REUNION: USA Boxing Alumni Association

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s Reunion was one for the ages.

The knockout day took place Saturday, October 16 and featured a veritable “Who’s Who” lineup in amateur boxing. The special event was hosted by “Iceman” John Scully, USA Boxing legend Melanie Ley, USAB Alumni’s Chris Cugliari, and Jaxon Boxing Gym’s Nick Bowes.

Held at the private gym in Los Angeles, the reunion was to honor and reconnect the alumni members, amateur boxers, trainers, and officials from decades past. It was rescheduled due to the pandemic so the fact that this gathering was now taking place added even more meaning. It was an extra special day for all involved.

There were so many sluggers in the room it would be impossible to name everybody there but familiar faces included local champs, out-of-state guests, amateur titlists, professional prizefighters, coaches, cornermen and more. Spotted in the state-of-the-art gymnasium were Gabe Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, Richard Torrez Jr., Richard Torrez Sr., Steven Navarro, Cuco Navarro, Layla McCarter, Jeremy Williams, Alex Ramos, Buddy McGirt, Robert Shannon, Ronnie Essett, Frankie Liles, Mike Rodriguez, Deric Ryals, Kenny Gould, Randy Crippen, John Montes, Bret Summers, Shane Swartz, Aaron Alafa, Rick Ley, Luis Tapia, Pepe Reilly, Steve Feder, Steve Harpst, Joey Olivera, Manny Nava, Jackie Richardson, Craig Houk, Rick Nieto, Hector Ibarra, Don Dinkins, John Pinto, and so many more.

Listening in on all their past anecdotes, stories, recollections was amazing; the room was buzzing. Some of the amateurs stayed in the sport; others went in different directions as politicians, hair stylists, actors, etc. Some have become boxing coaches, cutmen and managers.

The venerable USA Boxing organization has long brought forth our amateur champions, beloved Olympians, and remains the grass roots training ground for the famous pros we cheer on. It was an honor to be in the gym with all of these members of USAB.

They may have been former foes, at one-time maybe even bitter rivals. But the years have flown by and now the only thing they share is a strong bond through boxing. A boxing brotherhood that would be hard to join unless you had been in the ring sharing blood, sweat, tears, broken dreams and glorious victories. Only they know of the countless hours in the gym, running in freezing temps, sacrificing personal lives, and starving themselves to make weight.

Now on this day, in this gym, after decades have passed were many past opponents in amateur and pro fights now all together under one roof.

Deric Ryals and WAR Tape’s Mike Rodriguez (now an in-demand cutman) reminisced about their bout in the 1988 Golden Glove California State Championship. The two men even faced off in a recreation of their battle back in the day! Rodriguez said he enjoyed seeing Ryals after all these years.

Michael Nunn fought many there including Alex Ramos and John Scully. And while chatting with Connecticut’s John Scully, the trainer/analyst/writer mentioned there were several guys in the room that he had fought including the likes of Michael Nunn, James Saulnier, Lenny Gargagliano, Tom Patti and more. Saturday’s meeting between “Iceman” and “Second To” Nunn was, in fact, their first time seeing each other in person since their 1995 matchup!

And there is also the golden legacy of boxing generations past and present.

Amateur superstar Steven Navarro wore his father Cuco’s Blue & Gold jacket from 1996. It was in pristine condition and held many wonderful memories from those who got a glimpse of it. Steven and his parents are proud to be part of the USAB family. The 17-year-old is a blue-chip champ poised for glory; he’s won multiple national championships and is definitely one to watch.

And 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (a third-generation boxer) was also introduced to much fanfare at the get-together. The super heavyweight had a blast checking out vintage magazines and old-school boxing programs that his father starred in. The Olympian also shared his silver medal with the crowd giving onlookers a chance to see the shiny hardware up close. The California puncher says he’s weighing his options in the future as many are clamoring to see him go pro soon. He definitely has a bright future ahead.

His father, Tulare’s Richard Torrez Sr. (also former amateur standout), had countless connections in the room including fighting Frankie Liles in their heyday and then in later years (as a coach) going to Canada with trainer Steve Harpst and their amateurs through their mutual friend, the late Stan Ward.

Kenny Gould traveled from Wisconsin to join this highly-anticipated reunion. The former pugilist proudly introduced his beautiful wife and daughter to his boxing pals, some he hadn’t seen in years. Amateur star Gould knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch up with so many guys he grew up with as teammates or even in opposite corners.

Many in the room came from all over the U.S. and it was great to feel the joy and appreciation in the room. Nothing but good vibes and respect. There were various boxing gyms represented there and everyone got along. No punches thrown!

The ex-boxers all stood around the ring for photo ops and there were so many luminaries there, they couldn’t all fit in one shot! As the day progressed, memories were shared. There was plenty of good-natured ribbing about who really beat who back in the day, and lots of joking about how they’re not the skinny young teens they used to be!

The Jaxon Boxing Gym was the perfect location for this incredible reunion. The private location is beautiful and pristine and owner Nick Bowes’ young daughter, Jaxon, is a boxer herself. He was a classy host and his team set out a gorgeous spread of gourmet snacks, fresh fruits, desserts and an array of cold drinks for the invited guests.

It was a fun time–a memorable day, a touching reunion, and, certainly, one for the ages.

Photos by Michele Chong