By Mike Indri – Retired Boxers Foundation: Former two-time world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon and ex- super middleweight title holder Charles Brewer, along with East Rutherford resident Keith Idec, Paterson’s Eddie Cotton, Clifton’s Danny Milano and Paterson native Nick Lembo headline a group of 14 well deserved members elected into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame earlier this week..
“Another elite group”, a beaming Hall president Henry Hascup proudly exclaimed. The honorees will formally be inducted at the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame’s 39th annual dinner slated for Nov. 13 in Garfield.
NJ Boxing Hall of Fame 2008 Class:
James Ali Bashir (trainer)
Bryant Brannon (middleweight contender)
Charles Brewer (IBF super middleweight champion)
Eddie Cotton (referee)
Keith Idec (Boxing Writer)
Nick Lembo (NJ State Athletic Control Board)
Willie Lewis (middleweight – all 33 fights in NJ)
Ludwig Lightburn (lightweight)
Danny Milano (cutman extraordinaire)
Russell Peltz (Promoter)
Don Petrin (NJ Champion – posthumous)
Derrick Rolon (popular middleweight)
Dr. Michael Sabia (NJSACB – inventor of the “enswell”)
Tim Witherspoon (WBC/WBA two-time heavyweight champion)
All boxing fans will be treated to a special night (Tues) April 22nd, as the movie “Carnera – The Walking Mountain” will be premiering at the world renowned Madison Square Garden WaMu Theater.
ADMISSION WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE and special seating will be reserved for members of all boxing and wrestling associations.
Italian boxer Primo Carnera rose from adversity to become a World Heavyweight Champion, yet his time as a boxer was filled with deceit.
Taken advantage of, misled and dishonored in a pugilistic career which reached the pinnacle, yet somehow left the proud champion virtually penniless was hurtful and embarrassing for the humble and honorable gentleman of a person.
Directed by legendary Renzo Martinelli “Carnera – The Walking Mountain” shines reflection onto the true being of Primo Carnera…a loving husband and father, a wonderful and caring human being who never stopped dreaming and never stopped fighting; making his life one filled with pride, integrity and positive accomplishment.
Primo Carnera was a true hero, and a legend.
A foundation, which bears his name and was established in his honor by his son and daughter, operates out of Italy and Florida and is dedicated to helping all underprivileged children…a dream of Primo Carnera’s.
Enjoy a special evening honoring boxing, integrity and family, in the presence of sport stars, cinema celebrities and Primo Carnera’s daughter and son, Giovanna and Umberto.