Lender Vance Dunn is celebrated for his achievements in boxing.

Billy Gault made lasting contributions to the sport of boxing in the Carolinas.

Larry Holmes, known as the "Easton Assassin," is one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history. With a professional record of 69-6, Holmes held the WBC heavyweight title from 1978 to 1983 and is renowned for his powerful left jab and technical prowess.

James Mitchell Sr brought honor to the Carolinas through his boxing career.

Jared Robinson is recognized for his excellence in the ring and dedication to the sport.

Evan Scott made significant contributions to boxing in the Carolinas.

Jay Snyder has been recognized as the 2026 Contributor of the Year for his outstanding service to boxing in the Carolinas.

Billy Stannic is the recipient of the 2026 Floyd Patterson Award, recognizing his character and contributions to boxing.

Humpy Wheeler is honored in memoria with a lobby poster, video tribute, and program cover recognition for his contributions to the sport.

Billy 'Crowbar' Mitchem made an impression on the boxing scene, fighting for over twenty-four years and competing against notable opponents like Roy Jones, Jr. and Larry Barnes.

Mike Bivens began his boxing career at age 13 and captured the Heavyweight Championship of the Carolinas. He has served as a Board Member with Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame since 2007.

Kevin Bryant was born in Manhattan, New York on April 21, 1959. He joined the Army in 1977 and won the title of Champion in the V-Corps light-middleweight and USAREUR light-middleweight class in 1982 and 1983. He retired with a total of 157 wins to his 7 losses in the Amateur level.

Mark's boxing experience began as an Army Soldier stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC. He trained and fought under the tutelage of Mr. Chris Hipopoulous at the legendary Memorial Youth Center near the USC campus. He worked over 500 bouts amateur and professional as a referee, judge, corner/cut man at Fort Bragg and throughout NC and other states.

Robert L. Frazier started boxing in Pineland, SC at 16 years old. He won the 3rd Army Boxing Championship and Outstanding Boxer awards. He has coached at Ft. Bragg and in Camp Zama, Japan.

Paul Marinaccio, born in Buffalo, New York, had over 40 Amateur matches before turning pro in 2002. He has been an advocate for many charities and owns Jawbreaker Promotions.

Robert Mullins gathered a total of 34 wins in his career as a professional featherweight boxer and was the only man to ever beat Andres Tena. He continues to help future boxers.

Lamar 'Kid Fire' Parks began his amateur career at age 13. He made his professional debut in Atlantic City, winning 27 fights (22 by knockout) and earning multiple championship titles.

HENRY "BULLDOG" PATTERSON born in 1950, from Lenoir NC. Married to Crystal Corpening Patterson, they reside in Greensboro, N. C. As a child, Henry started boxing with friends in the backyards in his neighborhood. At the age of 13 Henry began his boxing career when Rocky Bentley started a boxing program for youngsters in Lenoir. He had his first amateur fight in 1965 at the age of 15. By 1969, Patterson had accumulated a record of 11 wins and two losses as an amateur. He was well known for his fast hands, and being quick to move on his feet. The year 1969, at the age of 19, Henry started professional boxing under the training of Butch Chambers. Most of Henry's professional early fights were unrecorded local fights. He moved up in the heavy weight division at 195 to 205 Ibs. Henry fought the world's six ranked boxer, Duane Bobick in 1981 in Spartanburg, SC. After that fight he received more opportunities to fight world top ranked boxers including Frankie Hines, Jerry Williams, Alfredo Evangelista, Alfonso Ratliff, and Sylvain Watbled, in places throughout the U. S. and abroad, including Madison Square Gardens in New York, Australia, and Spain. In 1980 Patterson started training under the direction of Al Pyne. On September 24,1983, Henry "Bulldog" Patterson became the New North Carolina State Champ, winning a 12 round decision. Bulldog retired with no one challenging the title in 1984. Patterson was inducted into the Caldwell County Sports Hall Of Fame in 1989. In 2014 Henry became manager and trainer of "Fight Club", a boxing gym in Hickory, N.C. Lennox Lewis, world boxing champion, and his family visited the gym in 2015. In 2016 Henry became a certified trainer of "Rock Steady" Boxing, a program developed for those with Parkinson's Disease. The Rock Steady Boxing program was then introduced at the gym, being very successful, helping dozens with the disease learn to live more independently. His hobbies are coaching, chess, playing cards and enjoying his family.

HENRY "HANK" JOHNSON served in the Army from 1968 to 1989, stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Henry began boxing as a youth, then drafted into the Army in 1968. In 1972 he won the US National Championship. In 1973 he arrived in Ft. Braggs for his last chance at the Olympics, but lost in the 1976 Olympic Trials. At Ft. Braggs he trained other boxers until 1989 when he retired from the US Army. Awards that Henry won included a US Army Award; US Army Good Conduct Award; and the US Army Commendation Award. Henry won the Jr. Middleweight National A. Championship in 1972; won the US Army Championship five times; and all service championship three times. He started coaching from 1977 to 1989, and trained several pro boxers that included Ray Mercer and Al Cole who both won world championships in their respective weight class.

David Barnett, a current resident of Greenville, SC is Co-Founder of SC FIT LLC/ South Main Street Boxing (Travelers Rest, SC) & Boxing at the Depot (Greer, SC). David served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He is married to his wife Valinda and they raised a family of 12 children. This family of athletes won several high school state championships in track and field. And in college, they won all American and all conferences awards. Two of his boys won SC Golden Gloves titles and one competed on the regional team. David's uncle Jimmy Barnett won the Carolina Golden Gloves 1953 novice title. David has refereed and judged 388 amateur bouts and worked the corner of 180 boxers. David has received many awards. For his military service --- a National Defense Service Medal, A Bronze Star medal with V device for Valor, a Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze service stars, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Army Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm unit Citation, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with machine gun bar (m-60), Marksmanship qualification badge with rifle bar (m-16), CIB (combat infantry badge). David is also a certified personal trainer instructor, a USA Track and Field Coach, A USA Boxing Coach, a USA Boxing certified Referee and Judge. Currently, he is the head delegate for South Carolina Golden Gloves, holding the SC Golden Gloves State Championship which provides a team for the Southeast Golden Gloves Regional competition.

Weldon Benton started boxing at the age of 12, and was a full-fledged heavyweight by age 17. His career record is 132 wins against 16 losses and 1 draw. All losses came at the hands of quality fighters. Ken Norton beat him three times and Wyce Westbrook defeated him on a split-decision. Former heavyweight champion Norton, decisioned Benton twice, both close fights, and was the only man to knock him out. Westbrook was a two-time National AAU Champion and fought on the 1960 Olympic Team. The low-key Benton was an excellent boxer with dynamite in both hands. He won amateur tournaments all over the Southeast and picked up many tourney wins as a member of the US Air Force from 1966-1970. Benton was Carolinas AAU Champion in 1964, won the 1965 Southern Golden Gloves Heavyweight Title in Knoxville, and represented the Carolinas in the National Golden Gloves Tournaments of 1964, 1965 and 1966. His two older brother were also excellent boxers. Benton has three children. Benton joined the board of directors in 2007 and quickly became a valued member of the board. He then became treasurer and served in that position until 2022.

Tony Burgess was raised in Spartanburg, NC and attended Pine Forest High School where he played football and basketball. He is currently a USA Boxing coach and official who resides in Springlake, NC. He opened Burgess Boxing and Fitness in 2008 and started a Fort Bragg Amateur Boxing Team, which has many USA amateur boxers and (3) professionals as of now. He has had the privilege to work with a lot of great people in Boxing such as Nathaniel Fitch, Sr., Bill Clancy, Roy Jones, Christy Martin, Keith Mullins, Ray Mercer, Michael Englert, Alfonso Smith, Lamar Russ, James Winfield and a special friend, James "Lights Out" Toney. These are just a few. He also has a promotion company named TB Promotion, which promotes amateur boxing events. In 2019, Burgess Boxing and Fitness was voted Outstanding Club for North Carolina LBC13. In 2022, Fort Bragg NC voted the gym as the most Outstanding in Community Service for Fort Bragg and Surrounding Areas. His goal continues to be to work hard to keep kids and adults alike off our streets.

Julius Fogle II served in the US Army from 1990-2010 as a Sergeant First Class E-7. As an amateur boxer, he accumulated a 163-38 (101 KO) and a 16-10-0 (11 KO) as a professional. In the amateurs he won many championships at 165 lbs. that included 1997 and 2000 National PAL Champion, 1997-2003 All-Army Champion 7 times, 2002 US National Champion and 2002 US Challenge Champ. As a Professional Boxer he won the 2005 IBC (168 lbs.) Americas Championship. After his boxing days were over, Julius has spent time as a boxing coach, personal trainer, author and stand-up comedian.

ANTHONY HEMBRICK, a US Boxing Olympian has a huge resume in boxing, both professionally and in the amateurs. Hembrick joined the Ft. Braggs boxing team in 1985 having represented Ft. Braggs in all National and International boxing matches. He won many amateurs championships (too many to list) as an amateur with ultimately a 135-5-0 record before turned pro in 1989. As a pro he fought for many belts that included the IBF, WBO, NABF and more, with a boxing record of 35-5-2. Throughout many years, he has been a major force in being a head coach with countless awards and more. Hembrick had a certification as a United States Amateur Boxing Federation Member and Coach. Hembrick served in the US Army from 1984-2007 at Ft. Braggs, Korea, Ft. Jackson, and Ft. Gordon. He received a Bachelor's Degree at the Fayetteville State University.

FRANKIE LINDSAY of Lumberton, North Carolina wanted to be a boxer since the age of 10. In 1975 he had his first amateur bout, and fought extensively as an amateur throughout many years. He won countless awards that included the 1977 Smithfield Most Outstanding boxer; many military awards that included Army Commendation Award, National Defense Award, Army Service Ribbon, NC Achievement medal, NC Active Duty medal, NC Service Ribbon, and more. As a commander of the Lumberton National Guard unit he was presented with a Public Service Award from the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety in 1991.

Dr. Anne Edwards, MD, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, specializes in cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive surgery in Charleston, South Carolina. She volunteered to fill in as the attending Ringside physician at a boxing event.

Calvin Brock is a former professional heavyweight boxer from Charlotte, North Carolina. With a professional record of 31-2 and 22 knockouts, Brock challenged for the IBF heavyweight title and competed at the highest levels of the sport. He represented the Carolinas with distinction throughout his career.

Coach Dean Huffstickler at the age of 15 years old developed his passion for sports and skills in boxing. In the 1950's he trained with the Rutherfordton Police boxing team coached by the area's legendary Police Officer/Coach Red Bowers. During this time he competed in the AAU Golden Gloves tournaments.

Elmore began his boxing career in his hometown of Sumter, South Carolina. As a junior Olympic Boxer, he won numerous titles, including The Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte, as well as the AAU Championships in North and South Carolina.

Slammin' Sammy Horne was a household name in the Williamston/Pelzer area in 1978-1979. He was not only an outstanding boxer, but he was known for his engaging personality and being extremely tough. In his time of fighting professionally he was featured three times on ESPN. After high school, Horne began boxing at the age of 19. As an amateur he had a 32-2 record with 24 of those bouts as knockouts. He also won two Golden Glove Championships, and two AAU Championships, and then shortly thereafter turned pro.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Cline is set to be inducted with the inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 17, 2020 among other elite inductees. In 1976 Cline became an All-Marine boxer in 1976 and fought in various district and regional matches throughout his time in the service. In 1988, he joined the All-Marine coaching staff. Cline won a bronze medal in the masters division of the Ringside National Tournament in 2003.

Billy Sharpe, posthumous induction, who lost his battle with cancer December 19, 2011, was born on March 2, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina. He served as a Deacon at Hilda First Baptist Church and was employed for 33 years as a Ranger with the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Gerald Snyder, born on April 29, 1961. He boxed professional from 1993-1999. Gerald 'Jay' Snyder fought in the heavyweight division and is from Spartanburg, South Carolina. He has taught welding for 20 years in the high school setting. He is a devoted Christian.

Henry T. Nielson, presently resides in Columbia, South Carolina, born in Port Angeles, Washington. Over a span of 23 years he fought approximately 250-300 amateur bouts. His boxing career included coaching in Collegiate Boxing, boxing in the International Boxing League, and one professional bout.

Anthony Gary Bradley, former All Army Champion, Fayetteville, has been a prolific amateur boxing coach and was judged USA Boxing Coach of the Year. He has coached at Ft. Bragg; the 2003 Pan American games; USA Boxing Challenge; and many international events. He is in both the Army and Marine Boxing Hall of Fame.

Bruce Holmes Foster, from Raleigh, North Carolina, has worked more than 3,500 pro fights as an announcer, judge, referee, and timekeeper. Born in Vermont where he was once a police officer he has also worked for HBO, Showtime, Madison Square Garden, the IBF, WBC and just about every boxing venue in the nation.

Christy Martin, already in the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame, and one of the most popular former female boxers of all time, has been selected as 2019 Contributor of the Year for her highly successful pro boxing cards that has greatly enlivened boxing in the Carolinas.

Johnny McClain had 90 wins as an amateur fighting out of Kings Mountain and also the Marine Corps. Also winning 11 out of 15 pro bouts. Johnny, along with his brother James McClain is also a member of the Marine Corps Hall of Fame.

James McClain, brother of Johnny McClain, had an outstanding amateur boxing record of 69-13, and winner of numerous Golden Gloves championships. After a stellar amateur career, he lost twice to world champion Giafranco Rossi of Italy. He was 11-4-1 as a pro. James is also a member of the Marine Corps Hall of Fame.

Former Olympic boxer Charles Mooney, Fayetteville, was a member of the legendary 1976 team that won first place Honors in the Montreal Olympics. He fashioned a 28-6; won a silver medal in the 1976 Olympics; was a three-time All Military Champion. He is in the Washington, D. C. and Maryland Boxing Hall of Fames. He lives in Wellington, Florida.

Bud Nachman, owner of Belle Acres Club in Charlotte who has hosted hall of fame Board meetings for years and has been one of the hall of fame's most ardent boosters.

Ray Mercer, born April 4, 1961, he turned pro in 1989, and is a former professional boxer, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist. As a professional boxer he fought from 1989 to 2008, and during that time he held the WBO heavyweight title from 1991 to 1992. As an amateur, at the age of 27 years old, he won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1988 Summer Olympics. He successfully fought five different opponents in the Summer Olympics to win that Gold by KO'ing his opponent in the finals. As a mixed Martial Artist, Mercer is known for scoring an upset one-punch knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia in 2009. Ray and his wife Kim live in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Ray had epic fights with Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Tommy Morrison, Bert Cooper, and Evander Holyfield to name a few. Ray Mercer did not take up boxing until his twenties by which time he was a sergeant in the US Army. Mercer qualified for the Olympic team by winning a split decision victory over Tommy Morrison, a fight that was considerably harder than any he fought in Seoul. Mercer defeated all four of all his Olympic opponents inside the scheduled distance.

Freddie D. Crawford began his boxing career in 1966. Two years later, Freddy was undefeated and won his first Carolina Golden Gloves Championship with Gastonia Boys Club coached by Fred Masters. Freddie later joined the Charlotte Boxing Club and trained under Hall of Fame member Coach D.C. Smith, where he won his second Open Division Carolina Golden Gloves Championship, collecting a 49 wins and 13 losses record. Freddie's passion for boxing and coaching youth has positioned him as Assistant/Head Coach of Gastonia P.A.L. Boxing Team. Forming and coaching Gastonia Eagles Track and Field for 26 years, head Track and Field Coach at Ashbrook High School, Gastonia, NC. Freddie is retired Captain of 29 years service with the Gastonia Police Department.

Robert H. Salters has his first amateur bout in April 1984 while at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was told that if stationed at Fort Bragg to try out for their Boxing Team. Over the years Robert compiled 44 wins and 6 losses, winning the 1988 United State Amateur Championship Super Heavyweight Division, knocking out Riddick Bowe in the process. Salters defeated Bowe again in the Olympic trials, but was defeated by Bowe in the Olympic Box-Off and was named to the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team Alternative. Robert is married to his wife Shirley and his children Lenniah and Imuana live in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Jeannette Hammond was born in Zebulon, NC and reside there now with her husband Tom after 30 years service as Administrative Assistant to the Attorney General and Secretary of State and ended her career in government with the Department of Crime Control as Director of The North Carolina Boxing Commission. In 2001 Jeannette became the Secretary of the Association of Boxing Commissions. She was able to travel and serve as inspector and Assistant to many great events like the Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson fight in Memphis. Jeannette worked all over the state with classes and courses for officials, being one of the first commissions to do so. She is a founding board member of the Jimmy V. Kids Klassic and committee member for 24 years.

Tad Josephs is a former Olympic boxer and long time official and coach of amateur boxing. Born in Grenada, he became the All Caribbean Champion three times and made the 1988 Olympic Team. He won many tournaments including the Organization of Caribbean states four times, and boxed internationally many times. His final record was 80-25. He moved to Charlotte and began an outstanding career as a coach/official with the Charlotte Boxing Academy and USA Boxing in 1994. Has has been a prolific judge/referee in more than 200 amateur bouts. He is a volunteer coach at the Charlotte Boxing Academy. 'Tad is one of our best coaches and is totally devoted to helping kids learn the sport. He passes along his vast knowledge of boxing as well as anyone. He is a great example of what is the essence of amateur boxing,' said H.A. (Humpy) Wheeler, chairman of Charlotte Boxing. Tad is married to Eloise, an award-winning official of USA Boxing. They have three children.

Shelby 'Bonetown Brawler' Gross, born May 14, 1972, from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he fought professionally from 1996 to 2008. In his career he has won five Tough Man Championships with three of those in South Carolina, one in Georgia, and one in North Carolina. He fought Kelvin Hudson, World Kickboxing Champion, in a Tough Man bout and won the championship. His pro boxing record was 16-5-0. He fought many great fighters who were champions. Some of the fighters include Dale Brown, Robert Daniels, Bobby Gunn, and Michael Moorer who was Heavyweight Champion of the World. He stopped Bobby Gunn in the second round for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Cruiserweight Title. Shelby Gross was recognized on the South Carolina State House floor by then Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer. Shelby is happily married to Caroline Rose Mann Gross. They have two sons, Manny and Coleman, who are both registered under Billy Stanick White Rock Boxing, sanctioned by USA Boxing. Shelby is training his two sons at an early age, and they both love boxing.

Andrew Baker was born October 21, 1953 in Lumberton, North Carolina, lives with his wife Laura and retired with twenty years service from the Army. While in the Army he compiled a record of 60 wins with only 10 losses, winning the North Carolina Golden Gloves in Charlotte in 1974. In 1975 he also won the Virginia State Championship, won Korean Army Championship in 1980. Andrew has a combined 40 plus years boxing as an amateur and as a professional and amateur coach. He has worked with a number of champions over the years. In 1999 he started the Total Elite Boxing with assistance of his son, Andre Baker, providing an opportunity for youth to build character, morale and accomplish goals.

Rufus L. Edmisten was born in Boone, NC in 1941 and lives in Raleigh with his wife Linda. Rufus is the founding partner in the Edmisten & Webb Law Firm in Raleigh, NC. From 1964 to 1974 he was aide to United States Senator Sam J. Ervin. Jr. and was chief legal counsel to senator Ervin during his chairmanship of the Senate Watergate Committee. He served North Carolina as Attorney General from 1974-1984 and Secretary of State from 1989 to 1996. As a lifelong friend of boxing, working with board members Mike Bivens, Bill Clancy, Bill McInnis and former Heavyweight Champion James 'Bonecrusher' Smith, he formed the first North Carolina Boxing Commission in 1996. Boxing in the Carolina's is forever grateful.

Bobby L. Hinson was born in Durham, North Carolina in 1935, now living with his wife Carolyn in Creedmoor, NC. Serving in the Navy in the Korean conflict from 1953-1957. Bobby began boxing with the Durham boxing team in 1951. He won the Durham boxing tournament in 1952 and 1953. Over the next few years he had over 60 victories with only four losses. He has won tournaments in Charleston, SC, Danville, VA, Charlotte, NC, all over the Southeast. Bobby fought with Johnny Greenhill, Glen Ivey, Gene Crawford, Bobby Lawrence and other Hall of Famers from this hotbed of boxing in the 1950's.

Dr. Patrick Brissey began boxing in the early 90's winning a number of Championships throughout the country. He won the silver medal in the 1995 US National PAL in Kansas City, won the SC State and the Regional US Open Boxing Tournament in 1997, won the 1997 Georgia Golden Gloves in Atlanta, won the 2001 South Carolina Golden Gloves under Billy Stanick and Mike English. Patrick also won the 2002 South Carolina Golden Gloves.

Don 'The man of Steel' Steele became the two time South Carolina Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Champion in 1990 at the age of 21. He won two Bronze medals in the Regional Golden Gloves. Don turned pro in 1994 and won 42 consecutive bouts by knockout. Don fought all over the world and challenged for the IBO Heavyweight world championship. Don won the USBA Heavyweight title, Carolina's Boxing Association Heavyweight title twice and retired from boxing in 2005 with an impressive record of 46 wins, 6 losses, with 45 wins by knockout.

Bill Clancy was born in Kingston, New York in 1956 and graduated from Broughton High School in Raleigh in 1974, where he attended NC State University. Bill retired from IBM after 30 years service with wife Teresa, they reside in Pittsboro and have four children. Bill has officiated professional boxing in 15 different states and 11 countries around the world, including, 17 world title fights, 47 international title fights and over 900 professional fights over the past 33 years. Bill has officiated 35 world champion boxers and has been the main event referee on HBO, Showtime, NBC, ESPN, USA and Pay Per View. There is no doubt, Bill is considered to be one of the best referees in boxing.

Mike English was born in Columbia, South Carolina where he began his boxing career. He went on to become a three time Golden Glove South Carolina Champion as well as numerous titles throughout the southeast. Mike compelled an impressive 68 wins with only 5 losses. Under the leadership and coaching of long time friend and famed promoter Billy Stanich, Mike became a contender, fighting all over the world on many undercards such as Evander Holyfield and others. Mike always took special interest in the young amateurs that he trained at White Rock Boxing Gym, producing numerous champions.

Born Clarence Gerald Campbell on November 29, 1933 in Spartanburg, SC. Married Mary Evans in 1950, together they have three children, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren. Jerry is a retired actor/stunt man who had many roles in numerous movies and TV shows, including, The Dukes of Hazard and his role as 'Lefty' in the film 'The Prize Fighter'. Jerry 'The Rockdale Rock' had an impressive amateur boxing career which included to bouts total with 52 wins and 18 losses. He boxed from 1945-1947 in Spartanburg and for Roy Turner in Gaffney from 1953-1956. Jerry professional boxing career included 19 bouts with 12 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses. He won the Georgia heavyweight Championship in 1969. Jerry also became and outstanding boxing coach from 1966-1983 winning numerous state championships.

Bruce Hayes grew up around Lexington NC and began boxing at an early age. In high school he gave up football and concentrated on the true sport that Bruce loved, boxing. He fought in Golden Gloves tournaments throughout NC and Virginia. Over the years Bruce has helped and worked with many fighters that brought world championships to the Carolina's. Bruce Hayes biggest asset to boxing is his continued support for the sport throughout the years and promoting and training amateur and professional boxers throughout the Carolina's. Hayes continues to operate Hayes Jewelers along with his son Zack, he has grown to one of the largest diamond superstores in the country.

Elouise Joseph was born in Charlotte, NC. She graduated from Independence High School and attended Carolina Beauty College and received her license in Cosmetic Art. She worked in finance for 30 years. She is married and has two children. Elouise entered the amateur boxing world in 1998 starting out as an official and later was appointed as Chief official. During her journey in the sport, she has attended the national train the trainer, passed the level three official tests. She has facilitated over 20 clinics. Elouise has recruited over 100 officials. She has worked over 1,000 bouts, including judging, refereeing, time keeping and clerking. Elouise was the team mom for Charlotte Boxing Academy for many years, touching the lives of many kids at risk.

Lee Parker graduated from Hunter Huss High School in 1988 and with wife Missy have 4 children that are very active in Promised Land Baptist Church. Lee has been employed for 18 years with Coca-Cola Consolidated in Charlotte, NC. Lee boxed for six years as an amateur and compiled a record of 149-11 with six state titles, four regional titles and one national championship in 1985. Lee began under coach, Sergeant Dean Huffstetler of Gastonia Police Department and Freddie Crawford who took him to the state championships and two regional championships. Lee trained in Lincolnton with Chick McCurry, Billy Bridges and Walt Melius when he won the national title in 1985.

Shane William Benfield was born April 1, 1975 in Rockhill S.C. and is married to his wife Christy residing in Sharon, South Carolina. Shane won 6 straight Golden Glove Championships. He also won the southeast light heavy weight championship, won his way to the Olympic training camp in 1999. Shane had an outstanding record of 25 wins and 5 losses competing against the best in the world. As a professional Shane compiled 20 wins and only 2 losses and was ranked by both the WBA and WBO. Shane owns and operates his own construction business. He has a boxing gym and for over 12 years has given kids a place to train producing numerous Silver and Golden Glove Champions through the years.

Bobby 'Boogalo' Watts was born in Sumter, SC. He was urged to box by his cousin, former heavyweight champion, Jimmy Young. Bobby had a respectable amateur career and as a pro was a top contender. Bobby was considered one of the most skilled middleweights of his time. He is most famously known for defeating 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler, scoring a controversial 10 round majority decision on January 13, 1976, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Among his losses were a defeat to Mustafa Hamsho, via a 2nd round KO. He finished his career with a record of 38 wins, 7 losses and 1 tie. Watts trained former Super middleweight champion Charles Brewer and IBF Super Welterweight champion Buster Drayton. Bobby now resides in Philadelphia, PA.

Olanda Anderson grew up in Sumter, South Carolina, where he began boxing for the Sumter Optimist Boxing Club. He boxed for the Sumter club through high school winning several titles. After high school he joined the Army boxing team. While in the army, he won the All Army championship from 1995-1998. He won the Armed Forces championship 5 times from 1995-1999. He won two USA titles at light heavyweight in 1998 and 2000. He won 2 national PAL titles, he won one at heavyweight in 1998 and another at light heavyweight in 1999. He placed 3rd at the 1996 Olympic trials. He won a silver medal at the 1998 Goodwill games. Olanda made the 2000 Olympic team in the light heavyweight division where he lost in the second round of the Olympic games. Olanda competed in Dual Meets: USA vs. Russia, USA vs. England, USA vs. Mexico, USA vs. Cuba, USA vs. Ireland, and USSA vs. Ukraine. He turned pro and, after two wins and no losses, decided to retire in 2002. Olanda now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Skip Crumpler was born in Wilson, North Carolina in 1952. He moved to NY when he was 19 years old where he took up the sport of boxing. After a brief boxing career, he started training others to box. Skip is involved in all aspects of boxing. Not only does he take care of the day-to-day training, he manages young professional boxers and works as a cut man in the corner. Skip is the 'go-to guy' when promoters need an opponent or someone to fill in to make a show a success. He works every weeknight with anywhere from 10 to 15 boxers and is on the road almost every weekend taking boxers to a fight somewhere. Skip has worked fights as a cut man for HBO, ESPN, and Showtime. The great sport of Boxing could not survive without people like Skip Crumpler to keep it going.

Runnel Doll grew up in Bessemer, North Carolina, and began boxing when he was 11 years old with Gastonia VFW boxing club. He won many amateur championships including the Gastonia Golden Gloves, the High Point Golden Gloves and the Prestigious Carolinas Golden Gloves. He won a bronze medal at the 1978 national Jr. Olympics. After high school he joined the army boxing team where he won a national championship in 1985. He qualified for the Goodwill Games in 1986 but did not get to compete because the US Army boycotted the Games. He was a 6-time FORSCOM champion, a 6-time All Armed Forces champion and won the All Army championship 7 times. He ended his amateur career with 300 wins and only 20 losses. He went on to box professionally compiling an impressive 10-7 record. Runnel now resides in Davenport, Florida.

Ronnie Epps comes from a boxing family. His father (Silas) and two brothers (Robbie and Lonnie) are already in the hall of fame. Ronnie started boxing at a young age and by the time he was a teenager he was boxing on the national level. Ronnie was Texas State Champ from 1971 to 1975. He won two silver medals at the National Jr. Olympics in 1975 and 1976. He was a South Carolina Golden Gloves Champion in 1976 and won the Southern Golden Gloves the same year. He won the Ohio State Fair National Championship in 1976. He did all this before graduating high school. After school he entered the Air Force and won the Air Force Championship and All Service Championship 4 years in a row. Ronnie now resides in Myrtle Beach, SC.

2015 Carolinas Boxing Hall of Famer Larry Frazier grew up in Hartville, South Carolina and began boxing at an early age. His interest was sparked in the sport when in 1973, he watched the Joe Frazier vs. George Foreman Heavyweight championship where he saw Frazier get knocked down five times. He began to get upset because he shared the same last name as 'Joe Frazier'. So, at the tender age of 11 years old, he thought that getting into boxing, he might some day get a chance to fight Foreman and defend the 'Frazier' name.

Alvin Simpson, who at this time 54 years old, resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He retired from the military in 1999, having served 24 years. Alvin was head coach of the Ft. Bragg Boxing Team at the time of his retirement. He has had many coaching positions, from the Regional to the National level. This is a condensed list of his major accomplishments as there are too numerous to list. Boxing Coach, President of the NC Boxing Association, Regional Coordinator for 5 states, Army Boxing Coach, Sportsman of the Year Award (Charlotte, NC); Coach of the Junior Olympics-Silver Gloves- Receiving 1st Gold Medal; World Cadet Championship- Azerbaijan; and Employee of the Year (Parks and Recreation).

Billy Stanick, owner of White Rock Boxing gym, has been in the boxing business for 50 plus years, first as an amateur boxer then as a trainer, promoter and manager. He is presently managing Daniel 'Dangerous' Powell, a promising light welterweight with a present record of 10-0 (9KO). Billy has been hosting the South Carolina Golden Gloves at his gym for quite a few years now and has been involved with the Carolinas' Boxing Hall of Fame since 2009 becoming a board member in 2010. He has sponsored several National Golden Gloves Champions and has had numerous Southern Golden Gloves Champions. Billy has put a lifetime of work into boxing and helping young men and women become champions in boxing and in life. Aside from boxing, Billy Stanick has been in the commercial roofing business for 44 years as owner and president of Stanick Sheet Metal & Roofing Co., Inc. He was bestowed the Palmetto Patriot Award by Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer and South Carolina state Senator Jake Knox. He was also given the Lifetime Achievement Award by Andrew Stokes of Palmetto Boxing Promotions. Billy was married to his childhood sweetheart, Linda Mayhew Stanick, for 53 years and together they raised two wonderful children, Billy Stanick Jr. and LaJuana Stanick Sturkie. He has two grandsons who work with him at Stanick Sheet Metal & Roofing Co., Zachary Sturkie and Chandler Sturkie.

An outstanding heavyweight who appeared on national television many times, was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was an outstanding amateur and owned several national titles before turning pro in 1982, knocking out Al Collins in Atlantic City. His last bout was a ten-round decision loss to Calvin Jones in 1993. While his overall record was 23-10 he did win the North American Boxing Federation title with legendary Eddie Futch in his corner in 1981 in Atlantic City on the MSG Network. He knocked out undefeated Eddie Gregg in the eighth round. He fought close fights with many legendary heavyweights including Greg Page, Time Witherspoon, Marvis Frazier, Donovan "Razor" Ruddick and knocked out "Bonecrusher" Smith in his first fight. Broad was a national ranked amateur boxer and knocked Marvis Frazier out in the first round to earn a berth on the 1980 Olympic team which, unfortunately boycotted the Russian Olympics. He won several national titles as an amateur.

Red Michaels was the first person in North Carolina to score a knockout and he did so in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1924. Boxing had just begun to arrive in the Carolinas at this time and this was one of the early bouts. Red was a hard swinging, crowd loving, welterweight with one of those wiry bodies. He was a right-hander with a great straight right. The first knockout was of Alton Whitfield in the second round at the old Greensboro Armory. The roaring twenties brought many popular past times to the Carolinas like racing, minor league baseball and boxing. Boxing began then in many Carolina locations like Greensboro, Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Gastonia. Many of the boxers then came from the cotton mills, furniture factories and farms. They were a hard lot coming from poverty trying to make the big time in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. It was during this time that Red began to fight following an interest in the great heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. His record was 19-15 with 14KO.

Silas Napoleon Epps started the first organized boxing club in Greenville, South Carolina, and ran it from 1975-2005. Through his coaching, he has at least one state champion from 1975-1988 and once had five state champions at one time. He had several regional and national fighters at junior and open level competition. He was the coach of once number one middleweight contender Lamar Parks through his amateur and professional career. He also helped in the organization of several neighboring boxing clubs. In 2001 he received a gold seal commendation from the South Carolina Senate for his influence in boxing in the state of South Carolina.

Lonny Ray Epps began boxing at the age of eight years old in San Antonio, Texas under coach's Tony Ayala SP and Joe Souza. At the age of 12, he moved to Marietta, SC, and started boxing under his father Silas Napoleon Epps. In 1977 and 78, Lonny won the South Carolina State Junior Olympics and regional then went to place 3rd in the nationals both years. In 1980, he lost a close decision in the South Carolina State Golden Gloves light heavyweight finals but was taken to the regionals as an extra in the light heavyweight division due to middleweight vacancy. He won the Golden Gloves light heavyweight contender Jose Ribalta. He also boxed on several US boxing teams, which included Russia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and South Korea and was invited to the 1980 Olympic Trials but declined due to the US Boycott. Lonny had a total of 143 fights, winning 121, losing 21 with 1 draw.

Krishna Wainwright, born on November 20, 1962, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was in the Military Amateur Boxing in 1982. He began his amateur boxing career while in the United States Army where he had five novice fights with a 3-2 record. He also participated in Collegiate Amateur Boxing in 1986-At the State of Colorado, in Colorado Springs. In that competition, he fought in the Open Division-3 for 3 wins by TKO. At the Regional Championships he won 3 fights- He has a 6-2 amateur record. He also fought in the 1986 National Championships Tournament he advances with three straight wins then loses the fourth fight. Now with a 9-3 record he is ranked in the top ten nationally. Olympic Amateur Boxing, Team USA boxing recruited him to box and as part of the US Olympic Boxing Team he took on Ireland and won. And then he went to Canada and won. As a professional boxer, he fought from 1992 to 1996, fighting as a heavyweight boxer.

Jay C. Welch was born in Greeley, Colorado in 1956. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.S.B.A in Accounting. He earned a Masters in Accounting from Columbia College and a Juris Doctor from Campbell University. His record speaks for itself: Of 88 amateur bouts, he won 80 and lost 8. He was two-time Carolinas Golden Gloves Champion.

Born in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, Robbie Epps was trained by his father, Silas Epps. He and his three brothers were all Golden Glove Champions. His amateur record includes the following: Won 100; Lost 9; Won National JO Championship; Winner 1976 South Carolina Golden Gloves; Winner 1976-1977 Mexico Golden Gloves; Winner 1975 Texas AAU Championship; Winner 1975 National Championship, Ohio. His professional boxing record was the following - Won 34; Lost 4 and; won over Dwight Davison (#1 contender for Middle Weight Title) - April 1981.

Clarence Flemings, President of the USA Boxing, North Carolina Association, Inc. was born in Rockingham, NC. He became involved with Amateur Boxing in 1980 and has held numerous positions including Referee and Chief of officials.

Brandon Mitchem began boxing in 1987 at the age of ten. He earned numerous awards over a ten year period, including: National PAL Champion, National Silver Gloves Champion and National Golden Gloves Champion. In 1995 he was awarded the Georgia Governor's Commendation Award. He retired from boxing in 2007 with a professional record of 25-5-1.

Kim Ray Welch was born in Greely, Colorado in 1955. His boxing career started in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he won the City Golden Gloves. He served his country in the U.S. Army and works on the family's cattle ranch in Roseland, Missouri.

Born on April 25, 1953, in Cleveland County, NC. He had 17 amateur bouts with 14 wins and 70 professional fights with a record of 47 wins, 21 losses, and 2 draws. He won the NC Heavyweight Championship in 1979.

Born on July 7, 1947, in Charlotte, NC, he started boxing at 6 years of age. He won multiple Golden Gloves and became a professional fighter in 1969, with a record of 40 wins and 5 losses. He passed away on April 29, 2010.

Residing in Charlotte, NC, he retired from the military in 1999 after 24 years. He has held various coaching positions and received numerous awards for his contributions to boxing.

Born on April 29, 1954, in Gastonia, NC. He had 173 amateur bouts with 148 wins and a professional record of 28-12. He fought four World Championships and trained his son for the Olympics.

Enlisted in the Navy in 1944, he began boxing during his service. He is estimated to have had about 100 professional fights and coached youth sports in Spartanburg, influencing many young lives.

Bob "Bobcat" Montgomery, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, had one of the most storied boxing careers in the history of American boxing. In his professional career, Montgomery had a total of 97 fights. Of that, he had 75 wins, which included 37 knockouts, 19 losses and 3 draws. Montgomery began boxing in Battle Royales. Seeing more opportunity up north, the South Carolina native moved to Philadelphia, where he started fighting the likes of Lou Jenkins and Sammy Angott. Montgomery went undefeated in his first 23 fights, going 22-0-1 and winning the Pennsylvania State Lightweight Title. Three times, Montgomery beat Julie Kogon. Their first fight was at the Broadway Arena in Brooklyn on January 28, 1941, which Montgomery won by decision. They fought again on October 24th that same year, this time at the Chicago Coliseum, a fight Montgomery again took by decision. The two squared off for the last time on June 2, 1947 in Kogon's hometown at the New Haven Arena, but the result was still the same. At Shibe Park on July 7, 1942, Montgomery lost to former lightweight champ Sammy Angott in a split decision. In 1942, Montgomery had two battles with Maxie Shapiro. In the first fight Montgomery lost by decision in Philadelphia, but he won the rematch two months later by unanimous decision in the same arena. Montgomery also beat Petey Scalzo by TKO in Philadelphia, but he lost to Al "Bummy" Davis at Madison Square Garden by KO. On May 21, 1943, Montgomery battled Georgia shoe shiner named "Beau Jack" for the lightweight title. Beau Jack was one of the toughest fighters of the day, but it was Montgomery who won in a 15-round decision. In the rematch, Beau Jack took the title back, but in the rubber match, Montgomery won the title back from Beau Jack. Fights with Ike Williams and Beau Jack set Montgomery apart as one of the all-time greatest fighters in American history. And the fight Montgomery will always be known for was the War Bond Fight in 1944 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Even though Bob lost the fight to Beau Jack, the country was the real winner, as the fight raised $35 million dollars for the U.S. Army. In 1995, Montgomery was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Montgomery was a promoter at the end of his career.

Larry Boyles was one of the toughest North Carolina fighters of the day. His amateur career consisted of 75 wins and 15 losses. A native of Cherryville, NC, Boyles fought for the Lincolnton (NC) Boxing Team. At 135 pounds, he was a lightweight fighter. Early in his amateur career he fought Al Wilson (1995 inductee) and Bearl Davis (2008 inductee.) In 1954, Boyles boxed his way to the top of the Tar Heel State, winning the North Carolina Golden Gloves Championship. In 1956, Larry represented North Carolina in the National Golden Gloves Championship in New York. After boxing, he went to work in the hosiery mills and the cotton mills. Eventually, he ended up in the antique business. These days Larry Boyles is a devout member of his Presbyterian Church and the owner of an antique business in Cherryville.

Bruce Cantrell was one of the greatest Middleweight southpaws to ever come out of the Palmetto State. His amateur record was 21-6-1. As a pro, his record was 34-20-1. Cantrell's pro career started in 1971 where he won 10 straight bouts, including the SC title, defending it, and he never lost it. In 1973, Cantrell fought John "Bo Jack" Magnum in Las Vegas. Some say that was the best fight ever fought in Sin City. Bruce lost in a controversial 10-round decision, which was talked about for months after the fight. Some of the Ring Magazine all-ranked fighters that Cantrell fought included: #2 Vito Antuofermo in 1975 at Long Island, NY. It was a close fight. The next year Antuofermo won the title; John "Bo Jack" Magnum, 1973 best fighter of the year in Las Vegas; Perry Abney in The Spectrum Philadelphia, PA in 1974; #10 rank Leo "The Kid" Saenz in Capital Center, Maryland in 1974; #14 Roy Dale in Ft. Wayne, Indiana in 1973; #9 Rocky Cudney at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1973. The bout was so close they thought Cantrell won the fight. In lieu of that, he was given an honorary membership in the Canadian hall of fame in 1973.

Joe Lee Sill began boxing at the age of 15, winning championships all over the Carolinas. These included the 1935 and 1938 Open Bantamweight AAU Championships in Charlotte, N.C. Another Hall of Famer, Marion Diehl was fighting during this time. The two split the fights. Joe Lee Sill amassed 125 wins and 7 losses as an amateur. His pro record was 37-6-1. Even in his late 30s and early 40s, Sill was fighting pro, winning bouts in Louisville, Cincinnati and St. Louis, as well as several preliminary bouts in the St. Nick's Arena and Madison Square Garden, New York. In 1943, Joe was drafted into the Navy and that ended approximately 11 years of boxing. After the war, Joe returned to Spartanburg and worked for Southern Railway until a heart attack took his life in 1972.

Jo-Anne Newman raised the bar for officiating in boxing and helped break the glass ceiling for women in the sport as one of the first female referees. Newman was one of the first female referees to referee in the Olympic trials beginning in 1996. She was South Carolina's first certified female referee, the first female national referee, the first international female referee and the first continental female referee. Newman officiated in Olympic trials in Atlanta in 2000 and again in 2004. A certified Level 3 coach on the national basis, Newman is currently a Master AIBA. Newman also conducts certification credits for South Carolina boxing officials and coaches. Outside of the ring, Newman was a paralegal from 1974 to 2004. She has been a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She is married to Noah Newman and has two adult children. Newman is also the administrator for the North Augusta PAL Boxing Club. The club serves young people ages 8 to 18 in Aiken and Edgefield Counties and has some 60 registered boxers.

On the afternoon of October 3, 1993, a military raid made up of a task force of Delta Force Soldiers, Army Rangers and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment attempted to capture two of Warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's senior subordinates in the Mogadishu neighborhood of Bakaara Market. The mission is supposed to take no more than a half hour. The extraction by the Delta team is successful, but the Somali Militia, armed with RPG's, shot down two Black Hawk helicopters. The resulting rescue extends the mission to over 18 hours. And Dominic Robinson-Neal was there. "Dominic Robinson-Neal is a hero in anyone's book," said Billy Stanick, owner of White Rock Boxing in Columbia, SC. "He was running two miles down the road while all the guns were shooting at him. He's one tough guy." After serving as an Army Ranger for 20 years, Robinson-Neal retired and returned to his passion in the sport of boxing. In his young life, Robinson-Neal fought as an amateur, where he had 85 wins and 5 losses. Then, he turned pro and he was damned good. In his 10 professional bouts, he won every one. Then life happened, his Army career took off and boxing was shelved at least for a time. After leaving the military, Robinson-Neal returned to Columbia, where he took over as head coach at White Rock Boxing, training young fighters to become their best. Now, coach Dominic Robinson Neal for the Palmetto boxing group is considered to be one of the greatest boxing coaches in the Southeast. In his time at White Rock, he's had two National Championships. He trained his own son, DeAndre Robinson-Neal, who won the National Ringside Championship and he took TJ Hunter to his own National Title Championship.

Few boxers can say they have about as many knockout trophies as they wins, but that is the case with Gastonia, North Carolina's Rick Russell. Russell's amateur career spanned between 1977 and 1983. During that time, Russell had 92 wins with 12 losses and half of his wins were by knockout. It's a fact that Russell was never ever knocked out or stopped in any bout. One of his greatest claims to fame was defeating an all-Marine champion named James McDonald. McDonald went on to meet Michael Spinx for the World Championship. Russell is a graduate of North Gaston High and attended Gaston College. These days, Russell is self-employed as the owner of Rick Russell Construction in Gastonia.

Alonzo 'Lonnie' Chapman was born in Ridgeville, SC on February 26, 1951. He began boxing while serving in the United States Army, achieving 78 wins out of 87 bouts. He was SC State Boxing Champion four times and turned pro in 1981. Lonnie currently coaches basketball and amateur boxing.

Nathaniel 'Sweet Red' Fitch was born on October 31, 1965 in Bastrop, Louisiana. He joined the United States Army in 1977 and won numerous titles including the 1983 All Army Championship. He had 203 bouts with 187 wins, 16 losses, and 1 draw. He retired from the Army in 1988 and had 23 professional fights, winning 17 of them. He established the 'Fitch Youth Activity League' in 1999.

Marvin was born September 12, 1932 in Gaffney, South Carolina. He began boxing in 1953 and became the Fleet Champion and Far East All Navy Heavyweight Champion in 1957. He retired in 1961 with a total of 56 wins (35 by KO) and 13 losses. Marvin currently resides in Gaffney, South Carolina.

Billy Stanick started training amateur boxers in 1972 and has promoted more boxing events than any other promoter in the Carolinas. He has trained notable fighters and received various awards for his contributions to boxing in the Carolinas.

Bernard Taylor, a native of Charlotte, was a prominent boxer who fought for a World Title three times and won the National Golden Gloves Title four times. He went pro in 1980 with a record of 45-4 and now operates a trucking company in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Arthur is the older brother of the famed Davis brothers of Mount Holly. He began his boxing career at thirteen and won the N.C. Featherweight Division in 1943. After serving in the Navy, he resumed boxing at N.C. State, compiling a record of 61 wins and 6 defeats. He turned professional in 1949, retiring with a record of 40 wins, 9 defeats, and 5 draws. After boxing, he became a full-time teacher and later retired as a principal.

James Ernest Heffner was known for his leadership and love for boxing. He served as Chairman of the Carolinas Hall of Fame and positively impacted many lives. He passed away on December 8, 2008.

Born March 22, 1935, in Darlington County, Marion served in the South Carolina National Guard. He was the Director of the Pee Dee Area Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament from 1957-1964 and served on the County of Lexington Athletic Commission from 1977 to 1997, contributing significantly to boxing and the youth of South Carolina.

A Cleveland, Ohio native, Dr. Estwanik has become a prominent ring doctor in Charlotte. He has served on various medical boards and as team physician for USA Boxing. He designed gloves for Mixed Martial Arts and authored books on Sports Medicine. He lives in Cornelius with his family.

Alfonso 'Smitty' Smith was born June 10, 1947, in Capron, Virginia. After serving in Vietnam, he resumed boxing and compiled a record of 45 wins and 9 losses. He became a boxing coach, winning a regional championship and helping many boxers achieve success in the Golden Gloves. He continues to be involved in boxing and lives in Spring Lake, N.C.

Jessie 'Andra' Thompson started boxing at age nine and ended his career at the 2000 USA National Championships with a record of 187 wins and 14 losses. He won the N.C. State Golden Gloves five times and has served as a boxing coach for over 32 years, training numerous national champions. He resides in Wilmington with his wife.

Mike Bivens, born in 1949, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, began his boxing career at age 13 under the tutelage of legendary coach T.L. McManus. Bivens compiled a record of 33 wins and 11 losses during a career that featured several amateur championships. He was a participant in the first professional boxing match ever televised in North Carolina. Bivens later captured the Heavyweight Championship of the Carolinas by knocking out Fred Gore. He also served as promoter and trained for many years, working with boxers such as James 'Bonecrusher' Smith and Emile Griffith.

Born in Moncks Corner, S.C. in 1935, Willis Caddell began boxing at an early age, compiling an overall record of 131-9 with 50 knockouts. He was never knocked out and started a boxing program at his church after retiring. Caddell served as a boxing promoter in Charleston and continues to work while raising his family.

Bearl Davis began boxing at age 10 and was trained by T.L. McManus. He won countless amateur championships with over 250 victories. Despite being a victim of polio, he became a notable figure in the Carolinas boxing scene.

The first woman inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame, Marjorie Hammond began judging amateur boxing in the mid-1970s. She has judged many national events and served as a volunteer during the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

Mike Huckabee began boxing at age 14 and won over 10 amateur championships before turning professional. He boxed in 15 events, winning nine, and was ranked No. 2 amateur in his weight class after finishing runner-up in national Golden Gloves competition in 1979.

William Kennedy III established a reputation as a hard puncher who could box. He began boxing at the Salvation Army Boys Club in Winston-Salem at age 15. Under the guidance of Austin Benjamin, Kennedy won 120 and lost 10 amateur fights before turning professional. His overall record stands at 126-11 with six draws. Kennedy has won more than 10 championships in the Carolinas and has devoted his life to sports as a coach and official.

Roy Turner coached the Cherokee County, S.C. Boxing Team from 1953 to 1964, developing many young boxers. He was named South Carolina Amateur Boxing Coach of the Year in 1957 and spent 41 years in the U.S. Army. Turner received many awards, including the Order of the Palmetto, and was inducted into three Halls of Fame.

When James "Bonecrusher" Smith knocked out WBA heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon in the first round in 1986, he became the first heavyweight champion with a college degree, having acquired a bachelor's degree in business administration from Shaw University. A native of Magnolia, N.C., Smith started boxing while serving in the U.S. Army. After leaving the military, he went to work with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He began his professional career with a 1981 bout on ESPN, which he lost, but then he upset future cruiserweight Rickey Parker, followed by three more wins over respected opponents. Smith then scored nine straight knockout wins to gain a fight with undefeated British prospect Frank Bruno. To everyone's surprise he knocked out the favored Brit in the 10th round. In 1987, Smith risked his championship belt against Mike Tyson's WBC belt in Las Vegas, and he lost a decision. He fought off and on for several years winning most of his bouts by knockout. In 1999, Smith lost a decision to his friend Larry Holmes and at the age of 46 hung up his gloves. He compiled a record of 44-17-1 as a professional and won many amateur and military fights. After retiring, Smith became an ordained minister and dedicated his life to helping young people stay clear of crime and drugs. He and his wife, Reba, are the parents of three.

Ralph Conner is noted in Lincolnton as a man who can be called upon for help at any time. Over the years, he seems to have been involved in all aspects of his community. Lincolnton has more boxers per capita in the hall of fame than any other city, and Conner coached most of them. He was active in boxing from 1947 until 1990. His VFW teams won tournaments all over both Carolinas, and he was selected to coach the Carolinas team in the Regionals in New York in 1956, the same year he won the Wilton Garrison Outstanding Coach award. Conner served in WWII with the U.S. Army and was wounded in Anzio, Italy. After leaving the Army, the three-sport high school star played professional baseball for a while. He was also a golf pro at Lincolnton Country Club for eight years.

Johnny Greenhill, at the beginning of his boxing career in 1950 while serving with the U.S. Navy, he won all 17 of his military bouts. Upon his return home, he joined the Durham Boxing Team and became an integral part of one of the better amateur teams in the state. He won 45 matches and lost only to the great Crowe Peele with Durham. After turning professional, Greenhill won another 20 bouts without losing. His overall boxing record stands at 82 wins, a single loss, and a draw. Greenhill owned and operated Greenhill Electric Company for 39 years, and he remains active in the electrical business. He and his former wife are the parents of two sons and they have two grandchildren. He has been given the Outstanding Community Service Award by the State of North Carolina. Greenhill is a pilot, and he enjoys golf, bowling, and restoring old cars.

The year 1949 was a good one for Burlington, N.C. welterweight Lacy Hall. He ran through all competition in his weight class, winning amateur tournaments in Burlington, Durham, High Point, and Greensboro. Before the year was up he had won 16 consecutive matches and he picked up three outstanding boxer trophies along the way. Hall received undergraduate degrees from Elon College and Duke. He earned a masters and a Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill. Hall served in the U.S. Army for three years. He is past president and owner of King's Business College in Greensboro. Hall has been involved in many areas of community service over the years. He has also written books on business and mental health. He is cofounder and president of the Huck Finn Tennis Charity Fund. He and his wife Barbara have one daughter. Hall lists writing, poetry, gardening, wine making, and traveling among his hobbies.

The third Hitopoulos brother inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame, Gregg was born on September 1, 1928. Although he did box for the University of South Carolina team, Hitopoulos made his mark as a trainer, coach, referee, and judge. While college boxing was coming to an end, he managed to fight 12 times without a defeat. During his year on the South Carolina team, he defeated three regional champions. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Army, and upon his release Hitopoulos began to referee and judge matches, continuing for 12 years. He switched over to professional events where he refereed and judged fights for 20 years. He was helping his brother, Harry, coach the Citadel team at the same time. Hitopoulos, a pharmacy major, operated two drug stores in Columbia before his death to cancer in 2004.

Winston-Salem native Fred Pettyjohn could be called the accidental boxer. He was playing basketball at the YMCA when the boxing coach spotted him and thought the well-built youngster might make a good boxer. Pettyjohn gave it a shot. He began his career by knocking out his first opponent, then he lost a decision. That was followed by another KO win and another lost decision. He won the next bout by knockout, and then lost another decision. After that strange beginning, Pettyjohn got on track. Before he was finished he had won a boxing scholarship to Michigan State, and compiled a record of 38 wins and 12 losses. Most of his victories were knockouts. He was noted as a classy boxer with power. Pettyjohn won tournaments in Greensboro, Charlotte, High Point, and several other cities. His win at the AAU event in Greenville in 1953 gained him a spot on a Carolinas AAU team which competed in Boston Gardens, Mass. He was the fifth Naval District middleweight runner-up in 1954.

Maurice Treadway, was born in Loris, South Carolina in 1933, Treadway began boxing with the YMCA team as a young teen after his family moved to Charlotte. Before he was finished, he compiled a record of 159-49 as an amateur and a professional. Treadway won titles in both Carolinas and took three championships as a member of the 82nd Airborne. He may have fought more bouts than his record indicates as he spent time boxing professionally in Mexico where record keeping is suspect. Treadway moved to Murrell's Inlet after hanging up his gloves and opened a successful lawn care business. Before his death on May 24, 2005, he was noted for community service work up and down the Grand Strand. Treadway was also a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner.

Johnny Boyd was born in Charleston, S.C. in 1959. He began boxing at an early age and compiled an impressive record. Beginning with the Charleston All-Stars, Boyd later boxed for Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms team. One of his coaches, Roy Leopold said his 119-pounder liked to 'mix it up' in the ring. Boyd won five S.C State Junior Olympic titles and two regional championships. He traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C. and Rapid City, S.D. for the National Junior Olympics, but lost in the semi-finals. He won three consecutive S.C. State Golden Gloves crowns and took the Carolinas Golden Gloves title in 1978. In 1976, boxing in the regional Olympic trials in Detroit, he lost his second match, but easily whipped the New York Golden Gloves champion Johnny Magnifico in his first match. Boyd won in excess of 200 matches and lost just 31. Along the way he picked up 25 outstanding boxer awards, the Junior Olympic and state Golden Gloves titles and was ranked in the top five National Junior Olympic boxers two years in succession. Boyd and his wife Elizabeth Ann are the parents of two. He is active in his community and owns his own automobile business in Mount Pleasant.

While serving a hitch in the United States Marine Corps, Hammond boxed in a smoker at Camp LeJeune in 1946. He has been hooked on the sport ever since. Born on September 20th,1929 in Binghampton, NY, he moved to Rock Hill, SC in 1980. He was elected Chief Official for South Carolina Amateur Boxing a year later, an office he still holds. Hammond has been involved with professional boxing as a referee, judge and timekeeper for the last 30 years. He worked the 1988 Olympic Trials as a judge and referee. He also worked the glove table at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Hammond was a trainer and cut man for Cedric Mingo's successful title bout in Lancaster, SC a few years ago. He has also trained amateur fighters as well as professionals and can usually be found anywhere in the Carolinas a boxing event is being held. Since 1983, Hammond has owned Perm-Ex Roofing and Siding in Rock Hill. He has been a member of the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame Board of Directors for several years now.

Born in 1934, Bobby Headden began boxing at an early age. He is a native of Charleston, S.C. but boxed out of Charlotte for most of his career. Headden lost very few matches. He won a total of 65 and lost two amateur bouts and one professional match. His amateur losses were as a representative of the Carolinas at the National Golden Gloves in New York City, and in an intercity meet in Chicago. Headden made such an impression in New York he was chosen to box for an eastern team against a western team in Chicago. He trained under Lou Kemp in Charlotte and his brother-in-law, Doc Deneaux, in Charleston. Headden was a workman-like boxer with power in both hands. A flyweight, he always wore a deadpan expression in the ring. Headden spent his working life in the trucking industry. Beginning as a teen, he started out as a checker and was a driver for 40 years.

The son of a renowned boxing coach and the brother of an outstanding NFL player, Dale Matthews made his own indelible mark in the sports world. Boxing for his father 'Matty' Matthews at The Citadel, he compiled a record of 22-1 in college competition and 40-0 in Golden Gloves matches. Matthews was born in 1929 and graduated from Charleston High School. He played football, boxed and was a member of the swimming team at The Citadel. A classy stylist with good punching power, Matthews boxed at 165 pounds. He won the Southern Conference Championship in his weight class three years in a row. The Citadel inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985. Matthews, upon graduation, entered the U.S. Air Force and stayed for 30 years. He attained his pilot's wings and flew 100 combat missions in F-86 Sabre Jets during the Korean War. Col. Matthews won numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster in 1953, 1967, 1970, and 1971. He also won a Bronze Star. Matthews retired from the Pentagon while serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He and his wife Jacquelyn had three children. Matthews passed away on June 14, 2003.

Cedric 'Mean Man' Mingo spent most of his U.S. Army career in the boxing ring. Entering the service in 1980, the southpaw featherweight won 151 matches and lost just nine. He knocked out 75 opponents. Mingo traveled all over Europe with his military team and took on all comers. In 1983, American boxers participated in the Italian Torneo, an elite European boxing tournament, for the first time. Mingo was asked by President Reagan to go and bring home the gold, which he did. After his release from service, Mingo launched a highly successful professional career which resulted in a 28-9-1 record and two titles. In 1990 he fought Ed Pollard for the IBF Intercontinental Featherweight crown in his hometown of Lancaster, S.C. Mingo knocked Pollard out in the 11th round. Five years later he won the WBF version of the featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Felipe Garcia in Johnson City, TN. After that win, Mingo was ranked the number two featherweight in the world. Mingo is a local hero in Lancaster, where February 17 is Cedric Mingo Day. Cedric and Linda Mingo have been married for 21 years. He is now forming a boxing school where he hopes to train young men in the sport.

Beginning his career in 1945, Pappas got off to a bad start. Boxing with the YMCA League in Winston-Salem, the 11-year-old lost his first seven bouts. After that Pappas began to win, and of his next 130 fights, he lost just five. He won seven amateur championships, including the High Point Tri-State Golden Gloves, as a lightweight, in 1951. Pappas moved into the Open Division at the age of 15 because of a lack of novice competition. The move did not slow the youngster down. Once, his team fought a match against Mooresville Mills, and Pappas boxed the coach and won. He fought at the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte and was beaten by a much older fighter, 82nd Airborne Division Champion Gilbert Ruybalid. The paratrooper won by an eyelash, but the decision was roundly booed. Pappas served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1956, where he won two service tournaments. Pappas is married and he and his wife Carolyn have three daughters, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pappas retired as food service manager of Nash Health Care Systems in Rocky Mount, N.C. in 1997, having served 20 years in that capacity.

Were it not for a love of coaching youngsters and WWI, Matty Matthews might have become a major league baseball player. He played in the minor leagues for several years, and some say he was big league material. Matthews was born on Feb. 14, 1889. He began boxing in the Army in 1917. After giving up baseball and his work as a stock broker telegrapher, he became the boxing, baseball and track coach at The Citadel in 1926. He remained on the job for 47 years. As a boxing coach, his team won the Southern Conference title in 1941 and 1948. During his Citadel career, he coached Golden Gloves teams as well. Several of his proteges are members of the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame, including Burke Watson, Gunther Ohlandt, Jr., Louis Lempesis, and Harry Hitopoulos. He served as Charleston Boxing Commissioner for a time was known and loved for the advice and guidance he was always willing to share with young athletes. His boxers were known throughout the South as 'Mattymen.' They knew little of his baseball prowess. They remember him as the best coach who ever showed a kid how to feint with his left. He and his wife Elsa reared four children. Matty died of a heart attack in 1975 as he worked at one of his hobbies, gardening.

Rickey Ballenger has been called the best boxer to ever come from upper South Carolina. Ballenger, who died in an industrial accident in 1978, won over 200 matches as an amateur and lost 11. He compiled a professional record of 4-1. Ballenger was a classy boxer with a devastating punch. In the days when military fighters made short work of locals in the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte, he beat Art Redden, the defending light-heavyweight champion and one of the best. Ballenger began boxing at an early age as did many Gaffney youngsters coached by Roy Turner. He won tournaments all over the South, including the Carolinas Golden Gloves five times. While serving in the U.S. Army, he won the All Army and All Service titles. He held the S.C. heavyweight championship for several years and lost to Jimmy Ellis in the Olympic trials in 1968. Gaffney residents view Ballenger as a legend. Upon his untimely death, he left a brother, Mike, also a fine boxer, sisters, Donna and Sarah, a daughter, Mrs. Shannon Blanton, and a granddaughter, Magen Blanton.

Born in 1946 in Sumter, S.C., Edward Hudson took up boxing at an early age. Before he was through he compiled an impressive amateur record of 108-12, winning tournaments in both Carolinas. He represented the Carolinas in Chicago after winning the Charlotte tournament in 1964. After turning professional, Hudson compiled a 19-2-1 record. He was selected as one of Ring Magazine's 'Prospects of the Month' during his pro career. A heavy puncher with good ring instincts, Hudson had a streak of 32 consecutive wins at one point in his career. Hudson, a former Navy man, coached boxing in Sumter for several years. He retired from Georgia Pacific after 25 years and now works in property development.

Beginning his career in 1938, Glenn M. McCrary went on to compile a record of 101 wins against just four defeats. He was never beaten in a Golden Gloves tournament in the Carolinas, Virginia or anywhere in the South. He did lose twice in NYC at the national finals. McCrary didn't lose a bout in four years as a member of the U.S. Navy boxing team either. He lost a match in high school and a YMCA fight, but later avenged both those losses. Described by his coach Tresco Johnson as a 'brilliant' fighter, McCrary was knocked down just one time. That knockdown came at the hands of Frankie Donato in 1940 at the national finals in New York. Donato, a Philadelphian, won the decision by one point and went on to become the champion of the weight class. The late Jake Wade, a sports writer of prominence, always considered McCrary among the best boxers ever to come out of the South. Born in Florence in 1923, McCrary has lived in New York, West Jefferson, N.C. and Florida.

Reggie Martin was born in Gaffney, SC in 1942. He began boxing in 1954 with the Gaffney team. There, he built a record of 61-12-1. The hard punching youngster was noted for his persistence, and put in the hard work to develop the self-confidence necessary to become a consistent winner. Martin won many Golden Gloves Championships in both North and South Carolina and was co-winner of the Cherokee County, SC Best Athlete Award in 1956 & 1957. In 1958 he was crowned open bantamweight champion of North and South Carolina at the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte, NC. From there he would represent the Carolinas at the National Golden Gloves Finals in New York City. There he would lose a hairline decision to Ohio Champion, Julio Ruiz. Martin's coach, Roy Turner, called him 'a good boy in and out of the ring.' The likeable Martin graduated from Limestone College, where he served as president of the men students, and was selected to Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges. He was also a member of the Limestone College Hall of Fame in 1966, and was chosen to be in the 1971 Outstanding Young Men of America. Father of two, Bryan and Susan, and Grandfather of four, Kendal, Michael, Caleb and Seth, Martin is currently a sales representative with Vaughn Belting in Spartanburg, SC. In 2005, Martin was inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame and in 2007, began serving on the board of directors.

Born in Gaffney, S.C. in 1945, Lee Medley began boxing at the tender age of seven. Before he was through he had participated in over 200 fights, losing just nine, with 150 knockouts. Medley won 36 Golden Gloves championships and represented the Carolinas in the National Golden Gloves in Chicago, where he was runner-up to champion Terry Pearson. All his accomplishments came before the age of 17. Many times he boxed men as much as 14 years his senior. His coach Roy Turner regarded Medley as a hard worker who loved boxing. He played high school football, wrestled and was a member of the track team. Medley also played semi-pro football. He is active in his church and has received two community service awards, as well as spending time coaching boxing and other sports in his community. Medley has served on the Cherokee County Sports Commission. He was a pipe fitter, welder and boilermaker at Hoechst in Spartanburg for 37 years.

Known as 'perpetual Motion Morrison,' Don Morrison was one of the best service boxers to step into the ring. A career Air Force man, he won tournaments in Japan, Korea and in Europe. Morrison was U.S. Air Force Far East Champion in 1954, as well as Pacific and European champion during his 20-year military career. He participated in over 200 matches with just a handful of losses. During his time as a Sumter Optimist Club team member he was undefeated. Morrison won the Charleston Golden Gloves in 1957, the Jacksonville Golden Gloves the same year and was a Florida AAU champion. He won the Eastern Bantamweight crown in NYC in 1957 as a member of the U.S. Air Force. One of the boxers he defeated was Mount Holly's Max Davis. Morrison continues to coach boxing and is involved in property development in Sumter. Born in Providence, R.I. in 1929, Morrison and his wife June have lived in Sumter most of their lives. They are the parents of five children.

Bill Wilkinson participated in the very first Carolinas Golden Gloves in 1933 and won the bantamweight crown. He fought 125 times and lost just four bouts. Wilkinson spent his working years as an executive with Coca Cola Co. in Bristol.

Born in Charleston on July 24, 1953, Bob Brinson began boxing at the age of 7. He was a Jr. Olympic champion twice and won the Carolinas Golden Gloves twice. Brinson remains involved in boxing as an official, refereeing approximately 40 professional fights a year.

Born in Belmont, N.C., Bobby 'Runt' Cloninger began boxing in 1959. He compiled an amateur record of 36-6 and won championships in Gastonia, Newton, Mount Holly, Lincolnton, and Charlotte. Cloninger won the open featherweight championship at the Carolinas Golden Gloves in 1960.

Jody Ganes was born on Nov. 8, 1949, in Hemingway, S.C. He won 200 amateur matches and was 45-1 as a professional. Ganes has remained connected with boxing all his adult life and today coaches and trains young boxers in Cades, S.C.

Born in Beaufort, S.C. on Sept. 29, 1919, Nathan 'Kid' Crosby was a heavy puncher with a record of 151 wins against just four losses. After retiring from boxing, he became a minister and did missionary work in Mexico until his retirement in 1979.

This Charleston, S.C. native compiled an amateur record of 165 wins and 12 defeats. He won several amateur championships in both Carolinas, including the South Carolina Golden Gloves in 1961, the Carolinas Golden Gloves in 1971, and the South Carolina Junior Olympics in 1968. After retiring from the ring, Golemis has continued to involve himself in boxing and his community, currently training USA, collegiate, and professional boxers.

Tresco Johnson was a professional boxer who went from that profession to molding the lives and boxing skills of young men. He was a native of Troutman, N.C., and settled in Florence, S.C. where he opened a dry cleaning establishment. Johnson coached many Golden Gloves champions in North and South Carolina.

A second generation boxer, Malcolm Sanders DeWitt III was born October 23, 1933. He was a star athlete at Rivers High School in Charleston, S.C. and was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of South Carolina for football and boxing. DeWitt convinced the football coach he was too small for the gridiron and concentrated on boxing where he was a part of the great South Carolina boxing team with teammates such as Emmett Gurney, Chuck Davis, Allen George, Don Fortner, Jack Cassiday, Andy Sciambra, Jimmy Craven, Hawyood Davis, and Howard Collins. After a successful amateur career, DeWitt enjoyed a short yet productive career as a pro. After only 10 professional fights, Uncle Sam called and he entered the U.S. Army. Discharged in 1956, he went back to USC but decided to give up a promising professional boxing career at the urging of his wife.

With more than two decades of service to the boxing profession, Gregory has served in numerous capacities as a coach, official and administrator, including management positions in four Olympics in Los Angeles (1984), Seoul, Korea (1988), Barcelona, Spain (1992), and Atlanta (1996.) Gregory also served as manager of the boxing venue at the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York City and was selected as an NBC commentator for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. In addition, Gregory served as president of South Carolina Amateur Boxing from 1982 through 1998 and also held an eight-year term as chairman of the S.C. Junior Olympics. A member of the South Carolina Amateur Boxing Association for more than 20 years, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association in 1998. Gregory resides in Charleston, South Carolina.

Archie Hargett, born on July 27, 1933, has been involved behind the scenes of boxing for the better part of his adult life. A former director of the North Carolina Golden Gloves, he has been involved with amateur boxing in the state for more than 25 years and has been the driving force behind the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte. A longtime member of the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Hargett often mentor amateur boxing directors all over the southeast. Hargett is a retired insurance agent who was born and reared in Charlotte NC. He served in the US Army from 1950-1953 and has held the title of National Commander for the Regular Veterans Association since 1986. Hargett is a past president of the West Mecklenburg Optimist Club, a Mason and a Shriner.

Bobby Lawrence born on January 30, 1934, began boxing at the age of 16. He won 23 club fights before launching a career as a Golden Glover where he won his first 18 bouts before losing to the late Jerry Stratton of Gastonia. After that loss, Lawrence reeled off another 16 wins in a row. He won several amateur tournaments in North and South Carolina, compiling an amateur record of 55 wins against only two losses. A hard-hitting welterweight, Lawrence fought the best fighters of his era, including Dink McManus, who he whipped in a rousing battle at Gastonia's Silver Gloves tournament. He fought out of his weight class several times, once going to the mat three times in the first round of a bout with middleweight Jim Bost of Lincolnton. Lawrence responded by knocking out the heavier Bost in the second round. As a professional, Lawrence tallied 21 wins and five defeats. After retiring from the ring, the Durham, N.C. native worked for several years with the U.S. Postal Service and also enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry. Lawrence has been married to his wife, Betty for 48 years and now spends much of his time volunteering at church.

Al Raby, born on August 23, 1934, this Gastonia native compiled a combined amateur and professional record of 75 wins and nine defeats. He won several amateur championships in North and South Carolina, including events in Charleston, Gastonia, Mount Holly, Hickory, and High Point. Raby boxed for T.L. McManus of Mount Holly, one of the most renowned amateur boxing coaches in the country. Known as a scrapper, McManus once described Raby as 'a boxer who can fight over his head when he has to. He's got the kind of heart the Lord ought to give every fighter.' While serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954, Raby won the Indiana lightweight title in Evansville and captured the Air Regionals at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. After boxing, Raby worked in the textile business for many years before taking a job with Freightliner Corporation. He finished his working career as a truck driver and now lives in North Platte, Nebraska.

Kelvin Seabrooks, born on March 10, 1963, began a stellar boxing career at the age of 12 and advanced victoriously through most of the amateur tournaments in the South before becoming a professional champion. He compiled an overall record of 157-21-1 before retiring in 1995. Seabrooks won his first amateur tournament at the age of 13 and captured Golden Gloves titles across the state of North Carolina, including four Carolinas Golden Gloves titles in Charlotte. As a professional, Seabrook won the USBA Bantamweight title in 1987 and shortly thereafter captured the IBF World Championship belt with a devastating fifth-round knockout of Miguel Monterrano in Colombia, South America. Seabrooks won 20 of his first 24 professional fights via the KO route. A classical stylist with knockout power in both hands, Seabrooks won 20 of his first 24 professional fights via the KO route. The Charlotte native now spends most of his time working with young people, touring schools and churches all over the Southeast, delivering a positive message about staying in school and away from drugs. His future plans include opening a literacy and championship fitness center for underprivileged children in the Charlotte area.

Russell "Rusty" Fickling began boxing at the tender age of 7 in a Charleston, South Carolina playground program and endured many defeats during his childhood. Coached by his father, Henry Fickling, the youngster showed consistent improvement over the next ten years and went to New York City under the tutelage of Harry Wiley, a well-known trainer who once trained Sugar Ray Robinson. Fickling worked with such prominent fighters as Dick Tiger and Jose Torres, both former light heavyweight world champions. After joining the U.S. Navy in 1971, his success in the military ring quickly advanced him to a number three ranking in the United States middleweight division as determined by the AAU. Fickling traveled and teamed with such notable boxers as Aaron Pryor, Ray Leonard and Carlos Palomino. After fighting in the 1974 World Boxing Championships in Havana, Cuba, Fickling retired from the ring. He compiled a record of 159 victories and 31 losses including a win over former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks. During his career, Fickling captured two S.C. Golden Gloves championships, one Southern Golden Gloves title and a Carolinas Golden Gloves middleweight championship. Fickling served as head boxing coach at the University of South Carolina in 1978 and is currently an assistant coach with Sumter Boxing Team. He resides with his wife and son in Columbia, South Carolina and works in the commercial construction industry.

Jimmy Calcutt, born in 1938, in Florence, South Carolina, was small in stature but big in heart. A classic stylist, Calcutt had good punching power and began boxing under the tutelage of Coach Tresco Johnson at the age of 12. As a teenager, he was a consistent winner on the amateur circuit. At age 16, Calcutt won the Open Flyweight Championship at the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte. He joined the U.S. Air Force and while serving in Alaska, won the Armed Forces Flyweight Championship. After turning professional, Calcutt boxed out of the same stable as Willie Pep in Miami and was trained by Angelo Dundee. Calcutt compiled a pro record of 28-6 and an overall record of 67-11. A scratch golfer and a renowned shag dancer, Calcutt lost his life to an automobile accident in 1970.

Ray Campbell compiled an enviable record of 70 wins against only nine losses during his amateur boxing career. He began fighting in 1952 with the Mount Holly, N.C. team coached by T.L. McManus. Campbell won tournaments in both Carolinas, including the Carolinas AAU Tournament in Greenville, S.C. and the Tri-State Tournament in High Point. He fought approximately 50 bouts during a stint in the military, losing only once. After his period in the service, he won amateur titles in Charlotte (2), Lenoir, Hamlet (2), Mount Holly (2), Newton (2), High Point, and Gastonia. Altogether, he won more than a dozen amateur titles throughout the Carolinas and became a two-time Carolinas Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion (1958, 1959). Campbell and his wife, Delores, are the parents of three daughters, and they have five grandchildren. He worked most of his career as an automobile mechanic and in factory maintenance. Campbell lives in Mount Holly where he is retired from Kysor Carolina Metal Products.

Allen McCuen, born in 1951, in Gastonia, North Carolina, and his brother Larry cut a wide swath in amateur boxing across the Carolinas during the 1960's and 70's. Although McCuen totaled nine victories by knockout, he was considered a stylist in the ring and won most of his bouts by decision. McCuen boxed for the late Freddy Masters, an outstanding teacher of young men. McCuen completed his career in 1972 with a record of 49 wins and 15 losses. He later opened a gym behind his house and began training young boys to box. A graduate of South Point High School in Belmont, McCuen attended Sacred Heart College and married the former Karen Ferguson. Allen and Karen have been married for 35 years and live in Belmont. They are the proud parents of two children and seven grandchildren. A devout man, McCuen is an active member of his church and teaches his young charges how to live and train properly through self-discipline.

Tommy Summerford born in Florence, South Carolina, began boxing at age 16. A man with knockout power in both hands, he managed to land a multitude of punches because of his speed. Many of Summerford's opponents commented that his were the most devastating punches they had ever felt. An all-around athlete in high school, he was co-captain of the football team, captain of the boxing team and played baseball for both school and the American Legion. Summerford also served as class president. As a boxer, Summerford won amateur tournaments in both Carolinas. He was the Carolinas Golden Gloves Open Featherweight Champion in 1948, capturing titles along with Pappy Gault (flyweight) and Neil Wallace (heavyweight). His championship win came against a tough, experienced boxer in Ben Maciel of the 82nd Airborne. Summerford emerged victorious from the bout after three rounds of total war, but he broke a hand in the match and couldn't represent the team in New York City. Summerford compiled a 53-3 record before hanging up the gloves. As active after boxing as he was in high school, Summerford has been a Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher and the head trustee of his church. A retired co-owner of Summerford Heating and Air Conditioning, he and his wife, Betty, have three children, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Woody Woodcock, born in 1921, in Pelzer, South Carolina, began boxing at age 14 and won several amateur tournaments in the Upstate of South Carolina and Charlotte area. He joined the U.S. Army in 1939, and after being transferred to Panama, held the Panamanian lightweight amateur championship title in 1941 and 1942. Woodcock also captured the all-service championship in 1942. After turning professional in 1943, Woodcock fought the very best in his weight class on the way to becoming the number-one ranked featherweight. Woodcock retired from the ring in 1952 after compiling an overall record of 129 wins against only 12 losses, including an impressive 43 and five record as an amateur. In retirement, Woodcock coached young boxers at The Citadel and refereed AAU bouts. He has been involved in boxing as a fighter, referee, coach, and official for 64 years and continues to judge professional bouts in Charleston.

Mike Baker, born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, began his boxing career at age 12 under the tutelage of the late Henry 'Pappy' Gault. He boasts a record of 27-4 as an amateur. He won several Golden Gloves championships in both states. Baker moved to Washington D.C. in 1973 and turned professional. He beat Leo Saenz in 1975 for the U.S. Jr. Middleweight title and two years later became the property of the Washington Redskins when Redskins owner Edward Bennett Williams purchased his contract. Baker won 50 pro fights and lost 19 with three draws. He racked up 32 knockouts. Retiring from the ring in 1984, Baker worked as a supervisor with the U.S. Senate Postal Service from 1985-2000. He is married to the former Dianne Brazelle of Amelia Island, Florida. Baker once fought six pro fights in 20 days, a record at the time. He also fought Maurice Hope for the World Super Welterweight title in 1979 but lost on cuts. Many observers said he was ahead on points at the time.

The latest in a long line of Hall of Fame boxers from Lincolnton, N.C., Lee Boyd began boxing at the age of 14. When he was 16, he moved into the open division to help fill out his weight class in a tournament. He was viewed as 'a busy little buzz saw' with power in both hands. Boyd won championships in Gastonia, Mount Holly, Hickory, High Point, Charlotte, and many other cities. Lee used his southpaw style to win the Carolinas Golden Gloves in 1956 and 1959. He made the national semi-finals both years and represented the state well in those events in New York. Boyd also boxed in other national events where he made a good showing and was always a crowd favorite. Boyd enlisted in the Navy after high school and fought for the prestigious Blue Jacket Boxing. In 1959, Boyd won every tournament he entered without losing a fight until he got to New York. He was chosen to represent his country in the Rome Olympics that year also. He won three qualifying fights but lost in the finals. Boyd coached the Lincolnton team for a year and retired from boxing in 1961. His final record was 150 wins and just 13 losses.

Harry G. Hitopoulos was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and has been active in the world of boxing since his formative years and has acquired a national reputation in the sport. Hitopoulos boxed in high school, the U.S. Navy and for three years as a member of the boxing team at The Citadel. While at The Citadel, he was runner-up twice at the Southern Invitational Tournament. Some of his teammates were: Gunner Ohlandt, Dale Matthews, Burke Watson, Timmie Wiggins, Alton Whittier, and Bill Baldwin. Hitopoulos has served as a referee, a judge and a coach. He has presented seminars and clinics for boxing officials for many years throughout the country. He coached youngsters for nine years during the 1950s and coached boxing at The Citadel in 1985 and 1986 during his first stint, then again from 1987 through 2000. He has served as the chief boxing official for the state of South Carolina from 1985 until the present. Hitopoulos' lists of credits in the sport are far too long for this space. He has been a guiding light in the sport in South and North Carolina for most of his life and rubs elbows every day with the most prominent people in the sport throughout the country. Hitopoulos served as a member of the town council in Mount Pleasant for 12 years. In addition to his success in the boxing world, Hitopoulos is a successful businessman and has established ongoing endowments at the College of Charleston, The Citadel and the University of South Carolina.

Ronnie Harrison began boxing in 1953 at the age of 14. He compiled an enviable won-lost record and may have won as many as 300 fights. Harrison won his first amateur tournament in Cherryville, North Carolina, as a sub-novice in 1954. He acquired 29 amateur championships and was runner-up several times. Harrison had knockout power in both hands and was an outstanding ring general. He won the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte on four different occasions, once as a novice. He represented both states in the Eastern Golden Gloves championships for three consecutive years (1959-1961) fighting at Madison Square Garden. Harrison fought for the legendary boxing coach T.L. McManus in Mount Holly and was a leader on some of McManus' better teams. Harrison and his wife, the former Brenda A. Kelly, are the parents of five children. He worked in retail for 18 years before being ordained as a minister. For health reasons, he is now retired after 26 years in the ministry but still delivers a sermon on occasion.

Sherriedale Morgan, born in Flint, Michigan, presently lives in Wilmington, N.C. where he is the director of the Boxing and Physical Fitness Center for the City of Wilmington. His wife, Yvonne is the current president of the North Carolina Boxing Association. Morgan began boxing in 1947. He won the Michigan AAU Championship in 1952 and 1953. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the 1955 Pan American Boxing Team. Morgan helped train the U.S. Army team for eight years and was head coach from 1972-1974. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1947 and was recruited by Wilmington to begin a boxing program. He served as a president of the North Carolina Boxing Association for four years, he was chairman of the Junior Olympics from 1975-1991 and again from 1995 until 2000. He was team manager for the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1987 and the USA vs. USSR in 1981. He served as head coach for the USA vs. England matches in 1987 and the USA female team vs. Canada in 2000. Morgan has spent most of his life boxing or coaching and managing other boxers.

Skeeter O'Sullivan, was inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001. We will update his bio soon.

Wayne Vuncannon born in High Point, North Carolina, began boxing at age 11 as a sub-novice. Before he was finished he had fought in almost every weight division up to and including light heavyweight. He won over 100 bouts and lost 19. Vuncannon was a good puncher and classy stylist. In 1958, he won the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte and represented the Carolinas in the Eastern Golden Gloves event in New York City. He was beaten at Madison Square Garden in the semi-finals by Jose Torres who was the silver medallist in the 1956 Olympics at Helsinki and later the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World. Vuncannon won tournaments all over the state, approximately 12 championships all told. He was runner-up in Charlotte twice more and represented the Carolinas in the National AAU event in Cincinnati, where he lost to the 1960 National Golden Gloves champion. Vuncannon won three AAU tournaments in High Point and was eligible to represent the Carolinas in National AAU competition in Utica, N.Y. in 1962 but chose not to participate.

Russell "Crit" Keeter had an amateur record of 59-7 and won the Army middleweight title in Europe. After boxing, he became a renowned artist and passed away in 1991.

Jerry Dodgen began boxing in the early 50's, winning 56 bouts and losing 13, with a professional record of 14 wins in 15 matches. He was a successful hospital administrator after his boxing career.

Chris Hitopoulos was involved in boxing for over 50 years, serving as a coach and administrator. He was instrumental in bringing professional boxing to South Carolina and passed away in 1988.

Kertis Mingo won 14 championships in amateur boxing and was a four-time Carolinas Golden Gloves champion. He is now employed in the landscaping business.

Willie Taylor compiled a record of 105 wins in 115 amateur fights and had a professional record of 32 wins and 6 losses. He won the Carolinas Golden Gloves six times and worked for the City of Charlotte for 26 years.

William W. "Bud" Bell, Jr. began boxing in 1946, competing in various amateur tournaments and winning over 100 fights in a career that spanned over 160 bouts. He later became a minister and has served many churches in the Carolinas and Georgia.

Ralph Belk, fighting under the name of Tommy McGovern, enjoyed a successful boxing career beginning in the 1920s and ending in 1941. He won 257 of over 300 matches. Belk was never knocked out. He held several titles including the Carolinas Junior Lightweight Championship of Virginia. He and his brother Battling Belk fought all over the South during the depression making good money when money was hard to come by. Belk was a spare 130 pounder who moved well and hit hard. He boxed many of the best in his weight class, fighters such as Jack Ryan, Young Altis, Wade and Bob Allison, Terry Roberts, and Charlie Jacobs. Belk passed away on November 8, 1987.

Silas Napoleon Epps started the first organized boxing club in Greenville, South Carolina, and ran it from 1975-2005. Through his coaching, he has at least one state champion from 1975-1988 and once had five state champions at one time. He had several regional and national fighters at junior and open level competition. He was the coach of once number one middleweight contender Lamar Parks through his amateur and professional career. He also helped in the organization of several neighboring boxing clubs. In 2001 he received a gold seal commendation from the South Carolina Senate for his influence in boxing in the state of South Carolina.

Robby Jetton began his boxing career at the age of five in an old gym at Lincolnton High School. He was a successful boxer in several weight classes. Jetton's record stands at 222 wins and 19 losses. He was 15-1 as a professional, beginning his professional career at the age of 36. He won several championships throughout the state as an amateur. Jetton, in 1963, won the Carolinas Golden Gloves heavyweight title and journeyed with the team to Chicago for the national finals. Unfortunately, he lost the first fight. In addition to his ring success, Jetton lettered in football, baseball and track in high school. He was employed by the N.C. Department of Corrections for 18 years and has worked for the North Carolina Dept. of Motor Vehicles for the last five.

Harold Kirby compiled a career record of 182 wins and five defeats. He began boxing at the age of 12 and was the first boxer to fight out of St. Andrews Parish in Charleston. Kirby fought and won tournaments in both Carolinas, Virginia, Florida, and Georgia. He won the Carolinas Golden Gloves three times and represented the Carolinas team at Sunnyside Gardens, New York in 1961. Fighting as a lightweight, he lost the national finals of his weight class. Kirby won knockout awards in six different tournaments. He garnered outstanding boxer trophies in seven amateur tournaments. Kirby was also a winner in many service bouts during his stint in the U.S. Navy. Harold worked for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad for 25 years. He retired from the Railroad in 1987 due to an injury. He now sells real estate. He and his wife have two children.

Mack Passmore has been involved in boxing one way or another for most of his life, beginning at the age of nine. He was a successful amateur boxer, winning several tournaments in North and South Carolina and has been a driving force in the sport since leaving the ring. He was a referee/judge for over 35 years, ran the Silver Gloves tournament in Gastonia for 13 years and was instrumental in the establishment of Golden Gloves tournaments in Kings Mountain and Lincolnton, helping to operate those events for years. Passmore has served as State and Regional Chairman of the United States Amateur Boxing Association (USABA) and served as National Chairman of the Junior Olympics for three years, and National Registration Chairman of amateur boxing for three years.

Before retiring a few years back, Bob Pugh spent over 50 years in the sport of boxing. He was a professional boxer, a promoter, a manager, a coach, and a trainer. He served as boxing coach for the City of Durham's recreation department for many years. Pugh's record in the ring stands at 106 bouts, 86 wins and 56 by knockout. He held the Southern Heavyweight Championship from 1949 to 1952, meeting and besting all comers during those years. Pugh once fought an exhibition against Joe Louis and held his own. He was born in Roxboro, N.C. and has worked in various professions. He put in several years as a brakeman with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, served as a policeman in Durham and Aberdeen, N.C., worked in the construction business, sold insurance, and even played professional baseball. One year Pugh managed the Granite Falls, N.C. baseball team. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Pugh fought for the first time in 1939 at the age of 19. He was 42 when he climbed into the ring the last time.

Jerry Skeen began boxing at the tender age of 10 in 1946, winning his first tournament in the 112 pound novice class in Mooresville, N.C. He was a tourney winner in every weight except the heavyweight division. He won at least one tournament in every Carolina city on the amateur circuit during his career. Skeen compiled the enviable record of 230 wins and 14 losses. Four of his losses came against Charlotte's David Mills. Skeen won the open light heavyweight title at the Carolinas Golden Gloves on two occasions. He and wife Patricia have two children, three grandchildren, five stepchildren and nine step-grandchildren. Jerry worked in sales for 33 years earning several awards and honors in his field.

Paul Appel served as the president of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for many years in North Carolina. Under his leadership boxing enjoyed tremendous success and the lives of many young athletes were enhanced.

Robert B. Bridges will be the youngest person ever inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame. He compiled a remarkable amateur record of 396 wins and 18 losses before moving into the professional ranks and chalking up an additional 22 wins and two losses. Bridges' amateur accomplishments include a wide variety of medals and honors, including a slot in on the 1984 All-American Boxing team. As a professional, Bridges won the WBC Intercontinental Junior Middleweight Championship in 1990. He was ranked 12th in the world when he retired.

Billy Bridges will be the youngest person ever inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame. He compiled a remarkable amateur record of 396 wins and 18 losses before moving into the professional ranks and chalking up an additional 22 wins and two losses. Bridges' amateur accomplishments include a wide variety of medals and honors, including a slot in on the 1984 All-American Boxing team. As a professional, Bridges won the WBC Intercontinental Junior Middleweight Championship in 1990. He was ranked 12th in the world when he retired.

Earning the Raleigh Heavyweight Championship in 1955, Batson also won the Charlotte Heavyweight Championship. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Themis compiled a record of 50 wins and six losses. He was an impressive boxer with a strong determination to win. Kountis won many amateur titles in the South and several championships as a U.S. Marine.

Beginning his boxing career in 1948 at the age of 16, Peele compiled an amateur record of 87 wins and six defeats and a professional record of 16 wins and four losses. Peele was a ventilation estimator with the N.C. Department of Corrections Central Engineering when he retired in 1995.

Guard Wyatt began his boxing career at the tender age of 12, compiling a combined amateur and professional record of 154 wins and 30 losses before retiring in 1953. Wyatt was instrumental in the boxing careers of Pappy Gault, Ray Lancaster and Charlie Porter. After retirement, he worked as an electrician.

Beginning his amateur career in 1949 at age 15, Crawford compiled a record of 30 wins (16 by knockout), four losses and one draw. He won the Durham, Burlington and Greensboro Golden Gloves Tournament in 1949 and again in 1950.

Beginning his career at age 14; Loy went on to compete in every weight class from flyweight to welterweight between 1949 and 1954. He compiled a record of 77 wins (45 by knockout) and 15 losses.

Compiling a remarkable record of 82 wins and only five losses, Carl Holt was an impressive boxer. He competed in rematches with three of the opponents who had earlier defeated him and won each of those bouts.

While his involvement in boxing spans more than 40 years, Ari has spent the majority of his time outside the ring. As a team physician, Ari has been to hundreds of state, national and international competitions as well as world championships. He received the Ray Weston Doctor of the Year USA Boxing award in 1982 and 1987 and was the first recipient of the Oscar Ellington award in North Carolina.

Winning the Junior Lightweight Championship the same year he began boxing was a sign of success to follow for Wade. He went on to win the Open Division Championships the next two years.

Winner of the Southern Middle and Light-heavyweight Championships in 1947 and 1948, Brown was known as 'One Punch Guy Brown.' He was popular with promoters and boxing commissions in Charlotte, Gastonia and Asheville. Brown was coached by the legendary Ebb Gantt and posted 28 consecutive wins in 1948.

A strong boxing advocate for more than 47 years, Bass was known as 'Easy Ralph' and 'Mr. Ever Ready.' He served the sport as a trainer, cornerman and even boxed to help fill out a fight card. A strong supporter of the YMCA and Charlotte Police Boxing Clubs, he ran a gym on North Tryon Street doing everything from trainer to custodial work. He was well-known for his work with hall-of-famer, Ray Clark.

Lempesis was a two-time Southern Conference Welterweight Champion and known as the 'fastest boxer in the south' with a record of 50 wins in 51 bouts. He won the first Charleston Golden Gloves Tournament as a lightweight in 1937 and became a lawyer after his boxing career.

Davis logged 161 wins in 169 bouts during his career. He was a six-time Carolina AAU Champion and became the youngest boxer to represent the Carolinas in the Eastern Tournament of Champions at age 17. He also served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Reid compiled a career record of 190 wins, 35 losses and six draws. He fought some of the best boxers in the world from 1936 through 1951 and was ranked seventh in the world by Ring Magazine in 1938. After boxing, he enjoyed success as a businessman.

Seymour began his career in 1937 and ran an impressive string of 42 consecutive victories. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and boxed to a record of 21 wins and two losses. He has enjoyed a prosperous career away from the ring as well.

Starting his boxing career at the tender age of nine- years-old, Carter was considered by many media members, one of North Carolina's finest amateur boxers with a career record of 95-6. He wasn't bad as a professional either, posting a record of 31-5. Carter also compiled a record of 28-2 while fighting for the United States Army's 102nd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Division. He earned titles in several Golden Gloves tournaments throughout the state, including the 1955 Carolina's Golden Gloves Championship in Charlotte. He represented the Carolinas at New York's Madison Square Garden in the Eastern Golden Gloves where he competed in the finals. After leaving the ring, Carter coached the Lincolnton VFW team until 1970, winning five championships.

Oscar Ellington had the unique ability to parlay his success in the ring into a prominent position as an administrator for the sport of boxing. Fighting as an amateur from 1936-1941, Ellington earned the 1938 AAU North Carolina Boxing Championship in the 126-pound class. After hanging up his gloves, he served as president of the AAU boxing committee representing North and South Carolina for 42 years. He served as a committeeman for the XXVII CISM Boxing Championships in 1975. Highlighting a brilliant career as a sports administrator, Ellington served on the United States Olympic Boxing Team as a committeeman for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. He was inducted into the United States Boxing Hall of Fame in 1980.

Fighting more than 200 amateur matches, Gilbert compiled an excellent record with only six losses and two draws. His professional career included 11 bouts in which he went undefeated. During an eight-year career, Gilbert won 28 Golden Gloves Championships. He was named "Outstanding Boxer" seven times and was honored as "Knockout King" on three different occasions. Lettering in boxing at Harding High School as a seventh grader, Gilbert went on to win the Gastonia Silver Gloves Championship as a 14-year-old. He has been involved with the YMCA Boxing Club, Police Athletic Club, Berryhill Bombers, and the Red Shield Boys Club, all in Charlotte.

Foregoing any amateur competition, Green fought approximately 50 professional bouts throughout the country in the late 1940s. Greene was ranked 10th in the United States in 1948 as a middleweight. He held the Southern Negro Middleweight Champion crown in 1947 and 1948. A main event fighter in the old Asheville City Auditorium, Greene was also featured on fight cards in Chicago, Cincinnati, Washington, and Louisville. Prior to his professional career, Greene joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 16, winning the middleweight Pacific Fleet Championship. During his career, he earned several regional championships. In 1982, Greene was inducted into the Chamber of Echos, sponsored by the Asheville Optimist Clubs for his contributions to the growth and development of the city.

Posting an overall record of 56-1, Theodore made a quick impact when he began his career in 1956 at the age of 16. As a novice, he won every tournament to earn two Carolinas Lightweight Championships. Moving up to Welterweight division, Theodore continued his winning ways by earning three Carolinas Open Championships. In 1958 and 1959, he represented the Carolinas in the Eastern Golden Gloves Championships in New York's Madison Square Garden. In 1960, Theodore relocated to Florida and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. There he resumed his boxing career winning the Welterweight Championship. Still residing in North Miami Beach, Florida, he owns and operates a swimming pool contracting business.

Recording 16 professional boxing wins before his 17th birthday, Porter went on to compile an impressive record of 72-15-2. Known as a dangerous, hard-punching southpaw, he was rated as one of Carolina's top boxers. After retiring, Porter devoted much of his time developing boxers through the Department of Corrections in Columbia, S.C. Through his efforts as Assistant Director, several of these boxers went on to national prominence. Porter has graciously helped better the sport of boxing in the Carolinas.

Stepping into the ring for his first sanctioned fight as a 12-year-old, Spears admits he got started on the wrong foot. However, through the efforts of Clifford Smith, Butch Flowe and several others, Spears went on to win approximately 80 percent of his bouts as an amateur and professional boxer. Lying about his age on various occasions, including when he entered the United States Navy as 15-year-old, Spears boxed for the Berryhill Bombers and the Navy, winning several bouts and the Fifth Naval District Tournament. After hanging up his gloves, Spears remained involved in the sport as a trainer, referee and ring announcer and as an active supporter of the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame. His involvement with boxing has spanned 50 years.

Arnold Tarr was born in New Jersey in 1915, Tarr fought his way into Carolina's boxing history by posting an overall amateur and professional record of 75-4 during the 1930s. Career highlights include winning the Carolina Golden Gloves Open Division Championship in 1934 and 1936 as a 160-pounder. Tarr served in the U.S. Army, including the Korean War. Devoting much of his life to public service, Tarr enjoyed a 30-year career with the Lincolnton Police Department. Prior to retiring from the force in 1978, he served as Chief of Police for 18 years.

Introduced to the sport of boxing by his football coach Ebb Gantt in 1953, Wilson launched his boxing career as a Novice Featherweight in AAU competition. By the following year, Wilson was crowned Carolina's Novice Lightweight Champion and Regional Champion. He was runner-up of the Charlotte Golden Gloves Championship for three consecutive years. Wilson also earned the North Carolina AAU Welterweight Championship in 1958, advancing to the Nationals in Cincinnati. He concluded his ring competition by winning the 1960 Carolina Golden Gloves Middleweight Championship at the Charlotte Coliseum and an appearance in the Nationals in Chicago. His overall record was 142-14. Turning his attention to coaching, Wilson headed the Mt. Holly and Oak Dale boxing programs for several years.

A three-time Bantamweight Golden Gloves champion, Howard boxed in 44 amateur fights from 1938 to 1944. He also compiled an impressive record boxing in the U.S. Navy in 1943, winning the U.S. Navy Fleet Air Wing Three Lightweight championship. Howard's professional boxing resume included 131 bouts from 1946 through 1954. He won 25 consecutive fights in the Carolinas and Georgia, including 12 consecutive wins in Charlotte. Howard also served as an instructor, coach and trainer in the Navy, high school and Belmont Boys Club. He founded the Lenoir Kiwanis Boxing Team which won four Golden Gloves championships in its first year. He was named to the Charlotte Boxing Commission in 1992.

Robert 'Sunny' Snell was 'light and mighty' during his 12-year boxing career. Starting in 1947 at a mere 74 pounds until retirement in 1959 at 118 pounds, Snell won 154 of his 156 bouts. From 1949 to 1952 Snell won his weight class in Charleston, Cooper River, Gastonia, and High Point Golden Gloves championships. He also won titles in the Gastonia Silver Gloves and the United States Air Force. Snell was honored during his career many times as 'Outstanding Boxer' and 'Most KOs.' After retiring from the ring, Snell assisted with the boxing program in North Charleston.

Vince Bradford has devoted a major portion of his life as a coach, referee and volunteer for community youths. His boxing teams won five straight state championships with undefeated records. He coached five state championship boxers during his coaching tenure. As a boxing referee, he officiated AAU, Golden Gloves, high school, prep school, military, and college bouts. Bradford's coaching career also included football (one state title); track (five state titles) and little league baseball. He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 1991 and was named National Track Coach of the year in 1978. Football, baseball and track fields have been named in his honor.

A former cotton mill worker, Bradley began his boxing career at age 12 in Golden Gloves competition. He lost an amateur fight and won the Charlotte Golden Gloves championship in 1933. His boxing career spanned 17 years. He fought more than 300 fights as a featherweight. In 1938, he fought 51 fights to earn his 'ironman' reputation. Bradley retired from the ring at the age of 40. Prior to his death, Bradley was quoted as saying, 'In the last 25 to 35 years, I've been trying to serve the Lord, I wouldn't want to fight nobody now. I love everybody.'

Scruggs fought to three Golden Gloves championships as a Welterweight in the early 1950s. He earned titles at Charleston, Raleigh and Durham. He also earned Most Valuable Boxer at the Charlotte YMCA in 1950. Scruggs also earned five runner-up honors during five tournaments. In 76 amateur fights, he posted a record of 62-12-2. His pro career was a perfect 22-0. Scruggs is one of the few boxers who can lay claim to never being knocked down during a bout.

Daniel Hare Jones will go down in history as a great contributor to the sport of boxing. In 1945 he introduced the use of headgear adopted by the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Other innovations included adding two inches of padding under the ring's canvas and the requirement that all boxers take a mandatory eight count: when knocked down during a bout. Jones developed Cooper River Parks and Playground Commission and organized the annual Cooper River Boxing Tournament. Once active in numerous civic and youth organizations, Jones was honored as 'South Carolina Man of the Year in Sports' in 1959.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Justis devoted his time and talent to the Carolinas Golden Gloves. Dr. Justis has served as coordinator of volunteer services and medical staff, including conducting all pre-match physicals. His community involvement also included a stint as a team doctor for the 'old' Charlotte Checkers, a volunteer with the Boy Scout's Jamboree through the Rotary Club and providing camp physicals for underprivileged children through his church. Dr. Justis also coordinated the infield care facility at Charlotte Motor Speedway for several years.

Fred Hood, the brother of fellow inductee Ralph Hood, the Hoods became the first brother combination inducted into the hall during the same year. Hood posted a perfect 30-0 mark during his amateur career. He won the Carolinas Golden Gloves championship in 1933 and 1934 and was selected outstanding Heavyweight both years. After hanging up the gloves, Hood instructed boxing at the U.S. Naval Base in Bainbridge, Maryland and at Georgia Tech University. The Hood brothers trained with local professional boxers in a backyard ring built behind their family home. Hood, 83, resides in Charlotte.

D.M. Jamieson used his passion for boxing to form the Berryhill Boxing Team in the 1940s. Oliver Thompson, Bobby Heafner and Joe Barns were his first boxers. Jamieson coached teams and individuals earned many accomplishments in tournaments throughout the region. Jamieson will be remembered for his unselfish kindness in working with young men. Jamieson and his young men used boxing to better their standing in the community and life.

Named by The Charlotte News as the best athlete in the Charlotte school system in 1947, Adkins began his boxing career at the Red Shield Club in 1941 at the age of 12. He won his first Golden Gloves as a 136-pound Novice in 1946. Moving up to Middleweight Novice, Adkins won his second Carolinas Gold Gloves championship. He added a 147-pound Novice Class championship during the Concord Golden Gloves in 1948. Adkins' professional career was also impressive with a Middleweight record of 56-1-0. His military service record was perfect at 22-0, including the Light Heavyweight championship at Patrick Air Force Base in 1951.

Everette "Ebb" Gantt's career in boxing was diversified to say the least. Gantt enjoyed a record of 16 wins, three losses and one draw as an amateur boxer before turning pro. However, Gantt enjoyed his greatest success as a coach at the Belmont Boys Club from 1952 to 1956. His team members won an impressive 30 championship titles. One of his star pupils was Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame member H.A."Humpy" Wheeler. Gantt also managed the professional careers of Belmont boxers Guy Brown, Gene Carli and Cecil Horne. From 1957 to 1981, Gantt enjoyed a career as a sports broadcaster for WCGC Radio in Belmont. He handled play-by-play duties for Belmont Abbey College sports. Gantt was a former president of North Carolina Broadcasters Association and the Belmont Chamber of Commerce.

Known as "the man with dynamite in both fists," Taylor posted an impressive amateur record of 53-6 and a professional record of 10 wins and one loss, which was cut short due to a football-related knee injury. In 1949 he was named the outstanding Golden Glover in the Concord, N.C. tournament and in 1950 he won the middleweight title and "knockout king" laurels. He also won the middleweight title in the open division of the Carolinas Golden Gloves, and he won the middleweight crown in the North Carolina AAU Boxing Tournament in addition to several other tournament titles. While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Taylor was named outstanding middleweight in the Far East, winning the "quickest bout of the tournament" with a 90-second knockout. Taylor also enjoyed great success as a coach, producing several champions and earning many coaching honors.

Johnny Craven, noted for his excellent community rapport, Craven was considered a great representative for the sport of boxing. The popular boxer posted impressive career stats in the ring as well. Craven posted an 89-4 record in 93 bouts. His boxing resume included seven Golden Gloves championships in the Charleston Open and Novice classes, two-time Jacksonville Golden Gloves champion, a three-time champion of the Carnival of Champions of USA and earned the Carolinas Golden Gloves. Craven died at the age of 41.

Robert Franklin Rush served on the original organization committee for the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame and has served as a director since its inception. While posting an impressive record of 54 wins, nine losses and three draw, Rush won the 1949 YMCA League championship and the 1950 Carolinas Golden Gloves championship in the 135-lb. weight category. He attended the University of Virginia on a boxing scholarship. He made the varsity team his first year, earning a letter. Rush earned four straight bronze medals in Eastern Intercollegiate competition from 1952 through 1955. In 1955 he was elected captain of the Cavalier boxing team and received the highest athletic award presented to an athlete by the university. He earned a B.A. Degree from the University of Virginia in 1955 and a L.L.B degree from Wake Forest Law School in 1960. He retired from his private Charlotte law practice in 1952.

Edward Lewis McGee posted an impressive record of 135 wins against only two losses. McGee was extended an invitation to try out for the 1948 U.S. Olympic team in Boston but an operation to repair a ruptured disc in his back kept him from competing in the tryout. McGee was a four-year boxer at Hamlet (N.C.) High School. He fought in the Charlotte and Greensboro Golden Gloves in 1941. McGee was drafted in 1942 and boxed with the Special Services for nine months, winning the Southwest Pacific Championship. McGee boxed for the University of North Carolina in 1946 and 1947 and fought in the Sugar Bowl against Syracuse University. In 1948 he competed in Golden Glove tournaments in Durham, Dunn, Raleigh, and Charlotte. He won the High Point, N.C. Golden Gloves while working with Southern Bell Telephone Company and he also served an unexpired term in the North Carolina Legislature.

Charles Melchor, a 108-lb flyweight, had the honor of being the first fight on the first card of the inaugural Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte in 1933. He was the first champion crowned in the event. Melchor won 1933, 1934 and 1936 flyweight championships of the Carolinas Golden Gloves. In 1936 he earned a trip to the National A.A.U. Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was eliminated in his first bout. His most memorable bouts were with Clifford Smith of Charlotte and Ben Mayfield of Asheville. He beat Smith twice but lost to Mayfield in the 1935 finals when Mayfield was knocked down twice and Melchor was downed three times. The Melchor-Mayfield bout was remembered as one of the greatest fights ever. Melchor was drafted by the U.S. Air Force and served in World War II in England. It was England where Melchor fought his final bout, knocking out a Puerto Rican bantamweight. His career record was 21-2. He died in 1985.

Billy R. Walters began his famed career in 1942 as a member of the Royal Cards Boxing Team in Winnsboro, S.C. where he earned the Charleston, S.C. Golden Gloves championship in 1947. He competed as a heavyweight in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 through 1953 claiming the Pacific Coast Championship and was a semi-finalist in the World Air Force Tournament. In 1956 Walters won the Carolinas Golden Gloves heavyweight championship. He was a semi-finalist in New York City Golden Gloves championship at Madison Square Garden. He boxed professionally from 1957 through 1959. After hanging up his gloves, Walters stayed busy volunteering as a Boy Scouts leader and instructing boxing in Fort Mill.

Nolly Sams was a boxing promoter from 1949 to 1960, serving as Charleston's Golden Gloves director during that time span. Sams made it a point to get acquainted with the boxers and coaches from the Carolinas on a first-name basis. His sincere interest in the people of boxing made him well respected by all in the sport. Nolly assisted in promoting Johnny Craven, Ronald Short, David Mills, and Waban Thomas among others.

Glen T. Ivey boxed in the first bout in Charlotte, N.C. with Bobby Hearlen in 1953 at Park Center. Before entering the U.S. Navy in 1954, Ivey won the Greensboro and Durham championships. He continued boxing in the Navy, winning the 11th Naval District Bantamweight Championship, defeating all-Navy champion Gerald Mathis in 1954. In the same year, Ivey also won the Los Angeles and San Diego Golden Gloves, the all-Navy West Coast title and the world-wide all-Navy title. In 1958, Ivey boxed several professional bouts in Philadelphia. One memorable bout saw Ivey defeat Johnnie "Ace" Hand on the Waban Thomas vs. Charlie Norbus card at Camp Lejeune. Ivey earned an Associate of Arts degree from Rowan-Cabarrus Technical College. He served as a police officer in Burlington, N.C. from 1960 to 1965. He was also a special agent for the Southern Railway.

To say J.B. Talbert made an impact on boxing in the Carolinas at a young age is an understatement. Talbert earned his first Golden Gloves championship at the ripe old age of 12. At 13 he won the Greensboro Tournament in 112 lb. flyweight class. During his 10-year career, Talbert posted a record of 56 wins and seven losses, earning 15 championships. At the age of 19, Talbert hung up the gloves and turned his attention to coaching. He led the Kannapolis (N.C.) YMCA boxing team to prominence in the southeast. By his own estimates, J. B. coached more than 400 young men during his 14-year coaching career. Talbert was also a sanctioned AAU Tournament judge and was instrumental in organizing the Carolina and AAU boxing leagues. He volunteered countless hours to better boxing in the Carolinas.

Carl 'Butch' Flowe started boxing at age 12 for Coach Vince Bradford at Charlotte Central High School. He had five fights and won them all. Flowe then began boxing for the Charlotte YMCA and won the Carolinas Golden Glove middleweight championship and represented the Carolinas in the National Golden Gloves Tournament in New York City. In 1951, Flowe again won the Carolina Golden Gloves championship and advanced to the national tournament in New York. This time, Flowe made it to the finals of the national competition. Flowe, who now makes his home in Georgia, had a career record of 32-3-0.

Samuel 'Dink' McManus was the Carolinas Golden Gloves champion in 1951, 1953, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1962 and represented the Carolinas at the National Golden Gloves championships in New York City several times. He boxed in the National Golden Gloves Finals at Madison Square Garden once. During his military career, McManus posted a 10-0 record while serving as a paratrooper. He was named outstanding boxer at tournaments in Charlotte, Greenville, S.C., Raleigh, Durham, Mt. Holly, N.C., Gastonia, N.C., and Charleston, S.C. His record was 291-9-0.

In addition to being the legendary NASCAR promoter that ran Charlotte Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., Humpy has been involved in boxing his whole life. He had a 40-2 record as an amateur and was a Carolinas Golden Glove champion as a light heavyweight boxing out of Belmont, N.C. and Columbia, S.C. He was a leading boxing promoter from 1976-94. He promoted many national televised bouts including the world championship between the great Eusebio Pedroza of Panama and Olympian Bernard Taylor. He presently serves as Executive Chairman of the Hall of Fame and Chairman of the Charlotte Boxing Academy. He is a member of 11 halls of fame including the International Racing Hall.

Guido Capri began boxing in Greenville when the manager of the local YMCA saw the youngster working in his family's restaurant and noticed his lame right leg, a result of polio. Capri started boxing in an effort to build the strength in his leg and wound up with one of the area's greatest boxing careers. He fought in Madison Square Garden on the same card as heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson. The popular fighter competed in various weight divisions and won the 1950 Southeastern AAU flyweight championship. He competed in 141 fights, compiling a 127-12-2 record.

Ronald Short fought more than 100 professional and amateur bouts during a career that began in 1948 and concluded in 1957. He began by winning the Virginia-Carolina championship in 1948 and earned the title of 'Knock Out King' in the Boys Club Silver Gloves competition that same year. He won the Durham, N.C. Golden Gloves lightweight championship in 1950 and was named outstanding boxer in the tournament. In 1951 he won the Carolinas AAU Lightweight championship in Greenville, S.C. and was named most popular boxer in the tournament. He also claimed the 1951 and 1953 Carolinas Golden Glove open lightweight championship, going to the National Golden Gloves Championship in New York both years. After turning professional in 1953, Short fought in the Carolinas, Virginia and Florida.

Clifford Smith won the Carolinas Golden Gloves Championship in Charlotte for three straight years; 1941, 1942 and 1943. He advanced to the nationals as the Carolinas flyweight champion all three years and won the National Golden Gloves tournament in 1943. Smith was the only Charlotte boxer to win a National Golden Gloves title and joined Spartanburg, S.C.'s 'Pappy' Gault as the only two boxers to ever win the national title from the Carolinas. Following a lengthy lay-off from boxing, Smith returned as a professional and boxed briefly, posting an outstanding record. Following his boxing career, Smith was a coach at the Charlotte YMCA and trained a number of outstanding boxers.

Peele, now living in Baton Rouge, La., was one of the three successful boxing brothers. Like many boxers, he began his amateur career in the Carolinas Golden Gloves tournament, winning the tournament in 1950-51-52-53. He also boxed in the National Golden Gloves Finals in New York City during this time. Peele attended the University of Louisiana and never lost a fight during his collegiate career. He won the NCAA Collegiate Boxing Championship in 1955. He turned professional after college and boxed several ranked heavyweights, including Joey Rowland and Charlie Norkus. While a professional, Peele served as a sparring partner with legendary light heavyweight champion Archie Moore. Peele's amateur record stands at an amazing 195-5 while his professional record boasts 37 wins and 2 losses.

Eddie 'The Kannapolis Flash' Green won 56 of 63 professional fights. He forged an outstanding amateur boxing career, winning 35 AAU and Golden Gloves bouts. He was a four time AAU and Golden Gloves tournament champion before turning pro. Greene, a middleweight, often was forced to fight as a light heavyweight. Perhaps best known for a stirring seven-bout rivalry with Joe Lassiter, who is a 1991 inductee into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame as well. The Green-Lassiter Rivalry resulted in three wins, three losses and one draw for each fighter. Greene, 66, lives in Kannapolis and is active in his church and an avid rabbit hunter.

One of the Carolinas biggest supporters of boxing, Cecil Harris was the area's preeminent promoter of boxing in the Charlotte area. After moving to Charlotte in 1944, Harris worked with the late W.T. Harris in the grocery business and was vice president and buyer during the company's growth years. Harris promoted boxing matches in Charlotte and the surrounding towns for 12 years, holding bouts featuring such boxing greats as Del Flanagan, Jake LaMotta, Cleveland Williams, and Nino Valdes. Perhaps his biggest feat was heavyweight bout between Calabash's Waban Thomas and Neil Wallace. The event drew a sold-out crowd to the old Charlotte Coliseum.

James Lancaster's boxing career began as an 81-pounder in junior high school. He joined the Navy in 1953 and won the San Diego Golden Gloves tournament and was voted outstanding boxer in the tourney. He won the 1954 World Wide U.S. Navy Boxing Championships as well. While at the Naval Academy, Lancaster trained for the 1952 Olympic Boxing team but lost in the finals of the Olympic trials. As a professional, Lancaster won his first main event in Boston against undefeated welterweight Don Prestone. Lancaster also topped Bobby Kennedy, the undefeated protege of the late Sugar Ray Robinson in his second main event in Boston.

Charlotte's 'Golden Boy of the Ring,' the late Lassiter was known for his class, style and finesse. Lassiter started his amateur career later than most fighters. He had completed a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy and returned to Charlotte Tech to complete high school. He then began boxing in amateur bouts but soon turned professional. He won more than 90 percent of the 70 professional fights he entered, including top light heavyweight contender Danny Nardico of Jacksonville, Fla. Two of his best known fights were losses to middleweight contender Billy Kilgore in Miami, and by the number of welterweight contender at the time, Bobby Dykes of Tampa. Lassiter died 11 years ago.

One of the area's finest amateur boxers, Bill McInnis' career has been distinguished both in and out of the boxing ring. A success in a number of business ventures, McInnis has been highly involved in area politics and as a civic leader. For nine years, he has served as a member of the Democratic Party's State Executive Council for four years. His boxing career lists 105 wins, 13 losses and 3 draws, fighting mostly for North Carolina mills teams and in Golden Gloves competition. He won five amateur boxing championships in three different weight classes. While attending Cannon High School in Kannapolis, McInnis became enthralled in the boxing action at the local YMCA. He went on to be a member of the University of Maryland boxing team and distinguished himself by posting the highest grade point average of all players engaged in sports at the university his senior year.

David Mills fashioned an incredible record while competing in an amazing 337 amateur bouts, winning 316 fights, losing only 21. He began his boxing career in 1952 by winning the Golden Gloves competition in Charleston, Hickory, Jacksonville, Fla., and Charlotte. Mills represented the Carolinas in the National Golden Gloves competition, advancing to the finals in his weight division. He also represented the Carolinas in the national AAU finals in Boston, Mass. During his outstanding amateur career, Mills defeated the All-Service Champion in Washington D.C., topping the Marine champion, Thomas Ocera, who was the Marine Boxing Champion and Carolina's Golden Gloves Champion during the years of 1949-52 and/or 53.

Kenneth "Chick" McCurry began boxing in 1952-53 with 40 wins and 4 losses and won the Novice Championship in Charlotte in 1953. He joined the Marines boxing at Paris Island, Quantico, and Camp Lejeune winning 40 fights and losing 5. He turned professional in 1956 and quit with a record of 10 wins and 3 losses. Handled by Angelo Dundee who handled Sugar Ray Leonard and many other outstanding boxers, Chick has coached boxing in Lincolnton since 1970, and his "wards" have won 4 national titles and 3 runner-ups. "When a kid couldn't play football or basketball and turns to boxing, he learns self respect and respect for the other person. Discipline combats crime, drugs and you're looking at a good future citizen. This is what keeps me interested in boxing as it helps our youth which is our future."

George "Duck" Diehl was a combatant who boxed at Central High School from 1933-35 and was captain of the boxing team in his senior year. "Duck" had an outstanding record as a Featherweight going a couple of years without a defeat. "Duck's" record is difficult to recall. He reached the State finals in Chapel Hill in 1936 and boxed seven times in eight days. He was a member of the YMCA Boxing Team from 1936-39. He boxed in the first Golden Gloves and reached the state finals four times. "Duck" has served as Director of the Golden Gloves and has refereed for 34 consecutive years. He is a World War II vet who served in the 15th Air Force. He is Chairman of the Usher Board at St. John's Baptist Church and is serving on a committee at the Central YMCA for Youth Development. He is retired from Smith Barney after 50 years of service.

He was an amateur champion having fought 114 bouts and losing only 3. These three losses were later avenged in later bouts. In 1947 he won the Southern Conference Heavyweight Championship. In 1948 he won the same title. In 1950 he was Most Outstanding Boxer at the Southern Intercollegiate Boxing Tournament. He captained the Citadel Football and Boxing teams and was a member of the Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame. He was Boxing Commissioner in Charleston County for 15 years. In 1950 he was selected for the "Who's Who" in American Universities and Colleges. Now serving on the Committee for the Hibernian Society in Charleston, S.C., he is also a member of the Board of Directors and has served as President and Vice President of the Executive Association of Greater Charleston. He has been nominated to the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.

At the peak of Billy D. Short's career, Ring Magazine picked him, a bantamweight out of Charlotte, as its prospect of the month. He definitely had a great future mapped out in boxing after fighting in Madison Square Garden twice. He represented Charlotte in New York City five times, reached the National Golden Gloves Tournament semifinals once and the quarterfinals once. Short turned professional in 1952 and continued to have the same success he had experience in amateur boxing. He fought Pappy Gault, then North American Featherweight Champion, a ring-wise old pro. Gault had narrowly lost by decision a fight the month before for the world championship in South Africa. The fight should have been a pushover for Gault, but Short had other ideas. Short matched Gault punch for punch and walked away with a draw.

Charlie Lee Ferguson was a true graduate of the school of hard knocks that ended up being a success. Charlie's father died when he was nine years old which left him to fend for himself. He soon found out one had to be tough living in the North Charlotte area during those times. Charlie began boxing at the age of thirteen for the YMCA, the Red Shield Boys Club and later at Old Tech High. Charlie was invited to join Tech's Boxing Team because they needed a 95 pounder. Charlie has had better than 200 fights, both amateur and professional combined. Most old timers will recall boxing was at great heights in the late 40s and early 50s. There were so many entries one had to fight six days straight which Charlie had to do on two occasions in the tournaments. Charlie was frequently called Mr. Excitement because he never fought a dull fight and displayed plenty of "guts." Charlie took the same competitive spirit into business and made a success. Charlie attributes his success to God and boxing. He is a member of the Mecklenburg Jaycees, the YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, a 32 Degree Mason, a Shriner and a member of Hickory Grove Church. Mr. 'Excitement' was often identified as a God fearing individual, family man and humanitarian. Charlie will always be a champion as long as he has God and family in his corner.

Senator Marshall A. Rauch was a non-combatant but one who supported boxing, youth and the aged. His work with the YMCA, the Gaston and Salvation Army Boys Club, Red Shield Boys Club, and The Carolinas AAU exemplifies his caring for youth and assisting them to become contributors to society by being good citizens. This is one of his attributes I admire most. Marshall was Tournament Director for the Gaston Golden Gloves for 17 years. He went from Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Gastonia in 1952 to Senator of the 25th District in 1967. The road is laden with service on committees that benefited the City of Gastonia and the State of North Carolina. To name a few: Chairman of the Gaston Human Relations Committee, Governor's Good Neighbor Council, he was a Big Brother, Director of the Gastonia YMCA and later President of the YMCA, Director of the Gastonia Chamber of Commerce, a Duke University grad (class of 1947), and a U.S. Army Veteran.

Edward "Hard Rock" Harden was born on April 10, 1910, in Graham, North Carolina. He had 152 amateur bouts while attending Elon College. Harden had a sensation professional boxing career, was managed by John Loy of Asheville, North Carolina, and he fought many top heavyweight contenders, that included Joe Dundee, Al Massey, Red Barry, Mickey O'Brian, Terry Roberts, Joe Lipps, Dewey Kimbrey. At the peak of Harden's career, Jack Dempsey wanted Harden to come to New York and box but Harden declined the offer.

W. Burke Watson, was born on July 19, 1926 in Sumter, South Carolina first boxed in high school and the US Marine Corps, winning the 1948 Southern Conference 175 Championship while attending The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He has worked with young amateur boxers since 1952 in Sumter, S.C. and is still coaching and training potential Golden Gloves boxers.

Boxing manager, when Mr. John "Honest" Allen moved from South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina, as a young man he worked for the telephone company. He was considered one of the strongest men in this section of the country, he could single-handed lift huge reels of wire by himself. Allen was a top boxing manager in the South for many years. Mr. Allen managed Ralph Hood, Lee Croft, Terry Roberts, Ad Warren, Eddie Greene, Charlie Ferguson, and Ray Clark, just to name a few.

Leo Johnson was born on August 19, 1927, in Graham, N.C.North Carolina. He resides in Charlotte, N.C. Leo fought in 115 professional bouts. His first professional fight was at the Jamaica Arena in New York City in 1946. His last professional fight in Gastonia, N.C. 1965. Other bouts: Boxed the first bout between a white vs. a black in the South, 1953 Gastonia, N.C. against Big Bill Wilson, and Johnson won the decision. Johnson boxed the famous Brown Bomber Joe Louis in six exhibitions, floored Louis in Columbus, Georgia in 1950. He helped Lou Kemp form the Police Athletic Club in Charlotte, 1951. This boxing club was one of the outstanding clubs in North Carolina at that time. The club is presently called the PAL.

Joe McFadden, born on December 13, 1927 in Kingstree, South Carolina retired from the Winston-Salem Police Department after 33 years of service. McFadden had approximately 30 amateur bouts winning all of them. McFadden won the South Pacific Heavyweight Championship while serving in the Army Air Force. While boxing professionally in New York, McFadden was managed by Ray Arcel two of the top bouts in New York City were 10 round draw with Cuban Heavyweight Champion Nino Valdez and losing a bout with the first ranked Heavyweight contender Roland LaStarza due to a cut over McFadden's eye, McFadden lost on a technical knockout in the fifth round. Another highlight in McFadden's career was when he boxed in the 1948 Olympic Trials in Chicago.

Waban Thomas was born on October 26, 1928, in Calabash, North Carolina, Boxed 130 amateur bouts won 116 and lost 14; Won the Golden Gloves in Wilmington,1948, Won the Golden Gloves in Raleigh, 1948, Won the Carolinas Golden Gloves in Charlotte, N.C. 1955-57 and 58, Represented the Carolinas in the New York finals for these three years. Boxed Nat Dixon in the New York Gloves final in one of the greatest bouts of all time as written in the New York Daily News by Jack Smith, Boxed 36 professional bouts won 27 and lost 7, Thomas boxed a number of top contenders during his professional career Charlie Norkus, Bob Baker, Buster Mathis, Neil Wallace, just to name a few. Thomas and the Wallace bout at the Charlotte Coliseum 1959 was one of the all time professional bouts ever held in the South, Rocky Marciano was the guest referee.

Neil Wallace was born on January 9, 1926 in Brunson, South Carolina. He lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for many years, presently living in Monroe, N.C. Wallace boxed 11 amateur bouts and won all of them by knockouts; Boxed 40 professional bouts won 35 and lost 5; Won the Golden Gloves in Danville, Virginia 1948; Won the Carolina Golden Gloves in Charlotte, N.C. in 1948; Boxed in the National Golden Gloves in New York City in 1948; Won the Southern Heavyweight Title boxing Guard Wyatt in Spartanburg, S.C., 12 rounds, 1952; Wallace boxed Waban Thomas in a classic Heavyweight rematch at the Charlotte Coliseum on December 13, 1977. This match was billed as the old timers match, each boxer was in his early fifties. Wallace won this brutal, unforgettable brawl when the ringside doctor stopped the bout after the sixth round. Thomas was unable to continue as ruled by the doctor.

Ed Y. Sweet was born on December 1, 1916, in Cornelius, North Carolina. In his time as an amateur boxer, he fought approximately 150 amateur bouts, winning 140 bouts, losing 10, winning the Carolinas Golden Gloves in 1936, 1938-1939 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also won the Jake Wade outstanding boxing award in the Charlotte 1938 Gloves; he won the Raleigh Golden Gloves in 1939; won the middleweight championship while serving in the Navy in the Caribbean.

Herman Helms, a prolific writer of boxing during its most popular time, Herman was outstanding in his knowledge of the sport and its competitors. He was the Charlotte Observer's main boxing reporter when they sponsored the Carolinas Golden Gloves which always sold out (10,880 tickets) on the final night in the fifties. He later covered boxing and football for the Columbia, S.C., State paper.

Henry 'Pappy' Gault, this Spartanburg slugger became the North American Bantamweight Champion in 1953 and then lost a decision in Sydney, Australia to Jimmy Carruthers for the World title. He fought all over the world from Thailand to Cuba in carving out a 64 win record with 25 KOs. He had two momentous fights with future world champ Willie Pep but lost both by decision. Along with Kelvin Seabrooks and Bernard Taylor he is considered one of the fastest hitters in Carolina history.

Ray S. Clark, another outstanding pioneer in Carolinas Boxing, Ray was one of the founders of the Hall of Fame. He was an outstanding amateur who became a pro fighter. He later became a trainer/manager of mostly pro fighters in the Charlotte area during boxing's highly popular time in the fifties and sixties. He was highly respected for his ability to improve young boxers' punching power as well as ring strategy.

Marion Diehl, a true Carolinas boxing pioneer, Marion did it all. An outstanding fighter he became one of the Carolinas top officials in the fifties and sixties. He refereed and judged hundreds of amateur and pro bouts during boxing's hay days. He was highly respected and regarded for his impeccable honesty. He later became the highly regarded Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Charlotte. A major building was named in his honor.

Dewey Kimrey is one of the earliest pro fighters in the Carolinas, Dewey was an outstanding heavyweight whose bout with Itazo Colonello at the Garden in NYC was described by the NY Times as one of fiercest in its history. Kimrey lost by decision. He also had a tremendous rivalry with fellow Carolinian Hardrock Harden. Kimrey was 35-27 as a pro.

Floyd Patterson was born in Waco, N.C., near Shelby. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 21 when he defeated Ingemar Johanssen of Sweden. Under the tutelage of the famed Cus D'Amato of Peekskill, N.Y., the same trainer who years later would forge Mike Tyson into one of history's fiercest champions, Patterson was known for his 'peekaboo' style. He never forgot his North Carolina roots.

D.C. Smith is a Legendary manager and promoter, DC carved out many boxers in the forties and fifties and staged many bouts throughout the Carolinas. He had a knack for recognizing young and upcoming fighters during the most fertile boxing period in the Carolinas. He also designed some innovative training equipment.

A greek immigrant, Lou Kemp was the Godfather of amateur boxing on the Charlotte sports scene for nearly 50 years. A former pro bantamweight, Lou made his living working high steel construction but his passion was training young men. He produced many champions including four time world amateur and Olympian Bernard Taylor, heavyweights Neil Wallace, Waban Thomas and Olympian Calvin Brock, future world pro bantamweight champion Kelvin Seabrooks and many more. It is estimated his boxers won over 1,000 amateur matches.

Award winning broadcaster and sportswriter, Bob Quincy wrote about all sports but his passion dwelled in the squared circle. Bob won every writing award possible while with the old Charlotte News and the Charlotte Observer and covered many cards from the Golden Gloves to the fierce Thomas-Wallace battles of the sixties and seventies. He was also sports director for WBTV, the CBS affiliate in Charlotte.