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EW YORK (October 8, 2012) – Ring 8’s commemorative ceremony for the old Sunnyside Garden Arena last Saturday was a major success. More than 150 people turned out in support, including many who fought there between 1945 and 1977.
The Sunnyside Garden Arena monument reads: This monument is in honor and dedicated to those men who fought in the amateurs and professional bouts. Some of the more notable boxers who fought at Sunnyside Garden Arena between 1945 and 1977 included Emile Griffith, Bob Cassidy, Gerry Cooney, Jose Torres, Oscar Bonevena Sr., Eddie Gregory, Vito Antuofermo, Ron Lyle, Harold Johnson, and the Archer brothers, Jimmy and Joey. Other Ring 8 members who also fought there included Henny Wallitsch, Bobby Bartels, John Colon, Tommy Englehardt and Lenny Mangiapane.
“Ring 8 was proud to remember Sunnyside Garden Arena in this fashion and also honor the many boxers who fought there as professionals or amateurs,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “We had a great turnout and wonderful time. I want to thank everybody who supported Ring 8’s efforts. Sunnyside Garden Arena will never be forgotten.”
(L-R) Ring 8 members who also fought in main events at Sunnyside Garden Arena (Bob Cassidy, Bobby Bartels and Lenny Mangiapane. (Photo by Stanley Janousek) |
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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 $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. |