BATTLE FOR HOPE: UNITING HARLEM AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC
The official audio of "Last Breath" by Future from 'CREED: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'.
POST-EVENT HIGHLIGHTS - THE BATTLE FOR HOPE BOXING SHOW
NEW YORK, NY—AUGUST 28, 2024—The energy on Friday, August 23, was nothing short of electrifying as The Battle For Hope: Uniting Harlem Against Gun Violence, organized by Silent Voices United Inc. and Harlem House Of Champions Boxing Club, unfolded on the Plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. Postponed due to rain on August 18, this highly anticipated show did not disappoint the hundreds of spectators who gathered for an evening of intense amateur boxing action.
With 13 bouts of heart-pounding, gladiator-like competition, the fighters left everything in the ring. At times, the atmosphere was so intense that the crowd was on its feet, cheering, anticipating the next knockout. The show, sanctioned by USA Boxing Metro, was nothing short of a top-tier professional event, from start to finish.
The evening started with a soulful rendition of the National Anthem played on the saxophone by jazz musician Keith Marrett, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Ringside, boxing legends like Lonnie Bradley, Iran "The Blade" Barkley, Aaron "Superman" Davis, Eric Kelly, Sandy Saddler's daughter, Vito Antuofermo, and world-renowned trainer Alexander "Elliot Ness" Newbold added a touch of prestige to the event. The guests were treated to exquisite hors d'oeuvres by Blvd Bistro, enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere.
The championship belts, sponsored by Dr. Iesha Sekou of Street Corner Resources, a community-based anti-gang and gun violence organization, were awarded to the victorious fighters, each of whom demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination.
During the intermission, the event took a moment to honor the community’s heroes with awards and citations. Mayor Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and New York State Senator Cordell Cleare presented proclamations to Harlem’s own trailblazing women in boxing, including Sparkle Lee, New York State's first female amateur and professional referee, Marian "Lady Tyger" Trimiar, the first woman to apply for and receive a NYS Athletic Boxing License, and USA Boxing Metro Vice-President Sonya Lamonakis. The City Council Office of Yusef Salaam also recognized community advocate Tiffany Fulton, celebrating her historic achievement of organizing the first all-female amateur-pro exhibitions on this very plaza two decades ago.
This event marks another milestone for Harlem’s rising boxing promoter and owner of Harlem House Of Champions Boxing Academy and Club, Ronnie Love, who has already successfully orchestrated two major shows this year. Ronnie is putting Harlem back on the map as the go-to destination for top-quality boxing and entertainment while making a tangible difference in the community through the sport.
If you’re looking to unleash your inner champion, Harlem House of Champions offers youth and adult boxing classes—group, private, and semi-private sessions are available. Located at 236 West 135th Street, just a few doors down from the 32nd Precinct, this is where you can truly learn the art of boxing.
Visit Website: www.HarlemHouseOfChampions.com