There are few Promoters who can stand up to the likes of Gary Shaw. Ever ready to ‘roll-with-the-punches’, he is an icon in the business of boxing, and a role model for making it work. The NABF wishes to thank him, and his loyal PR person, Mario, for granting us this interview.
Tell us about your journey to the ring?
Gary Shaw: Years ago I met Jersey Joe Walcott, the ex-heavyweight champion of the world, who was on the New Jersey commission. After speaking with him, he asked me if I would be interested in being an inspector for the New Jersey commission and I said I’d love that because I love sports, I love boxing and he made me an inspector. And that’s how my career started.
You promote both boxing and MMA. Do you think they compete or reinforce each other’s popularity?
Gary Shaw: I don’t think they have anything to do with each other’s popularity. Each sport stands on its own as does baseball and football. There are people who like both forms of entertainment and some are hardcore and only like boxing, or hardcore and like only MMA, but I think they stand alone.
How can boxing in the USA regain its popularity?
Gary Shaw: By promoter working with one another and putting on competitive fights and the networks only buying competitive fights. In addition we as promoters have to do a better job of making the fights an event, rather than just a fight.
Any rising stars we should take note of?
Gary Shaw: Yes everyone in my stable. I have great young talent.
A moment you’d like to share?
Gary Shaw: Sure, in no specific order. Promoting the Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo fight and the Marquez vs. Vasquez trilogy plus one was great. The fact that I promoted some of the greatest fighters of all time, like Lenox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosely, Winky Wright, Diego Corrales, Vic Darchinyan, Antonio DeMarco and Chad Dawson.
What is life away from the arena?
Gary Shaw: I stay in the suburbs and live a normal life outside of boxing. I go food shopping with my wife, and enjoy my time at home. I enjoy spending time with family and my grandchildren especially.
Any suggestions for young promoters?
Gary Shaw: Don’t go into boxing.
Awards and honors you’d like to share?
Gary Shaw: The fact that I was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, and the California Boxing Hall of Fame. I’m in the hospitality Hall of Fame. The fact that I was able to cross over into two different careers is special to me.
How would you like to be remembered?
Gary Shaw: If I could choose one legacy, it would be that I really cared about my fighters.