A capacity crowd enjoyed the recent 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley received the Ring 8 Fighter of the Year Award. Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners included former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan (Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy (NY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year). Randy Gordon served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We had 340 people and everybody enjoyed themselves,” reported Ring 8 president Bob Duffy. “Things went very well. There were a few emotional acceptance speeches and some tears shed.
“We donated a table to Wounded Warriors and also presented Keith Sullivan with a special trophy for all the legal work and support he gives Ring 8, New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, Atlas Foundation, Boxing Writers Association of America, and boxing in New York.”
2015 RING 8 Award Winners
Fighter of the Year: Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade: Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year: Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year: Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year: George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year: Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year: Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year: Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year: Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year: Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award: Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year: Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year: David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.
