BOXING Gathering has good response
The radio show/party drew former world champs Greg Richardson, Jeff Lampkin and Harry Arroyo.
AUSTINTOWN -- John Caparanis' "Tip of the Cap" radio show on WBBW-AM (1240) Thursday devoted time to boxing at Antonio's Restaurant.
Mike Cefalde, one of the founders of "Inside Boxing" along with Caparanis, Pat Castronova and Gregg Augustine, were the hosts of a party that paid tribute to local boxing and the many contributors to the sport.
Interviews were conducted with lightweight champion Paul Spadafora from Pittsburgh and Kelly Pavlik from Las Vegas, where he is fighting Saturday night.
Purpose
"We wanted to get as many local people in boxing together as we could to pay a tribute to all of them the best way we could," said Cefalde, who also offered his help to Jack Loew with the local Golden Gloves.
Among the many officials present were Harry Meshel, representing the IBC, Tom Miller of Mineral Ridge, one of the nation's top judges, and Chuck Nelson, the director of the K.O. Drugs Tournament. Local trainers in attendance were P.C. Torres from Warren, Tom Cordell and veterans John Hobart and Emil Tanner.
Former world champions Greg Richardson, Jeff Lampkin and Harry Arroyo were on hand.
"Anytime there is a function regarding local boxing I always want to be a part of it," said Arroyo, a former IBF lightweight champ. "If there is something I can do to further the sport in this area I always want to be involved."
There were other former Golden Glove champions present, including Tommy Kristian, Rusty Rosenberger, Lenny Villers, Terry Nicopolis and Bobby Plegge.
Plegge had an eight-year career with a record of 28-19-1 with 12 knockouts. His most memorable bout came against Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini at Packard Music Hall in October 1980. Mancini won by TKO when the fight was stopped after the sixth round with Plegge sporting a cut over his eye.
Mike Elliott of Austintown, the founder and president of the Boxing Ministry, said, "I am glad that 'Inside Boxing' is having a function like this and our organization is happy to be involved."
Cefalde, elated over the turnout and the response, talked about making this a monthly event.