By:Adal Hussain, Editor-In –Chief for World Liberty TV
Six world champions attended , including three award winners: WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl “Hi Tech” Lomachenko (Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year), Hall-of-Famer Michael Spinks (Historical Award), and five-time world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (New York State Female Fighter of the Year).
2017 Ring Honorees
Another Hall-of Fame star, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, is unable to attend the festivities because of a travel conflict but he did receive his Legends Award at the last Ring 8 meeting.
Jack Hirsch New President Ring 8 with Family members
World champions Vito Antuofermo, Iran Barkley and Luis Collazo are confirmed special guests.
Vasyl Lomanchenko with his manager & Jack Hirsch
Other 2017 Ring 8 award winners include two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (International Prospect of the Year Award), 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (New York State Fighter of the Year), of Staten Island.
Bob Duffy NYSBHOF President with Judge Edwin Torres
“The anticipation is continuing to grow as we move closer to the Ring 8 awards banquet on Sunday,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “We are honored that Vasyl Lomachenko and Michael Conlan will be attending despite having fought at Madison Square Garden the night before. Many consider Lomachenko the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and Conlan the best prospect. And it will be a special treat for fans to see Michael Spinks, who will be given recognition as being the first light heavyweight champion in history to have won the heavyweight crown.
Bob Cassidy Jr, With Henry Hascup
“The awards banquet is very reasonably priced. Not only will people get to mingle with great fighters, but the food at Russo’s on the Bay is superb and the atmosphere first rate.”
Dr.Abbey with Vasyl Lomachenko
2017 RING 8 Award Winners: Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year: Vasyl Lomachenko Historical Award: Michael Spinks , International Prospect of the Year: Michael Conlan ,NYS Fighter of the Year: Marcus Browne
Dr.Abbey with Boxer Michael Conlan
NYS Female Fighter of the Year: Amanda Serrano, Sunnyside Gardens Award: Bobby Cassidy, Sr. NYS Prospect of the Year: Devaun Lee
Dr.Abbey with 5 Time World Champion Amanda Serrano
Rising Contender Award: Skender & Enver Halili, Sam Kellerman Media Award: Matt Christie, NYS Trainer of the Year: Hector Rosa, Long & Meritorious Service: Edwin Torres
Dr.Abbey with Flo Anthony Gossip Columnist
NYS Official of the Year: Robert Perez, NYS Promoter of the Year: Mercedes Vasquez Simmons, Uncrowned Champion: Richard Kiley
Dr.Abbey with Boxing Judge Ron McNair
Ringside Physician of the Year: Dr. Osric King, Good Guy Award: Joanne Doyle Hutchins, Ring 8 Member of the Year: George Newman, Community Service Award: Mike Reno
Dr.Abbey with Jack & Audrey Hirsch
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Jack Hirsch With Boxing Great Michael Spinks holding up his Historical Award
RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
See More about Ring 8 in our World Liberty TV Boxing Channel by Clicking here.