November in the New York and New Jersey Boxing Scenes

By Frank Bartolini

The second week of November was very active and entertaining for the fight game. Getting things started was promoter Lou Dibella of Dibella Entertainment. Edison Ballroom in the heart of Times Square, New York City, hosted this event on November 7th. A first-rate affair that had cadets from West Point greeting well-dressed guests on arrival, former U.S. Marine junior lightweight Jamal Herring, Cincinnati, Ohio, returned to action after a brief fifteen-month retirement. He stopped and outclassed undefeated Nicholas Molina of Lowell, Massachusetts in round one. A packed house saw Herring raise his record to 24-4, 12 KOs, as Molina slipped to 13-1, 5 KOs.

Two nights later, the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame (NJBHOF) had its fifty-third annual inductions at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey. Held at an opulent banquet hall, the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame dinner is a formal event just shy of being a black-tie affair. Notable guests included the Commissioner Larry Hazzard, former heavyweight contender Chuck Wepner, heavyweight contender Otto Wallin, and world-renowned officials, boxing judge Steve Weisfeld and Referee Benji Estevez. Inductees this year were former world rated middleweight Omar Sheika, one time world rated light Anthony Fletcher (who was recently released from prison after serving 29 years first degree murder that was reduced to aggravated manslaughter by the Innocence Project), and heavyweight journeyman Maurice Harris. NJBHOF President Henry Hascup devotes countless hours to the Hall, and also handles the master of ceremonies duties for the annual event.

On Saturday, November 11th in Newark, NJ at The Robert Treat Hotel, the number one promoter in the Garden State, Rising Star Promotions, entertained a sold-out crowd. This was Rising Star Promotions' fiftieth fight card since starting the business in December of 2015. World ranked middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna is the CEO of the outfit. LaManna has been a key player in reviving the sport in the Garden State.

That evening, super bantamweight Emmanual Rodriguez got back on the winning track after losing two out of his last three battles. Rodriguez of Newark NJ is a popular boxer who sells a ton of tickets. Gilberto Mendoza was flown in from Modesto, California to face Rodriguez. Rodriguez has solid skills but is not a heavy hitter. Winning every round Rodriguez went home with an eight round unanimous decision victory.

Frank Bartolini Selected for the 2023 New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame

By TWI Staff

Congratulations to boxing writer Frank Bartolini on his induction to the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame! 

For those of you who are not familiar with Frank's writing career, here is a snapshot of his accomplishments.: 

Frank Bartolini grew up in Jackson, New Jersey, where he graduated from Jackson Memorial High School. He was a boxing columnist, feature writer, and reporter for the The Observer, an Ocean County daily newspaper, from the early to mid 1990s. Frank covered numerous fights in the tristate region, including Atlantic City's biggest fights during this period. Frank went on to contribute to a number of print and online boxing media outlets. His feature stories can be found in boxing media outlets such as the USA Boxing News, Boxing Insider, Boxing Action 24, Philly Boxing History, and The Weigh-In. He is a press row staple at big fights across the tristate area and Florida. Frank is also the president of FB Roofing & Siding, Inc. in Jackon. 

Stay tuned to The Weigh-In for information on the 2023 New Jersey Boxing Hall Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony. 

Female Boxing Pioneer Finally Gets Monument in Chatham Cemetery

By Matt Ward

Hranoush Sidky Bey, known as Madame Bey, ran a successful boxing camp in Chatham that was frequented by the legendary fighters of her day.

On a cool day in September, a private ceremony was held to honor female boxing pioneer, Hranoush Sidky Bey. The small gathering, at the Fair Mount Cemetery, included family members, representatives from the New York Turkish Consulate General, local boxing historians, Chatham Township Historical Society members, and local elected officials. 

Commonly known as Madame Bey, she came to the United States at the age of 16 with her future husband, Mehmed, a Turkish diplomat. Prior to becoming an important figure in professional boxing circles, Bey was already a "Renaissance woman." She was well-educated, spoke seven languages, sang opera, and was a fixture in the Washington, D.C. social scene. It was in Washington, D.C. that she and her husband became friends with President William McKinley. She was just a few feet away from McKinley when he was assassinated in Buffalo in 1901. 

Madame Bey ran her training camp in Chatham Township, New Jersey from 1923 until her death in 1942. Notable visitors to her camp included world champion boxers Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Max Schmeling, Lou Ambers, Primo Carnera, Joe Louis, and Floyd Patterson. Madame Bey's life inside and outside of her boxing camp is chronicled in New Jersey boxing historian Gene Pantalone's 2016 book, Madame Bey's: Home to Boxing Legends.

Since publishing his book, Pantalone has been a vocal advocate for honoring Madame Bey's contributions to the boxing world. His research, writing and talks have made him a "go to guy" for all things Madame Bey, and his efforts have brought her contributions to the history of boxing back to the forefront of the sports world. 

"Imagine, a woman in the 1920s, just 3 years after the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote in the US, running a successful business in a man’s world in a sport thought of as only men could be involved in. Throughout its existence, the camp saw no fewer than 14 world heavyweight boxing champions and 80 hall-of-famers. It was the most famous boxing camp at the time. It is a feat that would be hard to duplicate even in today’s world," Pantalone told Patch. 

While researching his book, Pantalone, a resident of New Providence, discovered that Madame Bey and her husband were laid to rest in nearby Fair Mount Cemetery without a grave marker. Soon after making this discovery, Pantalone and the Chatham Township Historical Society became actively involved with Bey's descendants, local historians and the Turkish Consulate General to raise funds and plan for the placement of a tombstone for Madame Bey and her husband. The project to place a tombstone over the previously unmarked grave was completed on September 20, 2020. 

Madame Bey was also honored earlier this year by the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame when she was selected to be inducted into the hall of fame with the class of 2020. Unfortunately, this year's induction ceremony and banquet was postponed until November of 2021 due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

When asked what Madame Bey means to the history of boxing, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame president Henry Hascup said, "Madame Bey's induction into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame is long overdue! Here's a lady who knew nothing about boxing, and then went on to build one of the top boxing camps in the history of the sport. There were times when there were ONLY eight recognized World Champions, and she had over half of them training at her camp."

This story also appeared on Patch. 

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Pandemic Knocks Out Annual Boxing Banquet

By Matt Ward

The 2020 New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame's annual induction and awards ceremony has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time in its 52-year history, the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner has been canceled.

The annual early November induction and awards dinner, held in recent years at the Venetian in Garfield, has attracted upwards of 650 people. This year's banquet was officially canceled as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a health threat to New Jersey residents.

In a recent press release, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame President, Henry Hascup, stressed the need for attendee safety, and to have maximum support for those being honored by the hall of fame. "Right now the [New Jersey] Governor has opened it up to 25% of the venue's capacity, but that would mean that ONLY 250 people could attend, which wouldn't be fair to the honorees," Hascup said.

The New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame was established in 1968 to honor persons who made significant contributions to boxing in New Jersey. Inductees span the various roles involved with the sport ranging from fighters to medical professionals.

This year's 14 inductees include a variety of boxers and non-boxers. Bob Rooney Jr. and David Toledo headline the list of boxers from the Garden State. Non-participants joining the hall of fame include sports photographer, Ed Mulholland, and boxing training camp owner, Madame Bey.

The Turkish-born Hranoush Sidky Bey, commonly known as Madame Bey, ran her training camp in Chatham Township, New Jersey from 1923 to 1942. Notable visitors to her camp included Max Schmeling, Primo Carnera and Lou Ambers. Madame Bey's life in and outside of her boxing camp is chronicled in New Jersey boxing historian Gene Pantalone's 2016 book, Madame Bey's: Home to Boxing Legends.

The class of 2020 inductees will be honored on November 11, 2021 with the class of 2021.

The New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame is a 501-C3 charity. Notable past inductees include, Mickey Walker, Jersey Joe Walcott, Mike Tyson, James J. Braddock, Gerry Cooney and Marvin Hagler.

For more information on the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame and the class of 2020, please visit their official website and Facebook page.

This story also appeared on Patch. 

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Hall of Fame Referee Steve Smoger Interview

By Matt Ward

I recently interviewed long-time boxing referee, Steve "Double S" Smoger. Steve and I discussed his career both in and out of the boxing ring. Smoger has served as a referee for over 200 world title bouts, and holds the distinction of traveling to more states and countries than any other boxing referee over the course of the sport's long history. He also served as an attorney, judge, and reserve components Air Force officer during his career. 

Although he is still active, Smoger has been inducted into five different boxing halls of fame including the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame (1997), the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame (2013), the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame (2014), the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2015), and the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (2017). 

You can listen to our interview on both SoundCloud and iTunes: 

Hall of Fame Referee Steve Smoger Interview with Matt Ward on SoundCloud 

Hall of Fame Referee Steve Smoger Interview with Matt Ward on iTunes

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KEA Boxing Promotions Presents Boxing at the Birchwood Manor

Professional boxing returns to North Jersey tomorrow, May 3, 2018. Andre Kut's KEA Boxing Promotions will bring a seven bout card to the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the New Jersey boxing scene, Kut is a 2015 New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame inductee. This card features four talented, local fighters who look to preserve their undefeated records.

Super middleweights, Darren Goodall (5-0, 4 KOs) and Tahlik Taylor (3-10, 1 KO) will square off in the first six round fight of Goodall's career. The New Milford, New Jersey native has won all but one of his five professional bouts by TKO. Taylor has been knocked out by opponents five times, since turning pro in 2015.

Jersey City's Robert Terry (1-0) is preparing to make the leap from fighting four round bouts to six round bouts in his second professional fight. He will face James Robinson (5-9-4, 1 KO) of York, Pennsylvania in a middleweight contest.

John Bauza (9-0, 5 KOs) will fight Hugo Padilla (5-13, 2 KOs) in a six round, super lightweight contest. The 20-year-old Bauza last fought on March 10th, when he defeated David Morales (13-9, 12 KOs) by unanimous decision at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City. 

Philadelphia's Emmanuel Folly (10-0, 8 KOs) is scheduled to fight Pablo Cupul (9-24, 5 KOs) in a four round, super bantamweight bout. Folly's trip up to North Jersey will mark his first professional fight outside of his home state. Folly looks to win his fifth straight contest by knockout against an opponent who has suffered nine knockouts over the course of his 24 career defeats. 

The card also also features the following bouts:

Ardrick Butler (7-4, 3 KOs) vs. Marcus Beckford (4-8-3, 1 KO) - six rounds, welterweights

Andrew Bentley (3-3) vs. Aurel Love (1-0, 1 KO) - four rounds, super featherweights

Steve Moore (0-3) vs. Laquan Lewis (2-9, 2 KOs) - four rounds, welterweights

Doors for this show are at 7:00 PM, with the first fight at 8:00 PM. Tickets for this card can be purchased on the KEA Boxing Promotions' website.

MW

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Henry Hascup Interview

Henry Hascup of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame joined me for a Bonus Round interview this evening. Henry and I discussed the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame's 48th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey on Thursday, November 9th. The event will begin at 6:45 PM, and tickets are available for $85 per person. This year's class of inductees include 14 people who have contributed to the sport of boxing throughout the Garden State.

The induction class includes a number of popular fighters such as Jimmy Cerello, Oscar Goode, Mike Mastandrea, Kenny Bogner, Clarence Coleman, Greg Everett, Johnny Molnar, Marlon Starling, and Adrian Stone. The class includes cornermen, Sal Alessi, Anthony Hamm, Joey (Eye) Intrieri, and Bob Rooney Sr. Former amateur boxing champion and American Association for the Improvement of Boxing (AAIB) president, Paul Vegliante, will also be inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

Check out our Bonus Round interview on both SoundCloud and iTunes:

Bonus Round - Henry Hascup of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame on SoundCloud

Bonus Round - Henry Hascup of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame on iTunes

For more information on this great event and this year's inductees, please visit the following links:

2017 New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees

48th Annual New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony

MW

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48th Annual New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony

On Thursday, November 9, 2017, the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame will hold it's 48th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey. The event will begin at 6:45 PM, and tickets are available for $85 per person. This year's class of inductees include 14 people who have contributed to the sport of boxing throughout the Garden State.

The induction class includes a number of popular fighters such as Jimmy Cerello, Oscar Goode, Mike Mastandrea, Kenny Bogner, Clarence Coleman, Greg Everett, Johnny Molnar, Marlon Starling, and Adrian Stone. The class includes cornermen, Sal Alessi, Anthony Hamm, Joey (Eye) Intrieri, and Bob Rooney Sr. Former amateur boxing champion and American Association for the Improvement of Boxing (AAIB) president, Paul Vegliante, will also be inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

For more information on this great event and this year's inductees, please visit the following link:

2017 New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees

MW

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Throwback Thursday - Darren Maciunski Interview (December 16, 2015)

Check out my December 16, 2015 interview with New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer and former IBF Inter-Continental Middleweight champion, Darren Maciunski!

The Matt Ward History Experience Podcast - Episode #3 Notes

Darren Maciunski and Boxing History - MWHE Episode #3 on SoundCloud

Darren Maciunski and Boxing History - MWHE Episode #3 on iTunes 

MW

Throwback Thursday - Henry Hascup Interview (November 6, 2015)

Check out my November 6, 2015 interview with New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame president and historian, Henry Hascup!

The Matt Ward History Experience Podcast - Episode #2 Notes

Henry Hascup and Boxing History - MWHE Episode #2 on SoundCloud

Henry Hascup and Boxing History - MWHE Episode #2 on iTunes 

MW

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast Episode #10 (Steve Weisfeld - Boxing Judge)

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast Episode #10

The Weigh-In Episode #10 on SoundCloud

The Weigh-In Episode #10 on iTunes

The tenth episode of The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast features my interview with boxing judge and New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer, Steve Weisfeld. Steve is a New Jersey based attorney and boxing judge. He can often be seen judging boxing matches throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. 

Steve has judged over a thousand professional bouts including Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota I and II, Lennox Lewis vs. Michael Grant, Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sam Peter, Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward I, James Toney vs. Vassily Jirov, Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik, Chris Byrd vs. Evander Holyfield, Evander Holyfield vs. Hassim Rahman, Felix Trinidad vs. Ricardo Mayorga, Arturo Gatti vs. Ivan Robinson I, and Gennady Golovkin vs. Daniel Jacobs. 

For more information on Steve Weisfeld, please visit the following websites:

Steve Weisfeld's BoxRec Page

Steve Weisfeld's New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Page

The American Association for the Improvement of Boxing (AAIB)

Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (This Website Contains Information on Steve's July 22, 2017 class at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut) 

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast is brought to you by One Stone Recording and Mastering in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Check out One Stone Recording and Mastering for all of you mixing and mastering needs. Go to onestonerecording.com/theweighin and receive 10% off your first session!

One Stone Recording and Mastering

MW

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast Episode #9 (Lou Esa - Former Heavyweight Boxing Contender)

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast Episode #9

The Weigh-In Episode #9 on SoundCloud

The Weigh-In Episode #9 on iTunes

The ninth episode of The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast features my interview with former professional boxer and trainer, Lou Esa. Lou is currently on the training staff of GH3 Boxing Gym in New Jersey.

As an amateur boxer, Esa compiled an impressive record of 7-1 with his only loss to future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. Lou fought professionally from 1975 to 1981, and compiled a record of 19 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. On October 22, 1977, Esa fought future WBA World Heavyweight champion, John Tate. 

For more information on Lou Esa, please visit the following websites:

Lou Esa's BoxRec Page

Lou Esa's New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Page

GH3 Boxing Gym's Facebook Page

Twitter - @louesa52

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast is brought to you by One Stone Recording and Mastering in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Check out One Stone Recording and Mastering for all of you mixing and mastering needs. Go to onestonerecording.com/theweighin and receive 10% off your first session!

One Stone Recording and Mastering

MW

Steve Weisfeld Interview

I will interview boxing judge and New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer Steve Weisfeld on Monday, April 24th. The interview will be featured on an upcoming episode of our biweekly podcast The Weigh-In. Steve is a New Jersey based attorney and boxing judge. He can often be seen judging boxing matches throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. 

Steve has judged over a thousand professional bouts including Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota I and II, Lennox Lewis vs. Michael Grant, Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sam Peter, Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward I, James Toney vs. Vassily Jirov, Bernard Hopkins vs. Kelly Pavlik, Chris Byrd vs. Evander Holyfield, Evander Holyfield vs. Hassim Rahman, Felix Trinidad vs. Ricardo Mayorga, Arturo Gatti vs. Ivan Robinson I, and Gennady Golovkin vs. Daniel Jacobs. 

For more information on Steve Weisfeld, please visit the following websites:

Steve Weisfeld's BoxRec Page

Steve Weisfeld's New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Page

MW

Lou Esa Interview

I will interview former professional boxer and New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer Lou Esa on Monday, April 10th. The interview will be featured on an upcoming episode of our biweekly podcast The Weigh-In. Lou is currently on the training staff of GH3 Boxing Gym in Woodland Park, New Jersey.

As an amateur boxer, Esa compiled an impressive record of 7-1 with his only loss to future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. Lou fought professionally from 1975 to 1981, and compiled a record of 19 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. On October 22, 1977, Esa fought future WBA World Heavyweight champion, John Tate. 

For more information on Lou Esa, please visit the following websites:

Lou Esa's BoxRec Page

Lou Esa's New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Page

GH3 Boxing Gym's Facebook Page

Twitter - @louesa52

MW

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast Episode #1 (Frank Savannah - Former Middleweight Boxing Contender)

Welcome to The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast! 

The Weigh-In Episode #1 on SoundCloud

The Weigh-In Episode #1 on iTunes

The series premier of The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast features my interview with former middleweight boxing contender Frank Savannah. Frank fought professionally from 1991-1997, and retired with an impressive record of 15 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. On December 14, 1994, Savannah fought Dana Rosenblatt for the WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Title. This bout was the only defeat in Savannah’s six year boxing career. Frank is currently a boxing coach and trainer at Nick Catone MMA & Fitness in Brick, New Jersey.

For more information on Frank Savannah please visit the following websites:

Frank Savannah's BoxRec Page


Nick Catone MMA & Fitness 

The Weigh-In Boxing Podcast is brought to you by One Stone Recording and Mastering in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Check out One Stone Recording and Mastering for all of you mixing and mastering needs. Go to onestonerecording.com/theweighin and receive 10% off your first session!

One Stone Recording and Mastering

MW

Curtis Parker Interview

I had another great interview with former USBA Middleweight Champion and middleweight contender Curtis Parker. Curtis fought professionally from 1977 to 1988 and is just one of the many great fighters to come out of the City of Brotherly Love. During his career, Curtis compiled a record of 29 wins, 9 losses, and zero draws.

On May 4, 1980, Curtis defeated Mike Colbert for the USBA Middleweight Title in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Parker fought his final professional bout on March 19, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this bout, Curtis was defeated by Michael Nunn for the NABF Middleweight Title bout.

My interview will be featured on an upcoming episode of The Weigh-In Podcast! Stay tuned to this website and our Facebook page for updates on upcoming episodes and interviews.

For more information on Curtis Parker, please visit the following websites:

Curtis Parker BoxRec Page

Curtis Parker Philly Boxing History.com Page

Curtis Parker New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Page

MW

Matt Ward's Past Boxing Podcast Episodes

I'm also the host of a podcast called the Matt Ward History Experience. The first season of this podcast featured twelve episodes. Seven of these episodes featured interviews with people from the world of boxing. Below is a list of these episodes with links to the episode notes on the MWHE page, as well as links to where you can listen to these episodes on my my iTunes and SoundCloud pages:

Episode #2 - Henry Hascup (New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame President and boxing historian)

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

Episode #3 - Darren Maciunski (Former IBF Inter-Continental Middleweight Champion and owner of Checkmates Boxing Center in Toms River, New Jersey)

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

Episode #4 - J. Russell Peltz (International Boxing Hall of Famer and owner of Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

Episode #7 - Wallace Matthews (Boxing journalist)

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

Episode #9 - Randy Gordon (Former Editor-in-Chief of The Ring, former New York State Athletic Commissioner, and current host of the SiriusXM show "At the Fights")

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

Episode #10 - John DiSanto (Boxing historian and Editor-in-Chief of Philly Boxing History.com)

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

Episode #11 - Gene Pantalone (Boxing historian and author of Madame Bey's: Home to Boxing Legends)

MWHE Episode Notes

iTunes

SoundCloud

MW