The CBZ Newswire

Pete Podgorski at ringside (photo by Juan C. Ayllon)

CHICAGO — According to Boxing.com, boxing referee Pete Podgorksi was inducted into the 10th Annual Illinois State Martial Arts Hall of Fame on March 29th in Homewood, Illinois.  Sam Colonna, a longtime trainer from the Windy City, was recognized by the organization last year when it decided to include boxing in its roster.  (continue reading…)

By Juan C. Ayllon

Photos courtesy of Boxrec.com

The late Mr. Lira in action at right.

CHICAGO – Popular lightweight contender Johnny Lira passed away on Sunday, December 9th at Illinois Masonic hospital, according to Fightnews.com. Friends and family were in attendance in his final hour.

Mr. Lira was one of three top Illinois amateur welterweights in the 70′s, along with Pete Podgorski (now a boxing referee whom outpointed in two of three fights) and Lewis Velez, according to Boxrec.com. He also boxed as a middleweight, winning the Chicago Golden Gloves Novice title at that weight, as well as garnering a CYO sectional belt before losing to one Warren Thunder. (continue reading…)

By Juan C. Ayllon at ringside
Photos by Belle

CHICAGO, September 17, 2010 – An estimated 2,000 fans cheered.  Tonight, Ireland by way of Detroit, Michigan’s Andy Lee (162 lbs., 22-1, 16 KO’s) showed flashes of brilliance and took another step closer to the upper echelons of boxing, as he halted Chicago’s rugged Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker (19-4-2, 12 KO’s) at the UIC Pavilion.    

Wearing the red Kronk boxing trunks trimmed in gold and trained by the Kronk legendary trainer, Emmanuel Stewart – the one who seems to specialize in redeeming taller, standup European boxers like Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko – Lee towered over the ebony hued Walker who stalked around the ring in white with black trim, sporting the initials “OIM” (One in a Million Boxing of Merrillville, Indiana).   (continue reading…)

By Pete Podgorski

For all that made Leo Podgorski’s Memorial Service, thanks you. It was GREAT to see a good number of people some who I have not seen for years.
 
For those who were unable to make it, thank you for all your telephone calls, e-mails & kind words. (continue reading…)

The late Mr. Leo Podgorski (photo courtesy of Boxrec.com)

CHICAGO  – Amateur standout Leo “The Lion” Podgorski, 52, passed away yesterday of a heart attack.

The late Mr. Leo Podgorski is survived by younger brothers Stan Podgorski (who boxed as an amateur and professional) and Pete Podgorski (a boxing referee who’s presided in world championship bouts and who  also boxed as an amateur and pro), nephews Matthew Podgorski (Chicago Golden Gloves and Chicago Park District Champion, as well as a professional and aspiring politician) and Mike Podgorski (an amateur boxer).  According to Fightnews.com, Mr. Podgorski is also survived by his son, Leo, Jr. and his wife, Edith.  (continue reading…)