the business into one of the busiest boxing gyms in New York, while also using it as a base from which to launch his larger business as a top boxing entrepreneur. True to his abilities, DeGuardia excelled in boxing while succeeding in the District Attorney’s office and in private practice.
During the years, DeGuardia has promoted numerous boxing stars and world champions and has been recognized as a leader among his peers. In fact, the United States Senate has called upon DeGuardia’s expertise and testimony while formulating landmark legislation pertaining to the boxing industry. Most recently DeGuardia was elected President of the Boxing Promoters Association by his peers.
World Liberty TV Boxing Team was on hand at The (NYSBHOF) where Joe Deguardia Jr, Boxing Promoter was inducted in the NY State Boxing Hall of Fame , by Jack Hirsch ,NYSBHOF Nominating Committee Chair.., See exclusive Footage in our World Liberty TV ,Boxing Channel.
The fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8.
NYSBHOF Class of 2016
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet. New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs New York City
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
World Liberty TV,Boxing team was on hand for The fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8 , ther bringing you exclusive coverage of Class of 2016, Inductee’s right here in our World Liberty TV, Boxing Channel.
Our team from World Liberty TV, Boxing team attended on Sunday Oct 9th 2022, to cover the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and Hard Rock Hotel Casino and Atlantic City. Following events below took place at the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.
Sunday, October 9, 2022, The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 6th Annual Induction & Awards Ceremony 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Celebrates and Honors class of 2022.The red carpet started at 3pm. Which took place at Sound Waves Theater, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
2022 class members included: Lennox Lewis, Julio Ceěsar Chaěvez, James Toney, Frank Fletcher, Dave Tiberi, Chuck Mussachio, Kathy Collins-Globuschutz, Kathy Duva, Pat Lynch, Kevin Rooney Sr., Lynne Carter, Randy Neumann, Dr. Domenic Coletta, Tom Casino, and posthumously: James Broad, Eddie Aliano, and Harold Lederman.
Confirmed special guests included: Roberto Duran, Michael Spinks, Shannon Briggs, Paulie Malignaggi, Ray Mercer, Tim Witherspoon, Kelly Pavlik, Michael Olajide, Iran Barkley, Pinklon Thomas, Michael Nunn, Steve Cunningham, Roxanne Shante, Montell Griffin, Gerry Cooney, Randy Gordon, and Hall of Fame Promoter J Russell Peltz.
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Celebration will offer boxing enthusiasts a weekend full of great programming, including a kick-off cocktail reception, meet & greets, and fight fan experience that features spectacular artwork, exhibits, and boxing memorabilia.
The Highlight of the weekend is our red-carpet formal Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere.
We will honor and enshrine all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca.
Guests will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with special guests, including entertainers, sports icons, government officials, and more. In addition, many of our previous honorees will be in attendance.
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame mission, vision and purpose is to offer fans and visitors alike, a highly interactive Sports & Entertainment Boxing Curation Experience, We are committed to preserving the rich boxing history of Atlantic City, through live historical curation, exhibits, legendary boxing stars, and personality appearances.
So many great boxers are too often forgotten after they have retired from the sport. The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will ensure they are always remembered, appreciated and honored by Atlantic City and surrounding communities.
Hundreds of people in attendance, came out for the 6th Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. People from all over the USA, Latin America were in attendance, we had boxing great in attendance Roberto Duran, four-time world boxing champion, who came in from Panama, who was in attendance with his daughter. He signed memorabilia and took many pictures with boxing fans in attendance.
Judge Harold Lederman, former Boxing Judge and unofficial boxing judge for HBO Boxing, who died few years ago, a good dear friend of mine. Was honored posthumously.
Judge Lederman has been inducted to many Boxing Hall of fames, with his great judging talents throughout many years. Judge Lederman’s daughter Julie Lederman, was in attendance to pick up the award Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.
It was truly a great experience for me and my team attending the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, I want to thank, Ray McCline, President and founder of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, Angela Crockett, Director of Communications, Robb Scott, Social media wizard, and Whitney Ullman, who was instrumental in helping us to set up many interviews with boxing dignitaries.
See more about Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, ceremony in our World Liberty TV, Boxing Channels and blogs by clicking here. See exclusive interview with James “Lights Out” Toney, boxing great by clicking here.
See interview with Michael “Second to” Nunn, two-time world boxing champion by clicking here.
Also see exclusive interview with Vinny Paz, former Five Time world boxing Champion, this interview is very sensitive in a way, because I spoke to vinny about his life threatening injurie and how he overcame it, he was very gracious telling me in detail how he recovered and went onto to win three more world boxing championships. This is a must see interview. See Vinny Paz interview by clicking here.
See much more in our World Liberty TV, Boxing Channels, Blogs, Photo-Galleries of who is who of the Boxing World.
Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include Manhattan welterweight Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega (131-39-6, 69 KOs), Yonkers’ world heavyweight title challenger Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes (39-8-1, 22 KOs), Yonkers middleweight Doug “Cobra’ Dewitt (33-8-5, 19 KOs), and “The Bronx Bomber,” world middleweight title challenger Alex Ramos (39-10-2, 24 KOs)
Posthumous participants being inducted are Queens’ former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 KOs), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyweight world champion Jose “Chegui” Torres (41-3-1, 29 KOs), and Williamsburg’s middleweight world champion, “The Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 KOs).
Other non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF, along with Bartels and Katz, are Brooklyn/Bronx matchmaker Stan Hoffman and Queens’ International agent Don Majeski.
Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.
The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
See more of 6th Annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony-2017 in World Liberty TV Boxing Channel by Clicking here.
A Message from out going President Bob Duffy of Ring 8 Veterans Boxing Association
To My Dear friends & Family
I want to you for coming Ring 8 Annual Holiday & Award Dinner.
It’s a special day which we acknowledge our boxing friends and family for their many accomplishments to a sport that is most dear to us.It’s our, Ring 8 ,way of saying “thank you”.For me personally ,I take pride in keeping the spirit of the Ring 8 alive with these outstanding award winners .Congratulations to all of you.
As you already know I will be stepping down as the president of Ring 8 at the end of this month.Jack Hirsch will be stepping in as the new President and he will carry on with the duties and the responsibilities of running this prestigious organization. With an outstanding Board of Directors,I can only see better things in our future.
As a past president I will be in the company of a great many past presidents ,Bobby Bartels,Hennie Wallitsch, Patsy Giovannelli,Tio Raino and Ruby Goldstein to name a few.
There are a great many things we were able to accomplish to keep the organization driving but the one I hold dear is the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.It was a dream of my good friend Tony Mazzarella and with due diligence from the Board of Directors we were able to make it a reality. Already we will be honoring our 6th class in April 2017,Also I want to thank Ron McNair,Emma Elizondo and the late Joe Dwyer, who opened the door to me at my first holiday party in 1986at the Waterfront Crabhouse.Loving the sport of boxing ,it was there that I became addicted to being in the company of great men and women who served the sport in many capacities and now became my extended family .
Lastly and most important I want to extend a deep appreciation to mary ,my wife for 44 years,who has always there for me during my tenure and worked behind the scenes of Ring 8’s many accomplishments ,I truly would not have accomplished all that Ring 8 did if it wasn’t for my wife. Mary thank you and I love you. Also ,a special call out to my daughters, Merrillen,Margaret and Michelle who too was always there for Ring 8,putting in countless hours of administrative support over the years. Thank you and I love you allfor always being there for me.And finally it’s all about… VETERANS BOXING ASSOCIATION RING 8/NY “BOXERS HELPING BOXERS”
God Bless you all
Bob Duffy.
World Liberty TV , & its Executive Producer Dr. Abbey like to thank Mr Duffy for his kind invites throughout the years to cover the Ring 8 Events, Meetings as well as New York State Boxing Hall of Fame events, we wish Mr Duffy a great retirement, and welcome a great man Jack Hirsch who will be Ring President Effective Jan 1st 2017.
The 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony was held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 13 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Randy Gordon served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Ring 8 has announced its 2015 award winners (see complete list below), including undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (Fighter of the Year), former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan (Woman of the Decade), Heather Hardy (Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year).
“Our members look forward to this event every year,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “We have another great group of outstanding award winners. Committed celebrity guests include former world champions Mark Breland, Luis Collazo, Iran Barkley and Vito Antuofermo, as well Sean Monahan, Bobby Cassidy, Harold Lederman and Frankie Galarza. We truly appreciate them lending their support as Ring 8 proudly continues its record for lending a helping hand to those in the boxing community who are less fortunate. Each year our Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony celebrates our great sport of boxing, insuring much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will never waver from their corners.”
Lathan is one of the most respected officials in the boxing industry. She judged 83 world title fights before becoming NYSAC chairperson in 2008 through this past year. Admired for her innovative thinking and support of boxers’ safety, she became the first female African-American commissioner head in boxing.
Ali (22-0, 13 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, is knocking on the door of a world title shot. The talented welterweight is ranked among the top 11 in all four major sanctioning bodies: WBO #1, IBF #3, WBA #8 and WBC #11.
Brooklyn’s 33-year-old Hardy (3 KOs) is the reigning WBC International super bantamweight champion. Another fighter on the verge of a world title shot, she sports a 3-0 record so far this year.
Duddy (29-2, 18 KOs), who lives in Queens, was one of the most colorful and popular fighter in recent New York City boxing history. The powerful middleweight rose to No. 2 in the world and sold-out The Theater at Madison Square Garden on two occasions.
Rozier, who is also the exclusive designer of Havoc brand boxing material, is recognized as one of the best trainers in the business. Some of his present fighters include Ali, world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs, and Gary Stark Jr., plus 2012 U.S. Olympian and rising light heavyweight star Marcus Browne.
DeGuardia, founder and CEO of Star Boxing, has promoted countless world champions, including Antonio Tarver, and world championship events. His top fighters today include Chris Algieri and Demetrius Andrade.
2015 RING 8 Award Winners
RING 8’s WOMAN OF THE DECADE: Hon. Melvina Lathan
Ring 8’s Fighter of The Year Award : Timothy Bradley
RING 8’s NYS FIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Sadam Ali
RING 8’s NYS FEMALE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Heather Hardy
RING 8’s UNCROWNED CHAMPION AWARD: John Duddy
RING 8’s CO-CUTMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD: George Mitchell & Mike Rella
RING 8’s BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Billy Strigaro
RING 8’s TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Andre Rozier
RING 8’s COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
RING 8’s PROMOTER OF THE YEAR: Joe DeGuardia
RING 8’s SPONSOR OF THE YEAR: George O Neill
RING 8’s OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: Carlos Ortiz Jr.
RING 8’s AMATUER OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: Christina Vila
RING 8’s LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD: Jack Hirsch
RING 8’s PROFILES OF COURAGE AWARD: Paddy Dolan
RING 8’s PROSPECTS OF THE YEAR: Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
RING 8’s RING ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR: David Diamante
RING 8’s PATRIOTISM AWARD: Cpl. Ron McNair Jr.
Keith M.Sullivan, Esq, Received a Special Presentation for his Pro-Bono Work for RING 8 & NYSBHOF .
Boxing has lost another one of it’s good guys. Former NABF president Joe Dwyer passed away this weekend in Long Island, NY. A life long “boxing guy,” Dwyer fought as an amateur in the New York Golden Gloves, amassing an overall record of 56-2, 1 NC. Upon finishing Brooklyn’s Fort Hamilton High School in 1956, Dwyer entered the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Roosevelt and Intrepid with the 74th Fighter Squadron from 1956 – 1959. Dwyer served a thirty four year tenure with the NYPD from 1961-1995, for many years as an investigator of organized crime. With a never ending love for the “Sweet Science” still burning in his heart, Dwyer served as chief inspector with the New York State Athletic Commission for twelve years before joining the IBF as their championship chairman. Dwyer returned to judging fights before joining the WBC, eventually climbing to the presidency of the Council’s North American Boxing Federation in June 2009. Dwyer’s health began to decline in recent years, but he kept in close contact with his boxing “family.” He is survived by his wife Linda, and children Arlene, Kathy and Joe, Jr. R.I.P. to a stand up guy who told it like it was.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman made a special presentation to Dwyer’s family. Ring 8 also made presentations to the Dwyer and Mazzarella families. Dwyer and Mazzarella, both longtime Ring 8 members, passed away earlier this year. Dwyer was president of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF). Mazzarella, who served many years as Ring 8’s treasurer, was a major influence in the founding of the NYSBHOF.
World Liberty TV, Boxing Channel Executive Producer our Own Dr. Abbey ,Spoke in length with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, about Mr Dwyer who was a president of the Council’s North American Boxing Federation, See what he had to say, about the Legendary Joseph Dwyer.
NYSBHOF Class of 2015
Boxers
WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby – Bronx/Brooklyn
WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra – Buffalo
1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol – BrooklynTwo-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston – New York City
WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley – Harlem
(Deceased)
World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach – Astoria
“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham – Manhattan’s Eastside
2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro – New York City
World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan – Redwood/Syracuse
World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery – Buffalo
Non-Participants
NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy – Manhattan’s Westside/Massapequa Park
Journalist Mike Katz – Bronx
Trainer Tommy Gallagher – Howard Beach
Promoter/cutman Bob Miller – Albany
Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade – Brooklyn
(Deceased)
Trainer Charley Goldman – Brooklyn
MSG matchmaker Harry Markson – Kingston
Promoter Cedric Kushner – Manhattan
MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson – New York City
Journalist Damon Runyon – Manhattan
Manager/matchmaker Al Weill – New York City
Each inductee received a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
All boxers had to have been inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.
