Nonstop Action at Amateur Boxing Show

Torrington High School was the venue for the second amateur boxing show held on April 27 for the benefit of Northwest Amateur Boxing, a nonprofit organization based at 45 Water St. in downtown Torrington. The stands and floor seats were filled by some 700 enthusiastic fans and the 13 bouts provided constant excitement.

This is the first show held by Northwest in which boxers from the local club were participants, and even though Northwest Boxing is barely over two months old, it was difficult to tell. The seven Northwest boxers demonstrated extraordinary competitiveness and heart as they competed against much more established clubs and experienced boxers from around the state. The fans got into it too, their chanting of "Go T-Town!" filling the gym as each Northwest boxer competed. Even Mayor Owen Quinn was heard cheering for the local youngsters.

Ten-year-old Jeff Beatrice of Northwest and his opponent, Chris Vargas of Taino Boxing of New London, absolutely stole the show with their nonstop, no-fooling, 65 lb. class bout that opened the evening’s program. Vargas won on points, but it was difficult to tell from Jeff's beaming face as he held his runner-up trophy high. (It was Jeff's first competitive bout and Chris' second.)

The 12th bout of the evening also had the fans on their feet as they cheered Logan Maestri of Northwest and Dennis Diaz of Waterbury P.A.L. in the 16-year-old heavyweight clash. Diaz won on a decision, but the fans were still with Maestri, who showed all heart throughout the bout! Watch for this young boxer to grow in his skills.

In an open-division, four-round bout, Greg Carter of Waterbury P.A.L. defeated Alex Soto of Taino Boxing from New London. Both boxers weighed in at 147 lbs. and are over 17 years old.

Other bout results are as follows: John Iacabucci of Hamden Boxing decision over Billy Savoia of Northwest; Danny Savoia of Northwest decision over Ty Thompson of Bridgeport P.A.L. (it was Danny's first bout, and he is the first Northwest boxer to hold a winner's trophy!); Steve Clement of Hamden Boxing won over Caleb Dubourg by RSC (referee stops contest); Keith Robinson of Hamden out-pointed James Charboneau in a close, highly spirited contest; Danny Piciello of Silver City Boxing in Meriden defeated Lorenzo Powell from K.O. Boxing of East Hartford in an exciting clash; Matt Remillard of Manchester P.A.L. won over Jose Ortiz from Montalvo Boxing of Stamford; and in the last bout of the evening, Julio Aquino from Silver City Boxing of Meriden out-pointed King James Mayo of Bloomfield Boxing in a 125 lb. class bout.

Some of the fans at the show were heard to say that they enjoyed this amateur boxing event more than watching pro bouts. There was nonstop action in each of the 13 evenly-matched bouts, the crowd showed their appreciation to both boxers, and good sportsmanship prevailed both in and out of the ring. Northwest Boxing President George Sigiel wants to say a big "Thank You" to the many sponsors and fans who supported this fundraiser, thus making the local boxing program possible. Interested persons are asked to stop by any weekday afternoon around 5 p.m. for a tour of the gym and an up-close view of the program.

There is still a need for more adult coaches; interested persons can stop by or call 860-567-8902. A fall date is planned for another show to be held at Torrington High School.