On a cold clear night at the Crab House, members gathered for the New Year. The ten count was administered for departed members of Ring 8 and for those who were lost in boxing recently — Steve Acunto’s wife Mercedes, passed away in December, and Harold Weston Jr.’s dad died recently as well.

Memo from Jacqui Frazier:

Dearest brothers and sisters of Ring 8:

Among the greatest days of my life was to receive Ring 8 boxing honors with my father — “Smokin” Joe Frazier December 21st, 2003 in Long Island City, New York at the Waterfront Crab House in the presence of my children. My father told everyone that he was uplifted to receive your honors and the genuine integrity of your work for boxers. Special thanks to Jackie Tonowanda for using all means to inquire and follow up on our attendance reassuring my father and I of the quality of your organization, almost on a daily basis, in light of our overwhelming schedule. Special Thanks to Tony and the board and Bill Gallo’s portrait –we truly enjoyed each and everyone. Call on me anytime — Jacqui Frazier

The meeting was basically informal with members sharing their stories from years past. Bobby Bartels looked at Joe Miceli and sighed “12 World Champions” Who were they?

Kid Gavilan, Ike Williams, Johnny Saxton . . .

That’s enough, replied Bartels, simply there isn’t enough time. The future of Ring 8 requires fund raising. Some ideas were passed on . . . such as a Vegas night, Trivia game etc.