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05/21/2004 Archived Entry: ""Irish” Micky Ward Boxing Invitational"
“Irish” Micky Ward Boxing Invitational
June 10 in South Boston
SOUTH BOSTON, Mass. – The “Irish” Micky Ward Boxing Invitational, featuring many of the finest amateur boxers in New England, will be held Thursday night, June 10 at the Teacher’s Union Building in South Boston.
“There haven’t been enough amateur boxing shows around this area to keep all of the boxers busy,” S & L Boxing president Sal LoNano explained. “They keep going to the gym, but they don’t get matches, and become discouraged. I had a business in South Boston and I know the Southie/Dorchester area is hungry for boxing. I plan on promoting 10 amateur shows a year all over New England. I want to help keep these young boxers busy.”
Ward, former WBU light welterweight champion, retired last year after completing his famed trilogy against Arturo Gatti. He has become an amateur coach and several of his boxers will be in action June 10. Micky also will be available to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
A quintet of boxers, presently representing Team New England in the second annual Pender-Downes Challenge Cup Tournament in London, are scheduled to be in action June 10: Ward’s nephew, open 141-pound Sean Eklund (15-6), of Lowell; open 165-pound Matt Ryan (10-0), of South Boston; open 178-pound Pat Long (9-3), of South Boston; novice 141-pound Tony LaMonica (5-1), of South Boston; novice 178-pound Billy Traft (5-1), of Dorchester.
“I really like these five kids and they’ll be part of our amateur shows throughout the year,” LoNano noted. “Three of them are from Southie, one from Dorchester, and they’ll really draw a lot of interest to our June 10 show. They all look up to Micky Ward. Matty goes from Southie all the way to the gym in Tewksbury so he can be trained by Micky. That shows you how much he respects Micky Ward.”
A portion of the proceeds from the “Irish” Micky Ward Boxing Invitational will benefit the new South Boston Boxing Club on L Street. Tickets, all priced at $25.00 (general admission), may be purchased by calling 617.227.9332 and also will be sold at the doors. The first bout is slated for 8 pm with doors opening at 6:30 pm. For more information call 978.207.0165
