USA Boxing New England, established in 1880 as the official governing body of amateur boxing in the region, will honor five former amateur standouts, who went on to become World Champions as professional boxers, Sunday, November 8 at Anthony’s in Malden.
Vinny Paz (Cranston, RI), Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), Joey Gamache (Lewiston, ME), Jose Antonio Rivera (Worcester, MA) and John Ruiz (Chelsea, MA) will receive awards for their outstanding accomplishments in the world of boxing.
USA Boxing New England will also present its inaugural Skeets Scioli Lifetime Achievement Award. Scioli served as President of USA Boxing New England, off and on, during an iconic 70-year period. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 97.
The Skeets Scioli award will be presented to referee/judge Mike Ryan (Tyngsboro, MA) and coach Carlos Garcia (Worcester, MA) for their long time contribution to the sport of amateur boxing.
Al Bernstein, Showtime Championship Boxing commentator and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as event emcee. “This is a tribute to some of boxing’s best,” Bernstein said. “New England has played a major role in boxing, not only here in America, but globally. I am thrilled to participate in this event and I am looking forward to connecting with the boxing fans in that region.”
USA Boxing will also pay tribute to current athletes and members. The event is a fundraiser to assist young amateur athletes with travel expenses to regional and national tournaments.
The event starts with cocktails at 2 p.m., followed by dinner at 3 p.m. Live and silent auctions along with raffles will take place.
