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| David Pambianchi |
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More Articles:
Green-Eyed Angel
Angel Wields Fire
Angel In Paradise
Ring 8
The Same At Heart
Motorcycle Dreams
Green-Eyed Angel
Angel Wields Fire
Angel In Paradise
Ring 8
The Same At Heart
Motorcycle Dreams
At Ring 8 "You Don't Have To Take It On The
Chin!."
By David Pambianchi
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. 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.”
Chin!."
By David Pambianchi
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. 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.”