Archive for November, 2009
Dr. Stuart Kirshenbaum’S Award
I want to thank Jose and my family at the World Boxing Council for your congratulations and generous support to our Foundation. Once a friend…always a friend.
Stuart
NABF FEMALE STRIP
As of November 1st, 2009 I had the unhappy chore of vacating all the NABF Female champions for non defense (except for Irma Sanchez). We had great women athletes, but the economy has taken a toll; particularly in the USA. That and the competition from ersatz world belts made it difficult for these women to get matches. Also, it shames me to say that not a lot of people wanted to fight these quality athletes. The fact that they were vacated is no reflection on their talents or our respect for them as champions. Many of them went on to become World Champions. But ultimately it’s simple… if women want to be in the same playing field as men, they must defened their titles accordingly. Our goal this year, is to get as many motivated promoters interested as possible. Let’s work together on this. With the Olympics opening their door to women in 2012 — this setback may be an opportunity. Lee Peters and I thank you for all and any help. We are particularly grateful to Rex Walker who started this division and believed it was possible. So, onward and sideways — lets make it happen again! Jill Diamond, Chair
World Boxing Caregivers
The WBC would like to feature you and what’s important to you. Please contact me and share your story.
Let the world know what kind of fighter you are and what you’re fighting for!
Jill Diamond
(jdiamond@neverhitalady.com)
Three Gems and a Diamond
Mauricio Sulaiman, Michele Chong & Rudy Tellez
Mia St John’s Event
The Mia St. John “El Saber Es Poder” Foundation cordially invites you to A Night Of Knockouts.
Join us for a night of celebrity boxing, comedy, auction, food, drinks and fun!
WBC Boxing Champion, Mia St. John, created El Saber Es Poder to empower Latinos by providing schools with better supplies, equipment and development of programs to help further education. Proceeds from this event will benefit children with mental illness’s by raising awareness through PSA’s and educational material.
Celebrity boxing event will be 3 time world kickboxing champion and actor, Don “The Dragon” Wilson and the former world boxing champ’s come back, Jose “Shibata” Flores
Celebrities scheduled to appear; Grammy nominated singer and song writer, Brian McKnight, Emmy Award winner Kristoff St. John, from The Young & The Restless, Lou Pizarro from the hit TV show “Operation Repo”, actor Todd Bridges, Playboy’s Chanel Ryan, comedian Thea Vidale, former NY Giant’s football player Mike Sherrard, Boxing Champion Ken Norton and many more!
Individual tickets: $125 includes entrance and appetizers
Table for 8: $800 includes dinner and goodie bag
El Saber Es Poder is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All donations are tax deductible. Federal tax I.D.# 27-0622558
To Reserve your seat go to http://www.miastjohn.com/foundation.html and click on the donate button or mail in your check to: 22287 Mulholland Hwy Suite 218 Calabasas, Ca. 91302
If you cannot make the event, but still would like to donate, your name will be included in our drawing to win one of our goodie bags valued at $500!
For information on El Saber Es Poder visit; http://www.miastjohn.com/foundation.html For information on mental illness visit; http://namila.org/
From Kevin Ross – Intl. WBC Muay Thai Champ
kdo_designs@hotmail.com writes:
this is not a spam message,this is for a friend of mine
One of my friends 5 year old nephews has been fighting Neuroblastoma for the past two and a half years and recently has taken a turn for the worse. His parents have decided to have christmas for him next week since he might not make it till December. When they asked what he wanted he said a bunch of cards. So I’m trying to get everyone I know to send this kid, Noah, a christmas card. It will only take a few minutes of your time and will bring a smile to the face of a sick child. Anyone one who is interested please send to:
Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Creek
South Lyon,MI.48178
Please repost this,thank you!!!!!!!!!
World Boxing Caregivers
This is our first article on our “World Boxing Caregivers”. We would like to feature You – your causes, your activities and events that help the community. Please contact me with your stories for posting. Let the world of boxing know what kind of fighter you are and what you’re fighting for!
Keep your chins down and your hopes up!
Fight on!
Jill
_______________________________________________________
Bruce McTavish
The Phenomin in the Phillipines
Jill Diamond
Bruce may be tough in the ring but he has a soft heart when it comes to the children of Manila.
When we had our convention there, many of us had the chance to meet some of the children Bruce works with – he and the people of Bahay Bata Children’s Home pull these children away from the ravishes of the street; clothe, feed, and school them, also providing basic medical care. For those they can’t house, they find poor and homeless boys and supply them with care and substances. Bruce takes on some of the toughest case, and some of the saddest ones. He’s Father Teresa in sneakers and a green shirt.
Frank Quill, who visits the shelter yearly, will attest to the love and encouragement Bruce’s kids get. This is an amazing and ongoing philanthropy. If there’s a heart in the heartless streets of Manila, it’s beating thanks to Bruce and Carmen McTavish, and a few other amazing people.
I would appreciate it if you would go to the website below, and see if there’s anything you can do to help. We stand in awe of Bruce and the work he does.
Some Facts:
The directors and major donors, former business associates of Bruce out of Long Island, New York during their annual visit at Bahay Bata (Children’s Home). They are standing in front of the school building donated by a Korean national.
The facility exists on donations and no financial help from the government.
It costs US$ 6,000 a month to educate and feed 70 children; we house 28 of them.
Our school is one year advance of the public schools. The boys are unbeaten at Rugby football and our Little League baseball team is tops.
The local support comes from the Rotary Club of Clark Centennial made up mostly of Expats.
Bruce & Carmen McTavish
Rotary Club past-president Bruce McTavish initiated the global-wide Anti-Polio program in the 80′s assisted by Carmen and their daughters.
WBC World Boxing Cares is made up of people who accomplish wonderful things to help others. Few hold a candle to Bruce and Carmen McTavish — They shine as a guiding light for all.
Please log on to http://www.bahaybata.org for more info.
XXXX
Below is an interview done with Bruce during his visit to China to run Official’s Seminars.
Bruce receiving a recognition plaque from Chairman Eric Buhain at
the 1st Games & Amusement Board Convention – Manila, April 20,2006
Bruce McTavish is breaking new ground for boxers and fans alike. Once an amateur boxer himself, he’s been a ring official most of his adult life. Right now, in addition to these duties, he’s spending time in China giving seminars on judging and refereeing to the emerging sports officials. According to Bruce –China not only holds out a new hope for boxing, but someday, it may be the most thriving venue for the sport.
Jill: I am so curious — what is your background, Bruce and what
brought you to boxing?
Bruce: I’m a New Zealander who started boxing at age 8. Went on fighting as an amateur with 33 fights, 31 wins and gave it up to continue University studies. I have lived in the Philippines for 39 years and have been officiating as a ring official for 30 years. Formerly a high school teacher and now a businessman.
Jill: What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Bruce: Knowing when to stop a fight and keeping 100% concentration
Bruce checking up on Obote Amame
Jill: You are physically vulnerable during a bout. Have you ever felt you were in danger?
Bruce: I have been hit accidentally on a few occasions but never in danger. Except when a gun was pulled on me for stopping a fight in the Philippines.
Jill: What was your worst moment?
Bruce: Having to count Dodie Boy Penalosa out when he lost his world title fight.
Jill: Your best moment?
Bruce: Referee for Jeff Fenech’s first world title fight in Sydney.
Jill: Any one in or out of the ring that’s really impressed you?
Bruce: Inside the Ring: Sugar Ray Robinson, Bob Foster, Muhammad Ali, Johnny Famechon.
Out of the Ring: Papa Sarreal, Jose Sulaiman, Frank Quill, Tony Aaldeguer
Bruce Speaking on behalf of OPBF President Frank Quill at the
Elorde Awards Night – Manila, March 25, 2006
Jill: Tell us about the changing face of boxing in Asia?
Bruce: With China as an emerging force, Asia will be the hub of boxing in 10 years.
Jill: Do you think that women’s boxing will be popular in China?
Bruce: They will dominate women’s boxing in 6 years. The Chinese woman’s discipline and capacity to learn quickly is exemplary.
Bruce with the Vice Mayor of Chengdu, China – April 12, 2006
Jill: In your opinion, what would make women’s boxing more accessible
to a larger audience?
Bruce: Television in China and a superstar with charisma like a female Ali or De La Joya.
(Children from his center with Vitalli Klitchko)
Jill: Do you think the medical and safety standards in boxing are high
enough?
Bruce: Heading in the right direction.
Jill: Medically speaking , what would you change?
Bruce: CT Scans must be enforced. and availability of Oxygen at ringside
mandatory.
Jill: Have you received any awards or citations?
Bruce: Numerous but not important.
Jill: And your seminars?
Bruce: More important. I have given referee/judge’s seminars in China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Ukraine and Siberia.
Jill: If you could ref the match of a lifetime — which would it be? Past and Present.
Bruce: Past: Ali vs. Frazier at the ‘Thrilla in Manila.’
Present: Pacquiao vs Larios on July 2 or De La Joya vs Mayweather
Bruce is known as a constant source of integrity and generosity when it comes to the sport of boxing. Jose Sulaiman and the WBC are very proud to have Bruce Donald T. McTavish as a part of their family of dedicated officials.
PS It’s been told to us that Bruce was also an elite, amateur basketball player. Here he is with his old friend, boxing writer Dave Cameron; friends all these years!
Twas the Night Before the Banquet By Michele Chong
Twas the Night Before the Banquet
Exclusive Report from WBHF President’s Dinner
By Michele Chong
Here’s an exclusive report from me, Miss “Chatter Box,” as the nonprofit World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) recently wrapped up their 30th Annual Banquet of Champions this past weekend as they toasted the 2009 Inductees who successfully secured their place in history!
The night before the big banquet–or the calm before the “storm” of media, fight fans and hundreds of well wishers who gather at the Saturday awards show–is steeped in tradition for the group. The current president always hosts a private and intimate dinner for his Executive Board, Board of Directors, and special out of town guests. It is a nice gathering that gives us all a chance to visit with the new honorees in a relaxed setting. Here’s a peek into the night as it enfolded.
brianmitchell2Awards were presented to some distinguished individuals; this year’s recipients included past WBHF Presidents, college students and those who have dedicated themselves to the boxing community. Applauded for their efforts, each proud awardee spoke in appreciation of being recognized by their peers.The honorees included promoter Ken Thompson and Dr. Joe Noriega, both former head honchos of the WBHF, amateur boxing’s John Aguilar, scholars Deana Vazquez (Cal St. Fullerton), Seth Porrazzo (Santa Monica College) and student/fighter Walter Sarnoi (Azusa Pacific University).
Lucia Rijker, Orlando Canizales, Brian Mitchell, Rafael Herrera, Amilcar Brusa and Dr. James Jen-Kin were also present to start their weekend celebrations early with host and current President Mando Muñiz.
New Inductee Al Bernstein was in L.A. for the press conference but had to return to Las Vegas to cover the Oliver McCall-Lance Whitaker bout. Adie Zuckerman, manager for Al Bernstein Live, was the perfect “stand-in” for the popular boxing analyst and we were happy to have the bubbly Adie meet everyone. She fit right in with the elite gathering of esteemed guests.
thompsonsHeld in the Meridian Ballroom at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, the evening was a classy affair with live entertainment from Sinatra-esque crooner Chewy. Yep, he’s so good the singer only needs one name! His performance really set the mood for the evening. Chewy sings classic tunes first made famous by Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka and more. As the invited guests dined on their fresh fish and chicken dinners, Chewy mesmerized the audience with his elegant vocals. Many were drawn to the dance floor including “First Lady” Yolanda Muñiz, wife of President Mando, Vera Thompson (Thompson Boxing Promotions), Richard Perry and Paul and Debbie Ritchie.
On the eve of the big day were many luminaries from the sports world including Los Angeles Dodger Al Ferrara. The outfielder told me that the Dodgers (who just got knocked out of the competition by returning champs, the Phillies) just need one more talented pitcher, and next year they’ll have another great shot at the World Series. The baseball player was a teammate of Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Tommy Davis and continues to make celebrity appearances at Dodger Stadium.
After enjoying a chocolate soufflé dessert, the attendees had some time to socialize before getting a full night’s rest. For the guests who flew in from all over (South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, New York, Florida, Chicago, Washington and more), several had spent the day sightseeing around town. A few told me about their field trips to Hollywood and Disneyland. For the wives, many showed off new purchases from their shopping expeditions around the city.
gasparoI also had a chance to reconnect with Gaspar “Indio” Ortega and his wife, Ida. They are two of my favorite visitors and are very involved in the sport. Their son, Michael Ortega, is a working official in the ring and a familiar presence in many East Coast fights. Gaspar is very close to referee Joe Cortez and the Ortegas tell me that the veteran ref will be coming to Saturday’s banquet.
Another dynamic duo I get to see each year is Carlos Ortiz, three-time Puerto Rican World Champion. He and his wife, Maria, are longtime supporters of the WBHF and Carlos is always a top draw for the fans and fellow boxers at the events. This time I noticed a pattern with the couple; every time I see them they are completely color coordinated in their wardrobe, shoes, jewelry and accessories! Maria confirmed to me that the two like to dress accordingly. It made extra nice photo ops during the weekend too as I saw them in their twin denim attire, yellow outfits, matching white pants and banquet finery. The Ortiz’s have a lot of energy and I can’t wait to see what they wear in tandem next year.
Also at the Friday night dinner were legends in the fight game like George Chuvalo, Emile Griffith, Alvaro “Yaqui” Lopez, and “Irish” Gil King. Emile and his son Luis Griffith brought some terrific DVDs with them, “Ring of Fire.” If you haven’t seen this compelling documentary yet, I do recommend it as it tells Emile’s poignant story. The crowd-pleasing Griffith signed the boxed set version of the film for several guests.
chewy2As singer Chewy serenaded the crowd with a perfect rendition of “Moon River,” the dinner patrons continued to visit with each other. I went to congratulate two past Presidents of the WBHF, Ken Thompson with wife, Vera, and Dr. Joe Noriega, with wife, Nelly. The busy foursome has a huge weekend ahead of them. This coming Saturday is Yonnhy Perez’s fight against Joseph Agbeko. Thompson, along with Gary Shaw, is co-promoter of the Colombian boxer, who will be competing for an IBF Bantamweight title on Halloween night at Treasure Island in Las Vegas.
Perez’s sparring partner and stablemate Walter Sarnoi accepted his scholarship award at the beginning of the event and also got to meet Brian Mitchell, a 2009 Inductee and a hard-hitting South African champ. Sarnoi recently spent a whole month in Mitchell’s home country as part of Yonnhy’s training camp for his victory over Silence Mabuza. The Thai-American super bantamweight has also fought on Thompson cards before.
And the active Dr. Joe was traveling to Mexico the morning after the President’s Dinner for female fighter Carino Moreno’s bid for the WBC and WIBA strap on October 31. Noriega is the pugilist’s manager and said he’s really looking forward to both the trip and her fight.
Since this was a boxing crowd, there had to be some lacing up of the gloves! Hanging out for a few minutes with WBHF Sergeant-at-Arms Gwen Adair and Treasurer Josie Arrey-Mejia, I noticed the two ladies displaying their boxing gloves. Gwen showed off her unique WBHF logo gloves and Josie displayed her huge Cleto-Reyes glove with prized signatures she’s collected through the year. And representing the actual boxing glove business was the Cleto-Reyes family. Alberto Reyes, a 2008 Inductee, made the trek out to L.A. with hisreyesfamfamily, including daughter Elizabeth.
After the dinner wound down, half of the people kept the party going at the appropriately named Champions Sports Bar and Grill located on the hotel premises. This was another opportunity to welcome the out-of-towners and newest inductees in a very relaxed and casual setting. With President Muñiz and his family, Board Members Gwen Adair, Josie Arrey-Mejia, Richard Perry, Steve Harpst, fighter Gil King and the Brian Mitchell family, I spent a couple of hours talking, laughing and reminiscing about past banquets.
I had a great time visiting with Brian Mitchell and his son, Brian Jr., 22. The Johannesburg slugger is one of his country’s most beloved fighters who won fans over with his relentless come-forward style. Outside the ropes, the self-effacing Mitchell has stayed active in the fight game as a trainer and manager. I met his pretty wife, Junita, and another of their sons, Damon, age 8. The tyke is a little charmer and was very excited about his trip to California. Damon said he’s been here before and loves visiting the U.S. The family is familiar with the San Diego area and lived in Florida for a time too.
Brian Sr. and Brian Jr., who’s an aspiring actor who resided in L.A. for a while, took delight in teaching me some South African phrases. They mentioned that everyone talks faster in their hometown than in L.A. Brian Sr. said that when Angelenos speak, they stretch out syllables and pronounce things more slowly and differently than his Johannesburg mates. For example, if you want a glass of milk to go with your cookies, in S.A. they pronounce it “mulk.” They also remind me that we drive on the “wrong” side of the street! They, like their British counterparts, drive on the other side of the road.
And in their native country where Afrikaans is spoken, words we use here in the States have no meaning in their South African culture. So we all had a blast playing the “What do you call this?” parlor game as I held up various items. You may wear tennis shoes, sneakers or kicks here but inmitchellsJo’burg they’re called “takkies.” If you’re dining in South Africa and you ask the waiter for a napkin to wipe your mouth, you may get a very strange reaction. In their land, a napkin or “nappy” is a baby’s diaper! The Mitchells said their countrymen use the word “serviette” instead of napkin. Also, there are no long lines in South Africa, over there people line up in “queues.” And during cold weather here while you put on a sweater, the Mitchells will put on a “jersey” to stay warm.
But I think I found a way to stump them.
What do you call a boxing champion in South Africa?
Answer: A boxing champion, of course! No argument there.
Once a champ, always a champ–in any language. After all, the WBHF’s motto is “Where Champions live forever.”
As everyone began to turn in for the night, we all looked forward to the weekend’s festivities and the induction of the 2009 Class.
Stay tuned to this column for further reports about all the championship events that took place!
emileg wbhfgloves reyesglove
Photos by Michele Chong/Steve Harpst: Scholarship winner Walter Sarnoi with Ken and Vera Thompson; Yolanda Muñiz and Richard Perry; Gwen, Vera and Josie; Gaspar Ortega; Singer Chewy; Emile Griffith, With the Cleto-Reyes family; Brian Mitchell during Friday’s festivities
Copyright © 2009 Michele Chong. All rights reserved.
WBC at the Hongik Child Welfare Center
During the Convention in Jeju, we visited a local orphanage. You can do a lot of things to prepare for a visit, but you can’t make children as happy as the ones we found here. These beautiful children were all giggles and excitement. We had a wonderful time with him. Some Karate Kids showed us some Karate kicks, and we played with the younger ones. We also had Tea with the kind people who ran the center. All of them got little gifts and seemed delighted with the attention. We had the privilege of spending some time with these lovely children and we left them with the knowledge that people from many different countries were looking over them. Thanks to Carlos Baeza, here are a few pictures. – Jill
