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Amateur Boxing Returns to Torrington
By George Sigiel, Morris
Northwest Amateur Boxing Club hosted the Connecticut Showcase at the renovated Torrington High School gym on Saturday, October 27 in front of a very enthusiastic crowd of around 500 spectators. Eleven bouts took place, each consisting of three to four rounds of high-energy, all-heart boxing. The boxers were from twelve active boxing clubs from around the state, some as far away as New London and Willimantic. The crowd cheered and clapped for the combatants and truly demonstrated good sportsmanship and appreciation for the efforts they were witnessing.
Some of the comments heard by the officers of Northwest Boxing indicated that the majority of the spectators were first-timers and had no idea as to what to expect in an amateur show. Those fans stated that they were amazed at the talent and skills the boxers demonstrated, as well as the overall high level of organization and concern for the boxers' safety that they witnessed throughout the event. United States Amateur Boxing officials from as far away as Ohio served as referees, judges, timers and inspectors, and Connecticut chief judge Joe Cusano kept his team of officials at their peak performance level throughout the event.
Fans also were quick to note that they were really impressed at the high level of good sportsmanship displayed during all of the bouts by both boxers and coaches. Handshakes and hugs by the contestants were evident all around throughout the matches. A special good sportsmanship trophy was presented to Jose Ortiz of Montelvo's Boxing of Stamford. Rob Roy of San Juan Center in Hartford won the Best Boxer of the Night award.
The main purpose of this event was to reintroduce amateur boxing to Torrington fans after an absence of some 25 years, and also to highlight what hard work and training under competent coaches can produce for Torrington area youngsters once a program can be established locally. Right now, Northwest Amateur Boxing has the organizational documents in place for a charitable, nonprofit 501(c)3 status, and has an experienced core of area volunteer coaches at the ready. It even has some of the equipment needed to start up the program, which has been donated by various boxing clubs from around the state, stored and ready to go.
 | | Lorenzo Powell (left) of K.O. Boxing in East Hartford and Danny Aquino of New Britain Boxing Club faced off in the first bout at the Torrington High gym on October 27. Photo/Robin Gourd |
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Mostly what is needed right now is a place for Northwest Amateur Boxing to call home. A single level, fairly open space of 2,500 sq. ft. or more with normal safety features (two exits), at least one bathroom, and reasonable heating and ventilating provisions are basically all that is needed. Location close to downtown Torrington is key, so as to draw in as many local boys and girls as possible as well as those from nearby communities. The club could swing the costs of operation, such as heat, lights, phone, maintenance and insurance, but is looking for a sponsor to provide the rental in exchange for a tax exemption.
Anyone who might be able to help is asked to call me at 860-567-8902 as soon as possible. This act of generosity could really make the difference in the lives of lots of kids in the area, and could even be a source of Torrington pride someday in the world of amateur sports, maybe even in future Olympics.
George Sigiel is president of Northwest Amateur Boxing, Inc.
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