By Tyson Bruce
In today’s boxing climate Madison Square Garden is known as New York’s premier boxing site. However, in the history of New York boxing the great borough of Brooklyn occupies an equally rich and storied history in the ‘Sweet Science’. This weekend at the newly constructed Barclay’s Centre, located in the heart of Brooklyn, the latest chapter of that history will unfold when two of its native son’s Zab Judah of Brownsville and Paulie Malignaggi of Bensonhurst square off in an excellent four-bout card televised by Showtime.
The history of Brooklyn boxing dates back over 130 years, before it was even formally recognized as a part of New York city, when in 1882 “The Boston Strong Boy” John L. Sullivan, America’s first true celebrity athlete, boxed an Irishman named Jimmy Elliot, knocking him down three times and finishing the bout with a punch to the throat in the third round. Since that time Brooklyn has hosted some of the most prestigious fighters in the history of the sport, including one the first great-recognized African American fighters in the celebrated lightweight champion Joe Gans, who boxed there in 1896 & 1897. In fact, two of the greatest ‘pound for pound’ boxers in the annals of the sport, middleweight champion Harry Greb and heavyweight legend Jack Dempsey, both boxed in the “Borough of Churches” shortly before the onset of the roaring twenties. Tony Canzoneri, one of the greatest lightweight champions of all time, fought in Brooklyn a record 47 times. In the infancy of pugilism in America, few places played a greater role in the development of boxing as a modern sport than Brooklyn.
Between 1892-1954 New York City absorbed wave after wave of immigrants, who came to America on the promise of untold prosperity and freedom. Needless to say, things were not that easy or simple, and the new toughness that was formed out of human struggle and rugged individualism became the recipe that would for generation after generation produce great fighters—no place more so than Brooklyn. It began with the old immigrant generation that belonged to the Jews, Italians, and the Irish and then, after gentrification, the second generation that was comprised mostly of Hispanics and African Americans. All of these ethic groups are richly represented in Brooklyn’s boxing history.
A modern symbol of that rich history belongs to the famous Gleason’s Gym, whose famous gym moniker is taken from the poet Virgil that reads, “Now, whoever has courage, and a strong and collected spirit in his breast, let him come forward, lace on the gloves and put up his hands.” Peter Robert Gagliardi, a flyweight boxer, founded the gym in 1937 in the Bronx. He later changed his name to Bobby Gleason to attract the mostly Irish population of the area. The gym quickly became recognized as one of the premier gyms in the city during a period of time when New York City dominated the boxing business with an iron fist.
During it’s time between the Bronx and Manhattan locations, some of the great champions in boxing history have called Gleason’s home, such as Jake LaMotta, Jimmy Carter, Carlos Ortiz, and Benny “Kid” Paret. The great Muhammad Ali used the gym as his training centre for his 1964 heavyweight title fight with Sonny Liston and Roberto Duran made it his American training base throughout his career. The gym moved to its current location in Brooklyn in 1981, and has since become a pillar of the community and a symbol of a bygone time in American history. On any given day at Gleason’s you can observe world champion caliber boxers like Zab Judah and Paulie Malinaggi training along side New Year’s resolution fitness pledgers, optimizing a kind of ethnic and social diversity that can only be found in New York.
The neighborhood of Brooklyn that fight fans most associate with boxing these days has to be the Brownsville section. An area that only occupies about 2.19 square miles has managed to produce five heavyweight champions since 1956: Floyd Patterson (1956), Mike Tyson (1986), Riddick Bowe (1992), Michael Moore (1994), and Shannon Briggs (1997). Brownsville is littered with a variety of low-income public housing projects, which have come to symbolize a tragic brand of indentured and institutional poverty in urban centers all across America. No other area of New York City has as many social problems as Brownsville. The explosion of the crack and heroin epidemics that crested in the 1980’s and early 1990’s ravaged the area with crime rates soaring out of control. Despite a dramatic drop in the crime rate in the 2000’s, Brownsville continues to have the worst murder rate in the city. It is out of this strife that some of the best heavyweights of modern times have emerged. People in Brooklyn are tough and have something worth fighting for—an essential ingredient for producing great fighters.
The arrival of the 4.9 billion dollar Barclay’s Center (home to the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA) in 2012 has been responsible for the renaissance of the boxing culture in Brooklyn. Golden Boy Promotions, boxing’s largest and most powerful promotional entity, signed a three-year deal to book twelve fight events annually at Barclays Center. They say that Brooklyn and, for that matter, all of New York City boasts some of the most knowledgeable and passionate boxing fans in the world. This has clearly shown itself to be true, as large and vocal crowds have poured in to support the boxing events and the area has quickly become one of the great new hotspots of boxing in North America.
So, it’s fitting that two of its home son’s Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi, whose paths have always seemed to bypass one another, finally meet in the twilight of their careers in an all Brooklyn showdown. Combine that with the fact we have a stacked card featuring bouts between Devon Alexander vs. Shawn Porter, Austin Trout vs. Erislandy Lara, and Sakio Bika vs. Anthony Direll, we may have another great night to put in the annals of Brooklyn boxing.
Robertober
10/29/2024 at 12:11 pm
ed pharmacy: erectile dysfunction medication – cat antibiotics without pet prescription
CharlesSet
10/29/2024 at 5:08 pm
http://indianpharm1st.com/# top online pharmacy india
Robertober
10/29/2024 at 11:13 pm
mexico drug stores pharmacies: mexican rx online – mexico drug stores pharmacies
Michaelovack
10/30/2024 at 12:50 pm
http://biznes-fabrika.kz/# Пин Ап Казахстан
HarryPogma
10/30/2024 at 3:46 pm
pinco [url=https://pinupzerkalo.fun/#]пин ап зеркало[/url] пин ап казино
Michaelovack
10/31/2024 at 1:53 am
http://pinupzerkalo.fun/# пин ап зеркало
HarryPogma
10/31/2024 at 5:55 am
sweet bonanza tr [url=http://sweetbonanzatr.pro/#]sweet bonanza nas?l oynan?r[/url] sweet bonanza tr
Jefferynof
10/31/2024 at 7:17 am
sweetbonanzatrpro: sweetbonanzatr.pro – sweet bonanza tr
Jefferynof
10/31/2024 at 1:16 pm
sweetbonanzatrpro: sweet bonanza – sweetbonanzatrpro
Michaelovack
10/31/2024 at 2:47 pm
http://sweetbonanzatr.pro/# sweetbonanzatr.pro
HarryPogma
10/31/2024 at 6:30 pm
пин ап кз [url=https://biznes-fabrika.kz/#]пин ап кз[/url] pin up kz
Jefferynof
11/01/2024 at 1:31 am
sweet bonanza: sweet bonanza tr – sweetbonanzatrpro
Michaelovack
11/01/2024 at 1:46 am
https://pinup-az.bid/# pinup
Michaelovack
11/01/2024 at 1:05 pm
http://pinupzerkalo.fun/# pinco
Jefferynof
11/01/2024 at 5:01 pm
пинап казино: пины – пинап казино
HarryPogma
11/01/2024 at 5:48 pm
pinup [url=http://pinup-az.bid/#]pin-up[/url] pin-up
Jefferynof
11/01/2024 at 9:58 pm
пин ап казино: пин ап казино – пинко
RamonScene
11/03/2024 at 9:49 am
http://gabapentin1st.pro/# same-day delivery
Williamcok
11/03/2024 at 12:04 pm
cheapest paxlovid: cheapest paxlovid – Visit store
Williamcok
11/03/2024 at 5:56 pm
paxlovid store: paxlovid1st – See risks
RobertReirl
11/03/2024 at 9:39 pm
stromectol: stromectol store – stromectol online
Williamcok
11/03/2024 at 11:24 pm
gabapentin best price: buy gabapentin – same-day delivery
Williamcok
11/04/2024 at 5:15 am
licensed gabapentin: licensed gabapentin – Neurontin online
Leroyaddek
11/04/2024 at 11:54 pm
reputable mexican pharmacies online [url=http://mexicanpharm24.cheap/#]mexico pharmacy[/url] purple pharmacy mexico price list
WilliamTit
11/05/2024 at 9:44 am
cialis without a doctor’s prescription https://pharm24.pro/# ed for men
Leroyaddek
11/05/2024 at 10:50 am
indian pharmacy online [url=https://indianpharm24.pro/#]India pharmacy delivery[/url] Online medicine home delivery
Brandonedush
11/05/2024 at 12:41 pm
pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa: Legit online Mexican pharmacy – reputable mexican pharmacies online
Leroyaddek
11/05/2024 at 4:24 pm
п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india [url=https://indianpharm24.pro/#]India pharmacy delivery[/url] indianpharmacy com
WilliamTit
11/05/2024 at 7:24 pm
ed help http://mexicanpharm24.cheap/# reputable mexican pharmacies online
Brandonedush
11/06/2024 at 2:54 am
causes of ed: cheap prescription drugs – cause of ed
Leroyaddek
11/06/2024 at 4:28 am
treating ed [url=http://pharm24.pro/#]cheap medication[/url] herbal ed
WilliamTit
11/06/2024 at 4:55 am
buy prescription drugs without doctor https://pharm24.pro/# best cure for ed
WilliamTit
11/06/2024 at 1:42 pm
vacuum pump for ed https://indianpharm24.pro/# cheapest online pharmacy india
DevonRoste
11/06/2024 at 2:04 pm
http://pharm24.pro/# buy ed pills
non prescription ed drugs
Leroyaddek
11/06/2024 at 3:25 pm
best online pharmacies in mexico [url=http://mexicanpharm24.cheap/#]mexico pharmacy cheap[/url] reputable mexican pharmacies online
Brandonedush
11/07/2024 at 7:30 am
indianpharmacy com: Pharmacies in India that ship to USA – top online pharmacy india
WilliamTit
11/07/2024 at 10:16 am
best ed medications http://pharm24.pro/# otc ed drugs
WilliamTit
11/07/2024 at 7:56 pm
ed aids http://indianpharm24.pro/# top 10 online pharmacy in india
Brandonedush
11/07/2024 at 9:16 pm
google viagra dosage recommendations: cheap meds – ed symptoms
CarrollSoync
11/08/2024 at 2:38 pm
deneme bonusu veren siteler betturkey https://denemebonusuverensiteler.top/# deneme bonusu veren siteler mycbet.com
ClydeBat
11/08/2024 at 10:27 pm
matadorbet: matadorbet bid – matadorbet giris
CarrollSoync
11/08/2024 at 11:11 pm
deneme bonusu veren siteler denemebonusu2026.com https://slot-tr.online/# az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?
Hassannat
11/09/2024 at 4:35 am
https://denemebonusuverensiteler.top/# deneme bonusu veren siteler betturkey betturkey.com
deneme bonusu veren siteler
ClydeBat
11/09/2024 at 11:54 am
az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?: slot tr online – az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?
Hassannat
11/09/2024 at 9:40 pm
https://denemebonusuverensiteler.top/# deneme bonusu veren siteler
deneme bonusu veren siteler mycbet.com
Larryeroro
11/10/2024 at 12:15 am
slot siteleri [url=http://slot-tr.online/#]az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?[/url] slot tr online
CarrollSoync
11/10/2024 at 1:57 pm
denemebonusuverensiteler.top http://slot-tr.online/# az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?
ClydeBat
11/10/2024 at 4:34 pm
matadorbet giris: matadorbet giris – matadorbet giris
CarrollSoync
11/11/2024 at 4:59 am
deneme bonusu veren siteler betturkey betturkey.com https://ultrabet-tr.online/# ultrabet yeni giris 1125
ClydeBat
11/11/2024 at 8:26 am
Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler: casino siteleri win – guvenilir casino siteleri
Curtispam
11/11/2024 at 8:55 pm
rybpharm cheap semaglutide [url=https://rybpharm.com/#]rybpharm cheap semaglutide[/url] buy rybelsus online usa
RobertdUs
11/12/2024 at 12:19 am
https://furpharm.com/# furpharm
Curtispam
11/12/2024 at 7:30 am
ED pills non prescription [url=https://erepharm.com/#]ED meds online with insurance[/url] best ed pills online
Curtispam
11/13/2024 at 4:08 am
buy rybelsus canada [url=https://rybpharm.com/#]rybpharm rybelsus[/url] buy rybelsus online usa
RobertdUs
11/13/2024 at 6:32 am
http://erepharm.com/# buy ed pills
Curtispam
11/13/2024 at 2:50 pm
kamagra [url=https://kampharm.shop/#]Kam Pharm[/url] Kamagra Kam Pharm
RobertdUs
11/13/2024 at 10:04 pm
https://gabapharm.com/# cheapest Gabapentin GabaPharm
Curtispam
11/14/2024 at 1:33 am
Buy gabapentin for humans [url=https://gabapharm.com/#]Buy gabapentin for humans[/url] cheapest Gabapentin GabaPharm
RobertdUs
11/14/2024 at 10:28 am
http://rybpharm.com/# rybpharm cheap semaglutide
LloydKnilk
11/14/2024 at 2:18 pm
http://kampharm.shop/# kamagra oral jelly
Bradleyboack
11/15/2024 at 10:30 am
https://mexicanpharmgate.com/# mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
LarryMex
11/15/2024 at 11:27 am
india pharmacy: Indian pharmacy international shipping – reputable indian pharmacies
Jamiewrats
11/15/2024 at 11:47 am
https://mexicanpharmgate.com/# mexican drugstore online
Jamiewrats
11/15/2024 at 5:10 pm
http://indianpharmacyeasy.com/# india pharmacy mail order
Glennson
11/15/2024 at 9:42 pm
mexico drug stores pharmacies [url=https://mexicanpharmgate.com/#]mexicanpharmgate.com[/url] mexico pharmacies prescription drugs
Bradleyboack
11/15/2024 at 10:42 pm
http://canadiandrugsgate.com/# medicines for ed
LarryMex
11/16/2024 at 2:36 am
reputable mexican pharmacies online: medicines mexico rx online – buying prescription drugs in mexico
Glennson
11/16/2024 at 2:09 pm
world pharmacy india [url=https://indianpharmacyeasy.com/#]indianpharmacyeasy[/url] india pharmacy
LarryMex
11/16/2024 at 5:07 pm
dog antibiotics without vet prescription: Canada pharmacy online – online drugs
Bradleyboack
11/16/2024 at 7:50 pm
http://canadiandrugsgate.com/# best canadian pharmacy online
Jamiewrats
11/16/2024 at 9:29 pm
http://canadiandrugsgate.com/# non prescription erection pills
Glennson
11/17/2024 at 5:38 am
cheap medications online [url=https://canadiandrugsgate.com/#]Canada pharmacy[/url] natural ed treatments
Bradleyboack
11/17/2024 at 6:14 am
https://indianpharmacyeasy.com/# top 10 pharmacies in india
JefferyBep
11/17/2024 at 6:59 am
medicine in mexico pharmacies: Mexican Pharmacy Gate – purple pharmacy mexico price list
LarryMex
11/17/2024 at 7:24 am
canadian online drugs: Canada pharmacy online – best ed pills non prescription
Bradleyboack
11/17/2024 at 3:39 pm
http://indianpharmacyeasy.com/# Online medicine home delivery
Glennson
11/17/2024 at 8:34 pm
best online pharmacies in mexico [url=https://mexicanpharmgate.com/#]mexicanpharmgate.com[/url] mexican pharmaceuticals online
LarryMex
11/17/2024 at 8:39 pm
online shopping pharmacy india: Online Indian pharmacy – best india pharmacy
JefferyBep
11/17/2024 at 9:44 pm
ed causes and treatment: Canadian pharmacy best prices – otc ed drugs
Bradleyboack
11/17/2024 at 10:03 pm
https://canadiandrugsgate.com/# ed online pharmacy
Brandenbor
11/18/2024 at 4:18 am
can i order clomid online: cheap clomid – where can i get cheap clomid
StevenDuamb
11/18/2024 at 6:51 am
priligy max pharm: max pharm – cheap priligy
DerekAquag
11/18/2024 at 10:42 am
amoxicillin buy no prescription: amoxil com pharm – cost of amoxicillin prescription
Brandenbor
11/18/2024 at 3:17 pm
prednisone 20mg for sale: prednisoneraypharm – prednisone 20mg price in india
StevenDuamb
11/18/2024 at 5:36 pm
amoxicillin online without prescription: amoxil com pharm – amoxicillin price canada
Danielbal
11/19/2024 at 2:55 am
amoxicillin 500mg price canada http://priligymaxpharm.com/# priligy
DerekAquag
11/19/2024 at 3:40 am
clomid no prescription: can i buy cheap clomid without dr prescription – can i buy clomid without prescription
Brandenbor
11/19/2024 at 2:10 pm
cheap priligy: dapoxetine price – priligy maxpharm
StevenDuamb
11/19/2024 at 4:04 pm
where buy cheap clomid: buy clomid – can i get cheap clomid tablets
StevenDuamb
11/20/2024 at 2:02 am
buy priligy max pharm: dapoxetine price – dapoxetine price
DerekAquag
11/20/2024 at 9:31 am
canadian pharmacy amoxicillin: com pharm – amoxicillin 500mg price canada
Brandenbor
11/20/2024 at 10:02 am
get clomid without a prescription: cheap clomid – where can i get cheap clomid no prescription
StevenDuamb
11/20/2024 at 11:14 am
prednisone 2.5 mg daily: prednisone – prednisone 1mg purchase
DarrenSpeek
11/21/2024 at 2:41 pm
https://plavixclo.com/# generic plavix
DarrenSpeek
11/22/2024 at 4:15 pm
https://cytpremium.com/# п»їcytotec pills online