The oldest and biggest amateur boxing event, known as the Golden Gloves, was held at Madison Square Gardens last week. This three-day tournament is the most prosperous tournament that a young boxer can win to make a name for him or herself. There are 9 weight divisions from 114 pounds all the way up to over 200 pounds, and hundreds of fighters have the chance to win a pair of Golden Gloves.
The Golden Gloves Greats
Boxing
The event began in the 1920s when the New York City Daily News and the Chicago Tribune (two newspapers owned by the same company) decided to hold a tournament in these both great boxing cities, to find the young emerging stars. And boy did they ever! Mahammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and almost every single boxing legend you can name, all won a pair of Golden Gloves.
Fighting For Fame
Boxing
This year all eyes were on Eddie Gomez who lived up to his hype as he dominated the 152-pound-class to win his first Golden Gloves. Eddie is only 17 years old and he believes that he will be the next “Big Thing” . And in the women’s division, Laura Ramirez won her 3rd Golden Gloves, maintaining her #1 world ranked status weighing only 103 pounds. She is definitely setting her eyes on a Gold Medal for the 2012 Olympics.
Boxing for the Better
Boxing
Even though boxing has always been criticized for being a “barbaric” sport with too much violence and injuries to athletes, the Golden Gloves tournament is designed to promote discipline and fair play. The program donates proceeds to charities such as disabled war veterans and inner city youth programs. If you would like to know more about the tournament, go to the Golden Gloves Website .
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