29.10.06 – PROVIDENCE, RI — The City of Providence welcomed amateur boxing back in a big way at the historic Columbus Theatre on Saturday night, as over 800 fans turned out for the Tiny Ricci Memorial Show presented by the Rhode Island Boxing Gym, which is headed by two-time world champion Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt.
“It was a great night,” said Clampitt. “We had to turn 200 people away at the door. I don’t think we could have asked for a better night. We had great help from our sponsors and volunteers and we’re just thrilled. Anyone who got to see the event saw a top notch amateur show in one of the coolest venues I have seen yet.”
One of the highlights of the evening came in the fourth bout, when Clampitt’s husband and former North American Boxing Federation “Matchmaker of the Year” Ted Panagiotis made his amateur debut. Panagiotis boxed well and used his speed to out-point Connecticut’s Allan Miller over three rounds.
“It is alot harder than it looks,” said Panagiotis, 29, who has been involved in the professional game for over 13 years. “I felt good in there and once I got into the ring my nerves went out the window. Basically I had fun, and I think that is what amateur boxing is all about.”
Now at 1-0, Panagiotis hopes to continue to progress.
“I dropped 20 pounds to get ready for this fight and I really think I could lose another 10 or so to get down to welterweight,” said Panagiotis. “I don’t know when I’ll fight again, but I will be back in there again for sure. None of it would have been possible without my wife’s help in the gym and also great help from my friends at Everlast. It’s when you put those trunks on, it all really begins to set in.”
The event was presented to benefit the Rhode Island Boxing Gym, the oldest gym in the state and home of many of the areas top fighters, including five-time world champion Vinny Paz. Sponsors for the event included Crossroads Orthopedics, Gee Roc Masonry, Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports, Lombardi & Ferreria Law Offices, Gansett Juice Surf Shop & Rizzo Financial. More information on the gym is available at RIBoxingGym.com.