The 2013 Florida State Golden Gloves tournament is set to take place this weekend with the help of this years host Lou Martinez, owner of Palm Beach Boxing. “I feel like a kid in a candy store,” Martinez said about given the opportunity to host the event. “I’ve had a number of my fighters participate and there have been so many greats that showcased their skills in this event before going to the pros. It’s always been a dream to run this great event. Luckily, I had the opportunity to take over the event this year and did so without hesitation.”
Palm Beach Boxing has made a strong name for itself in the world of professional boxing having held camps for world champions Lucian Bute, Devon Alexander, Cory Spinks and Nate Campbell as well as 2008 Olympian Matt Korobov. The gym’s also hosted Andre Dirrell, Kassim Ouma, Riddick Bowe, Jameel McCline and Oleg Maskaev amongst others.
This years tournament Martinez, with the help of Adam Bram of Florida Gold Coast Boxing association the LBC for South Florida, have put together a great show in conjunction with Palm Beach Music Festival 2day charity event, which will benefit Florida Golden Gloves this year. The show will be at City soccer and Event Fairgrounds, 1016 Clare Ave,, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Palm Beach Music Festival is a seasonal event celebrating the Music ,Culture and Local charities
Boxers from across the state from 16 years old to 34 will compete in Amateur boxing’s most famous tournament, the Golden Gloves. Boys, girls, men and women, from novice debut boxers, to the nations top rated Elite athletes, the tournament will feature a wide array of talent. “This tournament means my future” said Jonathan Scibica 22, from StrikeGym in Coconut Creek Florida. “I want to go pro and I know this is the path to get there, boxing is the biggest challenge I have ever faced and it shows me how far I can push myself, I love it.” This tournament will remain under the old rules with headgear and point scoring systems.
Since the 40 years Florida has participated in the Golden Gloves tournament, participants from all ages, gender and skill level has competed. From everyday white and blue collar folks to legends such as Roy Jones Jr. have been part of the Florida Golden Gloves. Other notables are Hall of Famer Mike McCallum, Former World Champion Randall Bailey, Andre Berto, Nate Campbell and Glenn Johnson. Upcoming prospects including Daquan Arnett and Steve Geffard.
Athletes and coaches may register now at Floridagoldengloves.net. Tournament dates are April 20-21, and April 22nd is reserved if needed for additional championship bouts. Weigh-ins start each day at 7 AM sharp on the and are located at the Ramada Inn at 1901 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd in West Palm Beach. All participants must bring their USA Boxing Passbook. The event will take place at City Soccer, located at 1016 Clare Ave in West Palm Beach, FL.
Since the first Golden Gloves tournament in 1923, the Golden Gloves of America, Inc. and its member franchises have provided an opportunity and environment for young athletes to develop lifetime skills. Hundreds of dedicated administrators, coaches, trainers and counselors have unselfishly spent countless times and effort to assist young people in the development of personal character and athletic skills.
Golden Gloves of America currently has thirty franchises spanning from New England States to Hawaii and represents every section of the country. More than 22,000 male and female athletes between the ages of 8 and 35 participated in amateur boxing programs in the United States last year! Many of these young people will be the future champions and community leaders of tomorrow.
Many former Golden Gloves® amateur boxing champions have gone on to become outstanding boxers and role models in our country. Former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Joe Louis was a Golden Gloves Champion in 1934. Many other champions including Muhammed Ali (1960); Sugar Ray Leonard (1973); “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (1973); Michael Spinks (1974); Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (1977); Johnny Tapia (1984); Mike Tyson (1984); Evander Holyfield (1984); Oscar De La Hoya (1989) and Jermain Taylor (1998 and 1999) all got their start in the Golden Gloves tournaments.
Many ordinary Golden Glovers have parlayed their success in the ring into successful ventures in all areas of life outside of boxing. From Doctors to lawyers, Politicians to Preachers, Music Industry Executives to the Silver Screen, Ambassadors to Wall Street Wizards, their impact has truly been felt by society worldwide. Most never forget their career in the ring and are quick to relate a story or two about the time they stepped through the ropes and either out-boxed, out-punched, or outwitted their opponent. Here is a short list of Golden Glovers, most of whom are very familiar to you.
Motown Founder, Berry Gordy
Rhodes Scholar, Musician, Kris Kristofferson
Attorney Robert Shapiro
Actor/ comedian Martin Lawrence
Singer songwriter Billy Joel
Comedian, movie star Bob Hope
Televangelist, Presidential Candidate Pat Robertson
Cable Television pioneer, Bill Daniels
Comedian, Adam Carolla
Miami City Ballet Director Edward Villela
Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley
Tae-Bo Inventor, Billy Blanks
Music legend, Jackie Wilson
Singer, Terence Trent D’Arby,
Blues legend Willie Dixon
Jazz Pianist, Gene Harris
Singer/ songwriter, Chris Isaak
Rock n Roll Legend, Bo Diddley
Clothing designer, Nellie Partow
Attorney general (Illinois), Jim Ryan
Mayor (Memphis) Willie Herenton
Governor (Alabama) George Wallace
Doctor, Skeeter McClure
Medal of honor recipient, Jack Davenport
Medal of honor recipient, Bill Crawford
House majority leader, Jim Wright
Air force pilot, Edward Dwight jr.
Author Spider Jones
NFL coach Les Steckel
