Prime Boxing Articles

A new generation of Irish Boxers in town!

After representing Ireland in the 2004 Olympics and subsequently winning the bronze at the European Championships, Irish boxer Andy Lee has made his Pro debut March 10th at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit under the watchfull eye of his trainer and manager Emanuel Steward. With just a shamrock on his boxing trunks, and an uncle that came in waiving the Irish flag, Andy Lee said with a smile on his face that he is here to win.

   
   Right to Left: Boxer Andy Lee, Kermit Cinsault and Aaron Pryor Jr.
   photo courtesy UrbanVerve

He is the youngest of a new generation of Irish boxers that have entered the US boxing scene starting with John Duddy, Kevin McBride, James Moore, Andy Murray, Matt Macklin and Wayne McCullough in the recent years. And also in the release of the "Cinderella Man" movie in 2005 brought back to the people the memory of the glory Irish boxers enjoyed in the US in the past, almost preparing us for what is to come.

The 21 year old lad from Limerick that is currently training at the famous Kronk Gym has won on March 10th against Anthony Cannon in the 6th round after the advice his trainer and manager gave him in the corner - "Just go out there and do it" Steward said. Same inspiring words that may apply to any athelete of of any sport, whether its football or poker. After dominating in the first 3 rounds and knocking down Cannon in the fourth with a straight left, Andy twice had Cannon receiving the eight-count before being declared the winner in the sixth round.

                                                                                Cornel Ivanescu

Saving Detroit's Legendary Kronk Gym

Boxing manager Emanuel Steward announced a benefit fight night at the famous Fisher Theatre to raise money to save the legendary Kronk Recreation Center, where generations of boxing champions trained.

Emanuels's champions include Thomas Hearns, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Oscar de La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard and Hilmer Kenty.

The gym in southwest Detroit is one of nine that the cash-strapped city has slated for closure and also one of the most worldwide recognized places related to Detroit.

Steward vows: "This center will not close." and so did the fans at a Rally on December 13th, Steward and Kenty met with the city's recreation director and worked out a deal for Steward's foundation to take over the Kronk. Now Steward is trying to raise the money for it.

The benefit, 'Fight Night at the Fisher', planned for Feb. 2, SuperBowl week, features professional and amateur matches in the lobby of the opulent Fisher Building, a VIP dinner in the honor of Emanuel Steward, fashion show and a slew of superstars to rub shoulders with.
Headlining the fights that night will be Detroit heavyweight Jonathon Banks, taking on Michael Word, of Milwaukee.

Supporting the grassroots movement to save the gym by donating time and resources: Roz and Jason Cooperman of Septembr Moon Productions, David Farbman of the Farbman Group, John of JoNa Graphics and Cornel Ivanescu of Urban Verve

"It's the most famous recreation center in the world," Steward said in a telephone interview. "You think of Kronk, you think of Detroit." and boxers around the world along with boxing fans could not agree more.

To help save Kronk or participate in the benefit see the Kronk Gym website: http://kronkgym.com

Cornel Ivanescu