Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame

By Luis A. Cortes III

For the past two years the early summer months have brought the sport of boxing back to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.  No, not in the traditional way that fans remember how the Casino/Resort city of Atlantis would shake up the boardwalk with one or two, sometimes as many as three different fight cards on the same day.  This will be the third year that the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) provides fight fans with the chance to both discover and reconnect with the rich boxing history that has transpired in Atlantic City.  Yes, it is true and has been well documented that Atlantic City has fallen on some tough times in recent memory.  However, starting in 2017 there was a call for a resurgence for the city to try and bring it back to the glory days as a summer destination for all prior to the economic crash. 

Last year, while there was a start to bringing back actual fights of meaning to the city with new casinos like the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Ocean Casino Resorts rising from the ashes of the past eight wonders of the world, a new boxing tradition has become the norm for the city.  So much so that for the first time the induction weekend will be kicked off by a special night of fights presented by Golden Boy Promotions on Thursday night June 20^th. (More on this fight card along with ticket information coming to TWI next week.) 

Over the course of the past two years, the ACBHOF has been a three-day weekend hosted at the Claridge Hotel complete with an intimate VIP reception on Friday night that greeted all the inductees and honorees.  The second day provided fans the chance to see special exhibits while they met with past world champions and got to buy merchandise and take pictures with their heroes.  “Our mission is to honor, preserve, and celebrate the excellence of Atlantic City’s rich boxing history and there's no better place to highlight this tradition than at the historic Claridge-A Radisson Hotel. My team and I are excited about this collaboration,” stated Ray McCline the President of the ACBHOF. 

Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, Arturo Gatti, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson are some of the fighters that have been inducted into the ACBHOF in the past two years.  Of course, the third day was the when the inductees had their ceremony and official induction. 

With the success from the past two years, this third year of events has been updated and includes the special night of fights.  Of course, there will be the return of the VIP reception along with the opening of the Legends Café.  Also, on the night of June 21st, there will be the screening of the 30-minute documentary, Muhammed Ali: Me Whee.  It’s an in depth look at the “Greatest's” time in between fights at his training camp in Deer Lake Pennsylvania.  Directed by Drew Stone, it’s a personal piece of film for Stone, since his father recorded the footage during his time with Ali.  Most of the footage has never been seen by fight fans.    

The Legends Café has been added to the event will feature coffee and conversation with many boxing legends from the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.  Artwork and exhibits including work by famed boxing artist Patrick Killiam will also be on hand.  A fan experience will continue at the Tennessee Beer Hall, which will be open to the public.  With a comedy show back at the Claridge closing out the third night of festivities, the main event takes place on Sunday in the late afternoon when the 2019 Hall of Fame class receives their induction honors.  

This year’s class features former world champion Iran Barkley, who has been popular with fans the past two years.  Virgil Hill Sr., along with John Brown, and Tim Witherspoon Jr. are also decorated fighters that have had memorable fights in Atlantic City.  Bernard Hopkins, Micky Ward, and Roberto Duran will most likely garner the most fanfare, as each have had made boxing history in Atlantic City.  Hopkins had his first fight, a loss, in A.C. and returned to the city several times before capturing two of his biggest victories over Kelly Pavlik and Antonio Tarver at Boardwalk Hall. 

Micky Ward will forever be linked with Arturo Gatti due to their trilogy that inspired many sports fans in the early 2000’s.  Ward rightly joins Gatti who was inducted in the first class, but had many other memorable nights in A.C. during his career.  Each year, along with the fighters that are inducted, there are always inductees that are contributors to the world of the sport outside of the ring. 

Famed cutman Ace Marotta and trainer English “Bouie” Fisher will also join the class of 2019.  Nigel Collins, who currently writes for ESPN, is a former editor and chief for the “Bible of Boxing,” Ring Magazine will be honored for his tremendous career of not only following and reporting on the sport.  But also, for his unique voice that has helped to define a lot of the history that has taken place in the sport, especially in Atlantic City. 

Tickets for the ACBHOF weekend are still available and can be purchased by visiting https://www.acbhof.com/ or by calling the ACBHOF for more information at: (609) 318-3188.

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Despite slow career start, MMA fighter comes out on top

KO'd in 2015 debut, Josue Del Rios emerges as Primal MMA champ

Josue Del Rios Celebrates his Recent UD Victory Over Brett Floyd

When a fighter gets KO’d in his debut bout—14 seconds into the first round, no less—then suffers defeat in the next two contests—the average human understandably might reevaluate his combat-sports career plans.  

But 25-year-old mixed martial artist Josue “Saiyan Prince” Del Rios, who subsequently won his next three fights—including a lightweight title belt—is not your average human being.

As fight announcer of the Primal Fight Promotions premiere on Aug. 13, this writer was amazed to watch the now 3-3 amateur MMA fighter standing in The Claridge fight cage, title belt raised above his head, smiling exultantly as hundreds of audience members cheered in salute of his victory.

Ring Announcer and Journalist Steve Peacock at Primal Fight Night 1

This scenario was surprising and yet…. simultaneously unsurprising. 

The specific outcome of the title bout was no shock, as Brett Floyd—who otherwise battled tenaciously with Del Rios—nonetheless fell short of securing the judges’ favor, who ruled unanimously against him.

But this writer three years ago also had been a first-hand witness, working as Fight Club Champion announcer, to two-thirds of the Saiyan Prince’s early career losses.

So, The Weigh-In asked Del Rios, among other questions, “How did you succeed in mustering enough tenacity and resilience to break this streak?” 

The Newark, N.J.-born-and-raised Del Rios took the time in a post-event telephone interview to explain that metamorphosis.

Del Rios admitted that along the path toward victory, there had been moments—even if just briefly—when he himself had been unsure whether to continue pursuing the MMA life. 

The Debut and Reprise Contests

Del Rios knew right away that he wanted to compete. 

After initiating training with Jerry Jones MMA of Bloomfield, N.J. when he was about 16, he first gained experience through North American Grappling Association, or NAGA, events in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

He then began training (and continues to train) at Rare Breed MMA, also of Bloomfield, and by the summer of 2015 was ready for his first public fight.

Rob “Billy” Fletcher, whose bout against Robert Cerebona had been cancelled in that Aug. 29 Fight Club Champion 5 event, became Del Rios’ opponent. 

Though not much more experienced, the 1-0 Fletcher was seeking to build upon his competition debut victory seven weeks earlier in FCC 4: an astounding five-second, round-one KO of Byron Sierra. 

As Del Rios in the past had trained with Fletcher and was familiar with his style and ability, he entered the cage prepared to win.

Nonetheless Fletcher KO’d him 14 seconds into the bout.

On the way back to the dressing room, Del Rios was puzzled as to what just happened. 

“I trained with him,” Del Rios thought. “How did he get the best of me?”

Fortunately he had a strong woman beside him: one who provided the necessary encouragement to help him pick up the pieces in this post-loss period. 

His then-girlfriend Melissa (now his wife) emphasized that the debut defeat was already behind him. Getting beaten in that bout was simply that: he lost that one bout. It did not mean he was beaten forever, Melissa told him.

Del Rios soon resumed training, ready for victory and simultaneously willing—as any great athlete must do—to risk the possibility of defeat. 

Though aiming for victory, his attitude toward future opponents was, as he put it, “If you’re going to beat me, you’re going to beat me by decision.”

Reflecting on the Fletcher-inflicted KO, he continued, “No one is going to beat me like that again.”

Josue Del Rio Enters the Cage Last Weekend

Road to Recovery 

A little less than a year later, Del Rios made plans for a reprise appearance via FCC 6 against Anthony Rosamilia, a newcomer.

Observers via Tapology.com, a website where MMA fans discuss their favorite fights and make predictions, were not hopeful for a Del Rios victory. Indeed, 92 percent of respondents predicted that Del Rios would lose—and the vast majority of them saw it coming by way of KO/TKO.

Though Rosamilia ultimately emerged victorious by way of unanimous decision, Del Rios indeed went toe-to-toe with the debut fighter and battled until the end of the three, three-minute round contest. 

Not the outcome for which Del Rios had hoped, but a step in the right direction nonetheless.

Six months later, however, when he lost his next fight at Dead Serious 23 to Phumi Nkuta—also via unanimous decision—struggle with self-doubt dangerously crept in.

“When I got my second loss, I got discouraged,” Del Rios said. “But when I lost at [DS #23 on December 10, 2016], I was devastated.” He wondered whether he could fight anymore.

One again, Melissa told him not give up.

She exhorted him to leverage those losses as a means of fueling, rather than destroying, his dreams.

Del Rios listened. 

He would take one month off, but after that he was “Training twice as hard,” Del Rios said. 

In addition to strengthening his body and sharpening his fighting skills, “The people I surrounded myself with were key,” he added.

Though still training at Rare Breed, he extended his efforts by also preparing with Miller Brothers a few days a week. He even began training at UFC Gym-New Brunswick, but cut that short solely due to a burdensome and counterproductive commute. 

“Time to push myself,” he said. 

His efforts began to pay off.

He beat James DeLillo by way of 2nd round arm bar at Ring of Combat 23 AM, about seven months after loss #3 (July 15, 2017).

Two months ago, by way of 1st round, rear naked choke, he defeated George Melendez at Extreme Cage Fighting 21.

Then on Aug. 13, Del Rios became Primal lightweight champion.

The Primal Fight Promotions Lightweight Title

The Future? 

Despite occasional doubts, Del Rios had developed habits and established a positive work ethic early on—and therefore is better prepared and eager for future growth.

“I always wanted to show that I was the best out there,” he said. “I was humble, and yet I was also filled with a competitive spirit.”

In high school, for instance, no matter if it was baseball or water polo, Del Rios was driven by a desire to perform as excellently as possible.

“My attitude was ‘I can block more shots than you can shoot,’” he explained.

He applies that competitive spirit to MMA—though admittedly needs a push from time to time. 

“Melissa has to deal with me, and help me get focused,” he said. If he’s on the computer for too long, for instance, he can count on Melissa to get him back on track.

“She always helps me focus on getting a step ahead,” Del Rios added.

Intermittent computer usage aside, Del Rios lives a life of martial-arts immersion: rather than squeezing in training when he is not earning a living elsewhere, he instead pays the bills by working as a trainer.

“My whole life revolves around training,” he said. “It always involves fitness and fighting.” He thanks pro MMA fighter Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella for encouraging him to take that training-centric approach. 

He is likewise inspired by fighter Frankie Edgar, whose entire life focuses on the sport and business of MMA. He noted how Edgar, when not fighting in the UFC, works as a trainer and also is proprietor of the Iron Army sports-nutrition and athletic-apparel company.

Del Rios now intends to “collect [title] belts” and make the transition from amateur to pro MMA fighter.

“I know I’m going to become a UFC superstar,” he said.

Primal Fight Promotion's New Lightweight Champion, Josue Del Rios

Steve Peacock

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Primal Fight Promotions MMA Fight Night 1 Results

EVENT - Primal Fight Promotions Presents Primal MMA Fight Night 1 
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Class B Amateur MMA
The Claridge Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey

BOUT #6 
LIGHTWEIGHT (135) TITLE

Josue Del Rios (133.1) vs. Brett Floyd (134.1)

Ref. Carlos Rodriguez

Del Rios wins unanimous decision in three rounds, 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27. Floyd suspended 14 days no contact.

BOUT #5 
Travis Douglas (206.6) vs. Edmir Sokoli (203.7)

Ref. Vince Dudley

Sokoli wins via tap due to standing guillotine at 2:47 of round three. Sokoli suspended indefinite pending ophthalmologist clearance of left eye.

BOUT #4 
Israel Encarnacion (127.7) vs. Adam Prieto (128.7)

Ref. Carlos Rodriguez

Encarnacion wins majority decision in three rounds, 29-28, 29-28 and 29-29 Azeredo. Prieto suspended 15 days no contact. Encarnacion suspended 45 days for left eyelid laceration

BOUT #3 
Collin Charyszyn (168.2) vs. Manny Morales (169.1)

Ref. Vince Dudley

Morales wins unanimous decision in three rounds, all three judges scored it 29-27.

BOUT #2
Sebastian LaRocca (184.1) vs. Luis Padilla

Ref. Vince Dudley

LaRocca wins via tap due to rear naked choke at 2:18 of round one.

BOUT #1 
Carmen Carangi (151.8) vs. Damion Gilleo (153.1)

Ref. Carolos Rodriguez

Gilleo wins split decision in three rounds, 29-28, 29-28 and 28-30 Azeredo. Carangi suspended 15 days no contact.

OFFICIALS:
Judges: Julius Proenza, Henry Krawiec and Luis Azeredo.
Referees: Vince Dudley and Carlos Rodriguez
Ringside Physicians: Dr. Ian Wendel and Dr Dave King
Medical inspectors: Steve Cirone and Hayward Reeder
Inspectors: Bob Levy, Torres Mayfield, Giovanna Scano and Joe Pinto
Shadow Inspector: Ron Reighn
Timekeeper: Fred Blumstein
Scorekeeper: Prairie Rugilo

Steve Peacock

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Mis Downing Promotions in Association with Silverspoon Promotions Presents Ring Redemptions

Mis Downing Promotions in association with Silverspoon Promotions returns to Atlantic City on Saturday, March 10th. The nine bout card at the Claridge Hotel features an eight round main event between veteran heavyweights, Chazz Witherspoon (36-3, 28 KOs) and Mike Sheppard (25-22-2, 11 KOs). Witherspoon, a former heavyweight contender from South Jersey, has won six straight bouts since losing to Seth Mitchell in 2012. His opponent is a former West Virginia State Heavyweight Champion, who has lost four of his last six contests. One of these defeats was a sixth round knockout loss to James Toney in 2017.

The eight round co-main event features a welterweight contest between Anthony "Juice" Young (18-2, 6 KOs) and Fidel Monterrosa Munoz (38-16-1, 30 KOs). Atlantic City's Young looks to win his eighth straight bout since losing to Skender Halili in 2016. Munoz is a veteran of 55 professional fights. The 29-year-old lost his last three professional fights to Leonardo Zappavigna, Fredrick Lawson, and Ivan Golub.

The card also features the following bouts:

Mike Hilton (8-0, 7 KOs) vs. Hector Perez (3-1, 2 KOs) - six rounds, cruiserweights

Prince Badi Ajamu (28-3-1, 15 KOs) vs. Willis Lockett (15-22-6, 5 KOs) - six rounds, cruiserweights

Gabriel Pham (9-1, 4 KOs) vs. Blake Mansfield (6-1-1, 4 KOs) - six rounds, super middleweights

John Bauza (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. David Morales (13-8, 12 KOs) - six rounds, junior welterweights

Kevin Asmat (3-1, 2 KOs) vs. Edgar Cortes (5-4), four rounds, featherweights

Alejandro Jimenez (DEBUT) vs. Derrick Pitts (0-1), four rounds, bantamweights

Dan Murray (3-1) vs. Latorie Woodberry (1-6-1), four rounds, junior welterweights

MW

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