Connect with us

Articles of 2005

Boxing News: Connecticut Hall of Fame Debuts Dec. 1

Published

on

UNCASVILLE, CT (November 21, 2005) – The first class to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame will be honored on Thursday, December 1st at Mohegan Sun. The distinguished group, led by former world featherweight champion Willie Pep of Hartford, includes Marlon Starling, Johnny Duke, Louis “Kid” Kaplan, Christopher “Bat” Battalino and “Slapsie” Maxie Rosenbloom.

Tickets for the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony reception and dinner are on sale now for $50.00 and available by calling Michael Mazzulli, Executive Director, Mohegan Tribal Athletic Department at 860.862.7583 or Sherman Cain, Boxing Writer, Manchester Journal-Inquirer at 1.800.237.3606 (ext. 321).

The evening features speeches and anecdotes from each inductee. Joe Tesetore, ESPN Boxing's blow-by-blow announcer and former sports director of WFSB-TV, Channel 3 in Hartford, will preside as the evening's master of ceremonies. Other notables scheduled to appear include: Scott Pemberton, one of the top super middleweights in the world from New Bedford, Massachusetts; Peter Manfredo, the Pride of Providence, Rhode Island and star of NBC's hit television show “The Contender”; Dana Rosenblatt, the former WBU middleweight champ from Malden, Massachusetts; Micky Ward, the former WBU welterweight champ from Lowell, Massachusetts (most famous for his trilogy with Arturo Gatti;) Jeff Fraza, local boxer from Haverhill, Massachusetts who recently appeared on “The Contender”; and Tony DeMarco, former world welterweight champion from Boston.

Willie Pep=s career spanned an incredible three decades. He fought 242 times, winning 230 of them.  He won his first 63 fights after turning professional in 1941. Pep was known for his incredible elusiveness in the ring, thus the nickname, “Will o' the Wisp.” Pep, as history has documented, actually won a round without throwing a punch. Pep will be forever linked with main rival Sandy Sadler. They fought four times with Pep defeating Sadler once to regain his title in 1948. Pep fought until 1959 and made a brief comeback in 1965 before retiring one year later.  Pep was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Marlon Starling is a former World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council welterweight champ. The Hartford native, who lived in East Hartford and South Windsor during his career, won his first 25 fights and finished with a 45-7-1 record with 27 knockouts. His stunning upset victory over Olympian Mark Breland in August of 1987 gave AThe Magic Man@the WBA title.

Johnny Duke has been a well-known trainer of youths at the Bellevue Square Boys Club in Hartford for four decades. A member of the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame, Duke trained national amateur heavyweight champ Jimmy Blythe in 1958 and 1959 and trained Starling for part of his amateur and professional career.

Meriden's Louis “Kid” Kaplan, known as the “Meriden Buzzsaw,” was the featherweight king in the 1920s. Born in Kiev, Russia, Kaplan's family came to the United States when he was five and settled in Meriden. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.

Christopher “Bat” Battalino, born in Hartford, turned professional in 1927 and won the world featherweight crown in September of 1929. He defended his crown five times. One of his most memorable fights came at Madison Square Garden in 1930 in a 15-round decision over Kid Chocolate. Battalino's ring record was 57-26-3. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.

Maxie Rosenbloom of Leonard's Bridge, CT fought 299 times winning 210 of his contests in a 16-year career. New York journalist Damon Runyan gave Rosenbloom the nickname “Slapsie” because of the fighters' penchant to hit his opponents with an open glove. He was the consummate defensive fighter and had just 19 knockouts to his credit. Rosenbloom was the busiest titleholder in ring history fighting 106 times during his 42-year reign. It was the equivalent of fighting one bout every 15 days. He won the light heavyweight title in 1930 over Jimmy Slattery. One of Rosenbloom=s biggest victories came over Jim Braddock, known as the Cinderella Man, in 1929. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was formed in 2005 and is a non-profit organization. Its Board of Directors includes Glenn Feldman, president of Avon, Vice President and Secretary Michael Murtha (Mohegan Sun), Vice President Joe Letellier (Foxwoods) and Vice President and Treasurer Donald Trella of Suffield. Other board members include Michael Mazzulli (Mohegan Sun), Steve Epstein of Cromwell, Johnny Callas of Hartford, Michael Ortega of Hamden, Ralph Bergman of Norwich, Dan Schiavone of Wethersfield, Roland Roy of Glastonbury, John Burns of Windsor, Manny Liebert of West Hartford, George Smith of West Hartford, Sherman Cain of Manchester and Ken Ezzo of Beacon Falls.

Mohegan Sun Arena is the premier entertainment venue in Connecticut. Major sporting events, including championship boxing, college and professional basketball, tennis and bowling along with world-renowned entertainers have performed in this 10,000-seat venue. Mohegan Sun Arena was the site of the 2002 “Fight of the Year” – Micky Ward versus Arturo Gatti. The venue has also hosted Showtime Championship Boxing, ESPN2's Friday Night Fights and HBO's Boxing After Dark.

Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting destinations in the United States. Situated on 240 acres along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. What began with the Casino of the Earth in 1996 has evolved into a legendary destination that now includes: the Casino of the Sky and over 300,000 square feet of total gaming space; The Shops at Mohegan Sun, featuring more than 40 retail shops and dining venues ranging from food court-style to gourmet; the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena for world-class sporting events and concerts, and an intimate Cabaret; and a 34-story luxury hotel, featuring 1,200 guest rooms and suites, premier meeting and convention space and a world-class spa. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles13 hours ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles2 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending