Photos: The 2023 NJ Boxing Hall of Fame dinner
Photo: From left:NJ USA Boxing President Jackie Atkins, Ken De Berry, 176-pound champ Tyler Vanorden, 165-pound champ Jean Pierre Valencia, 125-pound champ Alessandro Jaucian, 147-pound champ Xavier Correa, 139-pound champ Justin Penaranda, 132-pound champ Ethan Gonzalez, NJ Boxing Commissioner Larry Hazzard, Henry Hascup. Photo by Ryan Songalia
Boxers, trainers and other personalities from the past and present were on hand at the 2023 New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame dinner on Thursday, Nov. 9 at The Venetian in Garfield, N.J.
Among those being inducted in the Class of 2023 include pro fighters Shaun George, Omar Sheika, Jerson Ravelo, Maurice Harris, Frank “The Animal” Fletcher, Anthony Fletcher, Freddie Cadena and Archak TerMeliksetian, plus trainers Joe Botti and Angel “Ping Ping” DeJesus, reporters Frank Bartolini and Charlie McGill, and manager Jolene Mizzone.
Also being awarded was IBF interim heavyweight champion Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs), who was named N.J. Pro Boxer of the Year. Other awardees included Amateur Coach of the Year Percy Gayanilo, Amateur Boxer of the Year Malachi Georges and Amateur Official of the Year Jose Medina.
The dinner also featured this year’s N.J. Diamond Gloves champions receiving their belts.
Below are photos of some of the notable people in attendance.
Inductees Jerson Ravelo, Omar Sheika and Shaun George. By Ryan Songalia
Jackie Atkins, Xavier Correa, Ethan Gonzalez, Jean Pierre Valencia, Alessandro Jaucian and Tyler Vanorden. By Ryan Songalia
Chief official Akbar Muhammad with Amateur official of the year Jose Medina. Photo by Carlo Estonactoc
Pro Boxer of the Year Zhilei “Big Bang” Zheng. Photo by Carlo Estonactoc
Amateur boxer of the year Malachi Georges, his father Ray Georges, former WBO junior welterweight titleholder Kendall Holt and Amateur coach of the year Percy Gayanilo. Photo by Carlo Estonactoc
Former middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Iran Barkley. Photo by Carlo Estonactoc
Amateur coach of the year Percy Gayanilo (middle) with his Park Elite Boxing Academy trainers Tony Santana (L) and Mervin Luciano (R).
Inductee Jolene Mizzone with pro boxer Justin Figueroa
Hi there, just wanted 2 touch base with Mr Tony Santana he spared with Duran back n the 70’s. Tony introduced me 2 Sugar Ray back n the 70’s as well..lol. My name is Thais been looking 4 my old friends from yrs ago n found this info on him. I see that u r doing well, married with 2 kids that’s such a Blessing. I miss ur sis Sukki also ur Mom! I do remember ur Dad n Lil brother. If ur wife allows u can u stay intouch? My daughter which was a baby @ the time we met is now 46, I have a son 35 n 3 grandkids. We have alot 2 catch up on, but I do wanna respect ur wife n kids. Hope u do keep intouch n God Bless u n ur family!