Amateur Boxing Series

If you have a Prospect you would like to see featured in this series, please send an e-mail with his or her record, tournament wins and contact information. chrisrockk@hotmail.com

By: Christopher Roche

If you ever visit the Theater at Madison Square Garden for the New York City Golden Gloves, you will quickly realize this is no ordinary amateur boxing tournament. Celebrities from Curtis Sliwa to Gerry Cooney to Burt Sugar roamed ringside, and Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini attended with his staff. The event turns out the full amenities that any Garden event would have, including stocked concessions and ushers. The color magazine program contains bout sheets and fighter bios that would make any professional boxing promoter jealous.

Then there is the crowd.

When I walked in, I was not sure if I was there for a John Duddy fight or a night of amateur boxing. The venue was packed and the electricity palpable.

Amidst all of the excitement, eighteen year-old Joe Llovet rode in from the east to snag the 141-pound New York City open championship. The Bay Shore, LI native overcame three fierce, experienced competitors from the City to walk away with the hardware. Llovet used crafty counterpunching to outpoint Gleason