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AT RING 8 "YOU DON'T HAVE TO
TAKE IT ON THE CHIN"
by David Pambianchi
March 20, 2007 |
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Each month the meeting opens with a retired
Italian fighter singing a heart felt, ageless, American fighting song.
And after he finishes our National Anthem, a hostess taps the bell ten
times, the Ten Count, ten moments of silence for fallen comrades. With a
Queens’ eye view of the skyline, RING 8 members meet at Borden Avenue
and Second Street, The Waterfront Crabhouse.
| With an extensive history of its
own, built in the late 1800’s as a hotel, its Bar once catered
to the famous from the political, sports and movie celebrity
world as well as ferry travelers to and from Manhattan. Now
owned by Tony Mazzarella, The Waterfront Crabhouse, with its
ambiance and excellent cuisine continues to attract and also
hosts New York’s Veteran Boxing Association.
Not just rich in memorabilia, but
made of memorabilia, the restaurant and bar exude history, every
inch filled with mementos. |
Thumbnail photos |
The walls with abstracts from years gone
by, the ceiling hung with hundreds of baseball caps, hats and items of
every kind, the tables and booths nostalgic, seem not frozen in time,
but frozen moments of time. Besides nautical objects, a ships anchor or
ancient diving suit, you study a collidescope of images, ornate stained
glass lamps, a classic juke box, a carousel horse, baskets, bicycles,
sleds, a bathtub full of peanuts, enough to stimulate any imagination. A
sidewalk extension dinning area with windows on both sides gives the
feel of some strange luxury railcar from the past.
But to fighters and fans most poignant speaks the bar and showcase of
boxing photos, caricatures, posters, shirts and boxing gloves. All
there, if not, more in storage, it is a boxing aficionados heaven. Hard
to name a few without insulting the many, notice Ali, Sugar Ray,
Foreman, Patterson and Dempsey. Walcott, Tyson and both Rockys G&M, from
every division, the list seems endless, Miceli, Antuofermo and Griffith.
Veteran boxers make their way up a narrow staircase to the Waterfront
Terrace. Along with their appetites, they also carry with them a living
history of boxing, some notables making history, others, still a part,
sharing experiences and a brotherhood rooted in heart, pain and personal
courage. Respect is key. When you face a man who does his best, you can
learn more about him in a few three minute rounds than someone else
after a year of conversation. For anyone who has stepped into the ring
remembers his first match and any great battle thereafter, the hard
training and conquering of his own fears. When asked his opinion about a
fighter’s state of mind, “He can lie with his lips or his eyes, you
can’t tell from his face, but watch his body language, it never lies,”
says Renaldo, that’s “Mr. Snipes.”
Rugged and humorous spring the surprises. Upon meeting Sammy Farber, a
champion who fought in the first Golden Gloves, with a grip like a vise
at 91, he almost crushed my hand. And as only he can dramatize, Tommy
Gallagher (from The Contender), tells a true boxer’s bravado story.
While at a Tennessee Carnival in ‘65, the Irish tough fought a loosely
termed “Main Event” with a Gorilla.
For a $5 fee, but the chance to make $5 for each round he goes with the
small ape, he repeated, “Are you kidding? I’ll kill that thing!” After
being fit with a mask, and told, “He just gets a bit angry and bites
sometimes,” Tom got suspicious. Too late! The little gorilla tossed him
about the cage like a rag doll, tried to squeeze his head through the
bars near the tiger cage and bounced on his back attempting to have its
way in a shameless manner. To my knowledge, a rematch was not requested.
President Henny Wallitsch petitioning to assist a brother into the Hall
of Fame exemplifies just one aspect of the organization. Established
with special purpose, since 1954, Ring 8 organizes events to help
retired boxers with medical needs from major surgery to a simple pair of
glasses.
With the motto, “Boxers Helping Boxers,” they assist fighters in finding
jobs and housing. Some boxers, good citizens, who have experienced our
history since WWI, go without crucial benefits or pensions. Here, they
not only find practical assistance, but priceless emotional bonds with
comrades. As fellow member Dave Selwyn states, “It’s tough out there and
most of these guys have paid their dues. At least here at Ring 8, you
don’t have to take it on the chin.”
(Photo: New fighters at Ring 8 meeting 3/20/07 Eileen Olszewski and John
Duddy.) |
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