This summer, the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame will officially open in Belfast, NY.  Belfast served as the training grounds for legendary boxer John L. Sullivan as he prepared for his last bare knuckle fight nearly 120 years ago.  On May 16th, there will be a  tour of the barns where Sullivan trained.  As part of the celebration, there will also be a beef dinner served, beer tasting, and a special visit by Buffalo's own "Baby" Joe Mesi.  For more information you can visit www.bareknuckleboxinghalloffame.com

Buffalo News Link: http://www.buffalonews.com/289/story/624566.html

By Bob Caico

Professional boxing returns to Buffalo, NY for the first time since 2003 and the first time sans “Baby” Joe Mesi on a card since 1992 when Nick Garone’s X-CEL promotions will hold a show on February 20^th. The main event will be for the NABA light heavyweight belt when former world super middleweight champion Byron Mitchell (26-4-1) takes on Zach Walters (28-3). The co-feature will have Buffalo’s own Paul “The Italian Hitman” Marinaccio (24-4-3) in a 10-round heavyweight scrap.

Recently signed to X-CEL, Meacher Major (15-3-1) is scheduled to compete in an 8-round super featherweight match-up.

Rounding out the card will be Rochester’s Harvey Murray (2-3-1), Michael Faragon (4-0) along with the debuts of Johnny Davis of Niagara Falls, Greg Brady of Buffalo and former top light heavyweight amateur Lionel Thompson of Buffalo.

This will be Garone’s second venture in western New York after a very successful co-promotion in Niagara Falls in November. “We are excited to come back to western New York”, said Garone.

The card will be held at the Buffalo Convention Center. Tickets are priced at $30, $50 and $100.

The Buffalo Veteran Boxers Association's 12th annual Hall of Fame Dinner will be held at Salvatore's Italian Gadrdens (6461 Transit Rd., Depew, NY) on Friday, August 15th, 2008 from 6:00-11:00pm.  Tickets sold in advance only by August 8th.  For more info., or to buy tickets, please call (716) 856-9365. 

Those Western New York boxing legends honored this year include:

Harris Blake- Lightweight '38-'49

Dennis "Rocky" Cudney- Welterweight '69-'74   

Bobby McQuillar- Lightweight '42-'48

Lee Oma- Heavyweight '39-'51 

Gene Poirerier- Welterweight '51-'56

Neal Rivers- Middleweight '52-'62

Joey DeJohn, who was inducted into Ring 44's Boxing Hall of Fame this past August, passed away on May 9th at the age of 81.  DeJohn, a middleweight, was born in and boxed out of Syracuse for most of his career.  He had 17 fights in Buffalo, all at the Memorial Auditorium.  During his 11 year career, DeJohn took on some of the top boxers of his era including Jake LaMotta and Lee Sala.  Always considered to be one of the most exciting boxers of his time, DeJohn was knocked out by Pete Mead at the Madison Square Garden in February of 1949 in a fight still considered by many to be one of boxing's all-time greatest bouts.  DeJohn retired from boxing in 1955 with a record of 74-14-2.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle link here:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/SPORTS0101/805130329/1007/SPORTS

On Friday August 3rd, six new members were inducted into the Ring 44 Buffalo Boxing Hall of Fame.  The ceremonial banquet was once again held at Salvatore's Italian Gardens in Depew.  Buffalo's own "Baby" Joe Mesi and several other local celebrities were on hand for the memorable evening.

Brian LaSpada, who was born in Buffalo, boxed in the cruiserweight division between 1993-2002.  As an amateur, LaSpada trained under Ring 44 Hall of Famer Jimmy Ralston.  As a professional, he was trained by Roger Mayweather and promoted by Buffalo's Rick Glazer for much of his career.  In 1995, he won the NABF cruiserweight title over Art Jimmerson in Las Vegas.  He finished his career with an impressive 28-8-2 record with 13 KOs.

Paul Wielopolski is one of the most accomplished amateur boxers in Buffalo history, winning five consecutive open division Golden Gloves titles between 1967-1971.  In 1979, Wielopolski began a coaching career at the Austin Street PAL that lasted until 1990.  In 1988, he sent six fighters to the National Junior Olympic Championships in Chicago.  The Austin Street Boxing Club won three gold medals and two silver medals that year, more than any other city or state in the U.S. 

Also inducted were middleweight boxer Joey DeJohn, manager Bert Finch and lightweights Steve Halaiko and Jake Schiffer.  Businessman Dennis DiPaolo was named Ring 44 Person of the Year.  Congratulations to all those honored!