Find A Dream Partners With BC Boxing To Knockout Drugs In Northwestern PA

To combat the growing drug epidemic that continues to plague the Northwestern Pennsylvania area, Find A Dream—a 501 c (3) nonprofit organization that reaches out to community children and provides them a healthy channel to find and work towards fulfilling a dream—has partnered with BC Boxing of Brockport to offer kids and teenagers an outlet where they can learn structure and discipline, and most importantly, keep them off the streets and off of drugs. 

Over the past few years Find A Dream has established themselves on a national level, valiantly campaigning to spread awareness of the importance of getting kids involved in healthy programs and activities.  Find A Dream already has a successful location in Myrtle Beach where they’ve partnered with former pro boxer Pete Guthrie of One Punch Fitness, and also train out of Long Beach, California, where they have expanded to over the past year.

“When it was brought to my attention of the growing drug problem in the western Pennsylvania area, it immediately made sense to partner with BC Boxing and begin getting kids off the streets and involved in something healthy,” says Rod Ricciardi, founder of Find A Dream.  “Everybody thinks that major drug epidemics only lie within big inner cities, and people often forget how bad it can be in small town America.  Our hope is to reach as many kids as possible and implement programs to keep them on the right track.”

Ricciardi is joined by an all-star team of Board Members, including former boxing world champions Ray Mercer, Michael Moorer, Bobby Czyz and Buddy McGirt; they will be visiting the gym from time to time and offering their insight to the boxers and working with the kids to pass along their experience and knowledge inside and out of the squared circle. 

“This is a dream come true, having the chance to partner with Find A Dream,” said Chris Cella, co-owner of BC Boxing.  “I’ve known Rod and the crew for a few years now, and I’ve seen firsthand the work FAD does, and the results that come out of it.  Drugs have become such a problem here in Brockport, and my wife and co-owner Becky immediately thought partnering with Find A Dream would be a huge way to spread awareness and help take us to the next level in our efforts to further our campaign to keep the kids off of drugs.  If we can get the kids on the right path early, they won’t turn to drugs.  It is our job to provide the environment and atmosphere for the kids to succeed, and now having Find A Dream in our corner, we have all the resources we need.”

Find A Dream and BC Boxing will be hosting their first charity event next Friday night—a boxing exhibition benefit for Trooper Bradley Wilson, who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty.  All of the proceeds raised from the benefit will be donated to Trooper Wilson. 

“Going forward we are eager to put on a variety of different benefits and outings to continue to raise awareness of our cause,” said Ricciardi.  “Our impact is felt every time an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.” 

For more information on Find A Dream visit www.findadream.org. 

STAR OF DAVID & FIGHT PROMOTIONS INC. PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEOS PLUS FULL CARD ANNOUNCED

NEW YORK (DECEMBER 17, 2013)—Below are videos from Monday’s press conference at Taras Bulba Restaurant in New York City in conjunction with Wednesday night’s fight card at Webster hall that will feature the pro debut of former amateur world champion Ievgen Khytrov.  The undercard will feature 7 undefeated fighters.—Note websites may use the videos by clicking on  the image and copy/pasting the embedded code.  Also below the videos is a list of the full card plus ticket and credential information

                        
Press Conference        Stivens Bujaj                    Peter Reyes

                
Ievgen Khytrov            Jarrell Miller                    Dimash Niyazov

This Wednesday night, December 18th, former amatuer world champion,  Ievgen Khytrov will make his long awaited professional debut when he takes on Romon Bareber in an 6 round Super Middleweight bout that will highlight a packed night of boxing at Webster Hall in New York City.

The show is promoted by Star of David Promotions in association with Fight Promotion Inc.

The much heralded Khytrov was a 2012 Olympian from Ukraine and has been been favorably compared to WBA Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin due to his prodigious punching power.

Ievgen has been training at the legendary Gleason’s Gym under the of eye of the trainer of champions, Buddy McGirt.

Barber of Wichita, KS has a record of 4-6 with three knockouts has a win over previously undefeated Cesar Angeles (2-0) and has faced undefeated prospects Morgan Fitch, Rob Brant, Javontae Starks,  Frank Galarza & Antonio Johnson.

In six round bouts:

Dimash Niazov (4-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Staten Island vis Kazakhstan will fight Raphael Luna (4-6-2, 1 KO) of Albany, NY in a Lightweight bouts.

Peter Reyes (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New York battles Ruben Ortiz (0-2) of Philadelphia in a Middleweight bout.

Exciting Heavyweight sensation, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (6-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Brooklyn. NY will take on Sylvester Barron (8-2, 3 KO’s) of Anacortes, WA in a Heavyweight bout.

Popular Michal Chudecki (7-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Ponzon, Poland will fight Joshua Nieves (2-2, 2 KO’s) in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Cruiserweight Stivens Bujaj (9-0, 6 KO’s) will take on Mike Bissett (5-3, 4 KO’s) of Tampa, FL.

In Four round Bouts:

Glenford Nickey (2-1, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Rigoberto Miranda (0-0-2) of Albany, NY in a Super Featherweight bout.

Former Golden Gloves champion, Wesley Ferrer (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY will square off with pro debuting Richard Bonds of Newbergh, NY in a Lightweight fight.

Former National Golden Gloves champion, Jr. Welterweight Marcos Suarez (1-0-1) of Bronx, NY will fight Jean Hernandez (0-1) also of Bronx, NY.

Upcoming hip hop sensation K Kutta is scheduled to make a special music performance..

Webster Hall, a premier NYC night club, concert venue and New York City landmark is located at 125 east 11th street.

Doors open 7pm tickets can be purchased for $60, $85 and $125 onticketweb.com or by calling 646 481 5558

Danny O'Connor returns to headline 12th annual 'Fight To Educate' Sept. 12 in NH

Plus Boxing Legends Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini & 'Buddy' McGirt MANCHESTER, N.H. (August 15, 2013) - Light welterweight prospect Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor (21-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring Thursday night, September 12, to headline the 12th annual Fight To Educate (FTE) Pro-Am boxing event, at Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Alrich Cabinet, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be 'down for the count.'  During the past 11 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations.  This year's attending Boxing Legends are two-time world light welterweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee,  Aaron "Hawk" Pryor (39-1, 25 KOs), former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (29-5, 23 KOs), and two-division (welterweight & light welterweight) world champion James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs). "We are extremely excited about the forthcoming 12th annual FTE extravaganza," FTE Chairperson Stephen Singer said.  "In addition to hosting such iconic boxing legends such as Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini and Aaron 'Hawk' Pryor at the event, our card promises an incredible night of heart-pounding action." O'Connor, fighting out of Framingham, Massachusetts, will be fighting in his record-setting fifth FTE event.  The southpaw, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, made his professional debut on the 2008 FTE card and participated the following three years.  He is 4-0 in FTE fights, winning each by knockout. The 28-year-old Irish-American is riding a seven-fight win streak, which started at the 2011 FTE, since two-time world title challenger Ronnie Shields joined his corner as head trainer.  O'Connor's popularity has sky-rocketed since Kenny Casey, founder and front-man for the world-renown Dropkick Murphys band, became his manager last year. Undefeated light middleweight Chris Gilbert, fighting out of Windsor, Vermont, is no stranger to the FTE.  He will be fighting in his third straight FTE event having won his two previous FTE fights by stoppage. Names of opponents and the amateur boxers will soon be announced.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.  Proceeds from the 12th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire. Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box office, by going online at   http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8748/1616837/?brand=verizonarena.    Call Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100 for more details about sponsorship opportunities, including VIP table (of 8 for $1000) sponsorships for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner.  This special offer also includes an auction and meet-and-greet with the aforementioned boxing legends Pryor, Mancini, and McGirt. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Visit www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

MELDRICK TAYLOR MOVIE “TWO SECONDS FROM GLORY” IN THE WORKS

PHILADELPHIA (August 15, 2013)—From the time he wrote down on a dresser drawer as an eight year old child that he would become a world champion, Meldrick Taylor had only one goal.

From being a prized amateur and a 1984 Olympic Gold Medal winner and then in 1988 finally realizing his dream when he knocked out Buddy McGirt to become the IBF Jr. Welterweight champion, Taylor wasn’t done.

After making two defenses, Taylor then took on his greatest challenge against then 68-0 future legend Julio Cesar Chavez.

Taylor went in as a big underdog but dominated the bout until he was controversially stopped just two seconds before the end of the fight.

Now, along with Taylor’s business partner Damon Feldman, a movie that will chronicle the life of Taylor is being shopped throughout Hollywood.

The working title is “Two Seconds from Glory”, an obvious reference to the memorable fight with Chavez.

“I am in talks with a few companies now, this is the Next Big Boxing movie, “says Damon Feldman.

“The feedback has been tremendous and we have reached out to a few A-list actors who we feel would be perfect for the movie.  They all have shown a great amount of interest.  There are so many actors who are big boxing fans and a couple in particular know Meldrick’s story very well and when they were presented the script, they were very interested.  We promise it will be a tremendous movie with some big name actors taking part in the film.”  

Find A Dream’s Buddy McGirt Ready For Macklin’s Title Fight With GGG

This Saturday night, Find A Dream’s Board Member and world renowned trainer Buddy McGirt will corner middleweight contender Matthew “Mack The Knife” Macklin (29-4, 20 KO) has he goes to battle against undefeated German powerhouse and WBA World Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (26-0, 23 KO) in a 12-round contest. 

This will be Macklin’s third attempt the middleweight title.  In his two previous appearances he fell short against Felix Sturm in 2011, losing a 12-round Split Decision, and a RTD loss against Middleweight King Sergio Martinez last March.

“Matthew continues to improve on what he brings into the ring, and he is ready for Saturday night,” said trainer Buddy McGirt.  “We are not focused on his (Golovkin) power, but what Matthew is going to do in the ring.”

McGirt has trained some of the best in the world, and under his tutelage Macklin has been transformed from a heavy handed banger to a more refined technical boxer with power in both hands.

In a recent interview with IrishTimes Macklin shared, “This is my third time fighting for the world title.  I was unlucky against Sergio but I do feel I am a better fighter now.  The hardest challenges have always brought the best out of me and fighting Gennady is going to show that.”

Golovkin has been nothing short of dominating in all of his trips to the squared circle, with the last time an opponent survived the full distance of the fight being over 5 years ago in 2008. 

Critics have questioned the skill level of some of GGG’s opponents, but Saturday night he will face the toughest test of his career in Macklin.  Macklin has a battle tested chin which he has showed in the majority of his outings, and he will stand toe-to-toe with the German puncher if need be. 

The action gets underway for this world title fight this Saturday night on HBO at 9:45 p.m.

Buddy McGirt has been with Find A Dream--a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization geared towards to providing a safe and supportive environment for youth and young adults of diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds—for over a year and joins an all-star cast including former world heavyweight champions Ray Mercer and Michael Moorer, former cruiserweight champion Bobby Czyz and junior middleweight contender Hector Camacho Jr. 

Find A Dream was founded by Rod Ricciardi, whose vision behind the organization was to provide an outlet for kids and young adults where they can learn discipline, confidence and vital life’s skills through boxing and entertainment programs.  Ricciardi has striven to hand select Find A Dream’s All-Star team in delivering their message to kids across the world.  He is adamant about spreading awareness of the need to help kids find a path to working towards their goals in life, and Find A Dream is the platform to help them achieve it. 

Find A Dream strives to build gyms and educational facilities so youth can work toward a goal and have the resources to pursue their dreams. 

For more information visit www.findadream.org. 

Find A Dream’s All Stars To Attend Legends Boxing Gala In Atlantic City

This weekend the renowned Resorts Hotel Casino in Atlantic City will serve as host to this year’s All Star Boxing Legends Gala. On Saturday a tribute dinner will take place within Resorts honoring boxers of the past and present, with several of the sport’s most prevalent names making an appearance.

Find A Dream is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization geared towards to providing a safe and supportive environment for youth and young adults of diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. They strive to build gyms and educational facilities so youth can work toward a goal and have the resources to pursue their dreams. 

To further their efforts of spreading awareness of the cause, Find A Dream will be sending a handful of their Board Members and supportive team to the gala, including Ray Mercer, Bobby Czyz, Michael Moorer, Buddy McGirt and Hector Camacho Junior.

Camacho Jr. will be receiving an award in tribute to his late father and boxing legend Hector Camacho. 

“This is our second year being guests at the Gala, and we are quite honored,” said Rod Ricciardi, founder of Find A Dream.  “Our organization has champion status, and us being at the Gala is a great fit.  To be in the company of all of the boxing Hall-of-Fame legends is humbling, and it means the world to us to be able to attend.” 

In recent weeks Find A Dream announced them expanding on the west coast as they open up their headquarters in the Los Angeles area.  Since their appearance last year at the Legends Gala, they opened a gym within Pete Guthy’s One Punch Fitness in Myrtle Beach, and are excited to move forward with big things in 2013.

Find A Dream is a nonprofit organization unlike any other. They have partnered with professionals to deliver on their promise of positive change in young lives. Communities become stronger when youth is mentored through people of character with a true interest in pouring constructive, character-building activities and input into their lives.

To continue about Find A Dream, Ricciardi stated, “What we’re trying to do is help kids of any age and bring a positive influence into their lives. We are trying to do it through boxing.  Our impact is felt every time an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.” 

For more information on Find A Dream visit www.findadream.org.

RENOWNED BOXING TRAINER BUDDY MCGIRT TALKS FIND A DREAM

As things continue to progress and evolve for internationally known nonprofit Find A Dream, renowned boxing trainer and Board Member Buddy McGirt recently gave his thoughts on the importance of what the organization provides.

“What Find A Dream is about, helping kids by offering them boxing and other avenue, it is great,” said McGirt.  “Anything that is going to help them in the long run is huge, and what Find A Dream is doing for them gives them a great opportunity.”

In addition to being known as one of the top trainers in the game—having worked with the late Arturo Gatti, Tomasz Adamek, Antonio Tarver, Matthew Macklin, Paulie Malignaggi and more, inside the squared circle McGirt was a multi-divisional champion. 

“I am happy to be part of Find A Dream and help them spread awareness and bring their mission into fruition,” said McGirt.  “Boxing can help a lot of people, both boys and girls.  It instills inside of them confidence and self-esteem that they can carry over into all aspects of their lives.  Even if they don’t pursue becoming a fighter, it can help them with anything in life because of all of the hard work and dedication that they put into it; it gives them a strong sense of self-motivation.”

In 2012 McGirt joined an All-Star team including Olympic Gold Medalist and former heavyweight world champion Ray Mercer, three-time world champion Bobby Czyz, and 4-time world champion Michael Moorer.

In recent weeks Find A Dream has announced they will be moving their headquarters to the Los Angeles area; currently they have an operation open in Myrtle Beach at One Punch Fitness, and are excited about expanding on the west coast to offer their services to a broader range of people.

Founded in 2010, the organization has prominently expanded on an international level as they have opened up two facilities in the United States, and have participated in various speaking engagements through Europe to spread awareness of the importance of providing children with a healthy outlet to allow them to work towards their goals in life and have a structure to follow.

Going forward in 2013 Find A Dream is in the process of organizing more than half a dozen golf outings, celebrity dinners, meet and greets with their recognized Board and more.

McGirt has recently opened the McGirt Training Facility in Nutley, NJ.  

To learn more about Find A Dream or to donate today to help impact the lives of children throughout the country visit www.findadream.org.  Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FINDADREAM1?fref=ts.