Celebrity Fund Raising Event on March 15 at Bed-Stuy Boxing Club

08.03 - On March 1,2002 a well deserved press conference was held the reknown Bedford-Stuyvesant Boxing Center in Brooklyn. After twenty-two years in existance and numerous champs later, the Bed-Stuy gym as most know it is in danger of closing its doors forever. Over the years this gym has meant many things to many people. Not only did this notible place produce champs, positivity and strength was first and foremost for the participants and the surrounding area. The Bed-Stuy gym is a cultural renaissance in the heart of Brooklyn. Although major repairs are needed within the gym, it still has an ora of it's own. This place reeks of distinction, with all of it's exquisite murals surrounding the walls of champs and trainers past and present, indeed there is a spirit within that gym that will never fade.

This wonderful boxing center which was home to Riddick Bowe, Mark Breland and Vivian Harris to name a few is worth fighting for.Yes this gym certainly has an exuberant flame that continues to burn,even with the visible neglect.

How ironic that after suppling the gym with lights for so long, Con-Ed was forced to disconnect the lights on the same day of the press conference. Make no mistakes that the will and the determination of the members, boxers,press and the community agreed the show must go on, despite having no lights. It took a collaborative effort,which is what this gym was built on to conduct this conference.

A number of notibles came out to show support: One of which was Hall of Famer Emil Griffith. Mr. Griffith took time out his busy schedule to attend and admitted that this was his first visit to the gym ,but also admitted that it would not be his last. He noticed the deterioration factor; however his main concern was that we must put our efforts into saving the building for the kids.He stated that "knowing where your kids are is very important." When asked what do you think the politicians can do to salvage the gym, Mr. Griffith simply said that he refrains from politics, but refused to knock them because in retrospect they are needed.

Of course Brooklynite and former two-time WBA Welter Weight Champ Mark Breland was on the scene to represent. Mr. Breland admitted owing many of his accomplishments to the training he obtained at the Bed-Stuy gym, so it's no surprise that he would show a sympathetic response to the physical and financial conditions of the gym. Mr.Breland noted that "the gym has seen it's better day's and people should come together to raise funds funds to restore the gym. The gym has produced champions and has many good prospects now, not to mention some of the best trainers in boxing". He also said that" The gym should have never gotten to this level of despair", he made it known through his efforts with Everlast, some much needed equipment was donated. Mr. Breland travels frequently, but makes a point of visiting the the when in town. Also on hand for the conference was the gym's administrator, Mr.Mawu Straker. Mr. Straker is a schoolastic Professor, but lends his time and expertise to the gym. His main goal is to save the facility, so that the neighborhood youth could have a safe haven. Mr. Straker had plenty to say about the local politicians and stressed dismay over the situation. He stated that the local politicians including the African-American ones have been bombarded with pleas to help save the gym and all they have gotten is lip-service" He admits that all the local politicians have turned their backs on the dilapidated gym.

He informed us that Gov.Pataki reached to the facility and even appointed board member Ed Carson a boxing commisioner.Mr.Sraker emphasized that "Mr. Carson assumed his positon and literally forgot about the gym". He is however hoping that newly elected borough pres. Marty Markowitz will come through on a promis to help.Also mentioned were the former inspector Mohammed and the new inspector Phillip Banks both of the local 81st precnct have been avid supporters and realize the importance to the youth.Mr.Straker is disappointed in alderman Al Van and city-concil women Annette Robinson ,and all others with clout and financial capital who has not yet stepped in to save the gym from physical and fiscal ruin.

With all thats at stake we, Jacboxing.com, Mr. Mawu Straker and all associated with the Bed-Stuy gym is making a collaborative effort to save the gym, by conducting a special celebrity fund raising event on Mar. 15, 2002 at the main headquaters located at 275 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Bklyn New York. Please, donations will be greatly appreciated and are seriously needed. The gym needs your support so don't hesitate to call Mr. Straker@718-774-3512 or Ike@718-469-9265 for more details on the event. All interested may also email jacboxingfans@hotmail.com

Remember your support is needed,

Thank-You

Who's That Lady?

Successful Press Conference at Bed-Stuy Boxing Club

Ike Enwereuzor

Electric Power & Heat OUT!

04.03 - A press conference at Bed-Stuy Boxing Gym, Brooklyn, NY Friday March 1, 2002 was a great thing for the Center who have not receive any form of aid from any City, State, Federal or foundations. One of the unfortunate things we observed was that the Center lost their electric power and heat few days before the conference was held there and still don't have the power back. They pleaded to the public for assistance to help them get their power back. Imagine a home with a heating and no electricity for days?

At the press conference was legendary six-time world champion Emile Griffith, Former world champ Mark Breland, former Golden Gloves and metro champions and more. These guys screemed loudly why the public must come to their resue.

"I think this is a good thing for the Community, said legendary Griffiths." I hope everyone comes out on March 15. He continued, this is the first time I have been to Bed-Stuy Boxing Club all these years finally I am here today. It's a big place, they just need a little fixing the building and some equipments. I like this place."

Something funny happened after the press conference Breland wanted to use the restroom then he attempted to use it but when he realised that he needed a flash light to use the restroom he changed his mind. What do you think is going through this ex-champions mind? Is this where I started or what?

"I hope people will come out on Marc 15, to help out, said Breland."They really need the help."

Bed-Stuy Boxing center, a non profit and tax exempt, is an internationally known and nationally acclaimed producer of great boxers lead by legendary trainer, South Pacific Champion and retired Sgt George Washington and also Martial Arts champions. Bed-Stuy has served as a training, exercise and development center for athletics in various sports such as soocer, tracks, weights, football, field events, basketball and much more.

"This kids deserve more, said Washington. "They need equipments to be the best in school and boxing. We encourage all of them to stay in school. If they can donate old or new boxing stuff, we can use them here at Bed-Stuy Boxing Gym. We need computers for the Kids here, so I hope someone can donate few so our kids can use them to improve. It a great feeling to see Emile Griffiths in the house, he was my idol. They know my kids in Germany and Russia, they didn't want to fight my kid from Brooklyn. I took Riddick Bowe to all the amateur fights including the Golden Gloves here in New York."

New York City has been the center of the boxing world, the first recognized boxing contest held in United States was in New York City in 1816. Later that century the sport's following went into decline but it was in Brooklyn, at Coney Island, where boxing was revived in the early 1890's. Soon after, New York City became the nation's boxing capital.

Brooklyn became the focus of the boxing world again in 1987 when Brooklynite former undisputed heavyweight king "Almighty Iron" Mike Tyson won his first world championship. Two other former heavyweight champions Riddick Bowe, olympic medalist and former world champ, Michael Moorer trained at the Bed-Stuy Boxing Club.

It's also the home to 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time world champion Mark Breland and recent olympian Eric Kelly. The Bed-Stuy Boxing center was founded in 1980 by attorney Lamont Flanagua, who renovated a former bank building at 275 Marcu Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY about 22 years ago. The Center has produced thousands of young people like Vivian Harris, Brian Adams and many others an alternatives to crime and drugs and provide a comprehensive solution to the problems facing economically and socially disadvantaged youth from the ages of 8 through young adulthood. Prior to Bed-Stuy Boxing club, there were no facilities in Brooklyn, New York that specialized in boxers training. Flanagua ran the center untill 1989 then two-time world champion Henry "Pepper" Brent pick it up from there.

Bed-Stuy center is also a development center for individuals groups in the music, dance, drama, song and others. Brooklyn has also nurtured the several careers of many talents in the entertainment biz such as Notorious BIG, Busta Rymes, Q-Tip, Jayz, Lil Kim, Floxy Brown, Lil Caese and more. With a doubt, Bed-Stuy is one of the important part of Brooklyn and beyond knowing your kindly contributions to a good needy and most worthwhile cause, the center will appreciate if anyone can connect them with former world champion Riddick Bowe. You can help resue the Community center, if you have computers, books, donate a ring or other boxing equipments and financial donations will highly be appreciated by the Bed-Stuy Boxing & Educational center to provide the youngters with their needs, this is a resue call to everyone, no donation is too little

Any financial donations should be sent to Bed-Stuy Boxing & Educational center because this is great thing for the Community. In attendance will be undefeated WBC Welterweight champion Vernon Forrestand Legendary Emile Griffiths will referee event of the evening. The Celebrity Charity Boxing Exhibition will feature undefeated WBC No.1 cruiserweight contender Wayne Braitwaite, former world champions, Lonnie Bradley, Brian Adams, Keisha Snow, female heavyweight contender ranked No.2 in the world, Vivian Harris, heavyweight KO Artist,Cisse Salif, Police Officers, Jamaican Olympian Richard Grant, hot prospect Luis Collazo, Metro, Golden Gloves Champions and more

Tickets for the Celebrity Charity Boxing Exhibition and entertainment countdown on Friday March 15, 2002, at Bed-Stuy Boxing Center is now available for sale. The event will also feature excitiing Round Card Girls, Artists performance, Autograph signing.

Donations are $50 in advance, $75 at Door, $150 for VIP and $1000 Sponsors.

New Bed-Stuy Boxing & Educational center in Danger of closing

Ike Enwereuzor
Jacboxingfans@hotmail.com

21.02 - A special Friday fight night show and countdown at The new Bed-Stuy Boxing and Educational center Marcus Garvey Blvd in Brooklyn, New York home to former world champions Riddick Bowe, Mark Breland, former contender Stephon Johnson and recent Olympian Eric Kelly, will stage a "Save Our Gym" Fundraisen Black/White and Blue collar Boxing exhihibation show at Bed-Stuy Boxing center, 200 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Bklyn, NY on Friday March 15, 2002.

Participants are Metro junior olympic champions (All Ages), Golden Gloves champs, former world champs and other professional fighters. This non-profit organization have not received any City, State, fedaral nor private assistance in years and in serious needs for funds to repair the building where champs like Bowe and Breland came out of, update their boxing equipments ETC. Press Conference will be held at Bed Stuy boxing center 12:00 Noon on March 1, 2002 and every support will be appreciated by Bed-Stuy Boxing Center.

Donations are $25, $50 in advance, $75 at Door
Vip $150 and sponsors $1000

Refreshment Sold!! Don't be Told!! Be there!!!

For More Info contact: Bed-Stuy @ (718)452-9256,
Mawu @ (718)774-3512, Or Email: Bedstuywarriors@yahoo.com