The monthly executive board meeting of the Veteran Boxers Association of NY, Ring 8, Inc. was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., at O’Neill’s Restaurant, Maspeth, New York.

Board members in attendance: President, Matt Farrago, V.P. Henry Wallitsch, Lenny Mangiapane, Lou Raino, Bob Duffy, Jack Hirsch, Henry Hascup, Johnny Breitenbruck, Dawn Avila, Keith Sullivan, Paulette Balog, Richie O’Neill, and Joe Dwyer and John Labate.

The following items were discussed:

1. How we can help members that are hospitalized, in need of support, or in need of assistance from their “brothers.” Arrangements for Jackie “ Tonawanda ” VIEW FULL STORY…

On June 9, 2009, Jackie Tonawanda Garrett, born September 4, 1933, fought her final battle. She had fearlessly battled this adversary for over a year until its end.

Looking over her career we see a courageous Pioneer of Women’s boxing who legally fought the New York State Boxing commission in 1978 for women’s right to professionally box. This paved the way for names such as Jackie Frazier, Laila Ali and Christy Martin among others. Her pro matches of the early 70’s, although not sanctioned because they were conducted in the underground circuit, where she demonstrated her prowess, strength and talent. She was trained by the likes of Freddy Brown, Charley Golman and Rollie Hackmer. She ventured into Muhammad Ali’s camp where she got the opportunity to step into the ring to spar with him.

On June 8, 1975, Jackie made history in the Aaron Bank’s Oriental World of Self Defense show held in Madison Square Garden, when she knocked out in the second round, Larry Rodania. She was the first female to box in Madison Square Garden. Her life time has been spent guiding others in the sport of boxing as identified in the following: coach for the military boxing team, co- trainer/adviser for Israel Carlos Garcia – VIEW FULL STORY…