Melson to Face Unbeaten Knockout Artist Chris GilbertDecember 4!

 

New York, NY (October 21, 2013) – Rising junior middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson of New York City takes a step up in competition when he faces undefeated power puncher Chris “Gumby” Gilbert in the eight round main event of Broadway Boxing Wednesday, December 4 at BB King Blues Club in Times Square.

 

Melson, a 2003 West Point grad, has an excellent 12-1-1 record with 4 wins by knockout. Since turning pro in November 2010, Melson’s donated 100% of his fight purses, thirteen which went to Justadollarplease.org to help support America’s first trial to cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries and the other to help a friend who had a young son with cancer.

 

The selfless southpaw’s been featured on HBO Real Sports, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo.com, ESPN.com and various other media outlets and is one of the most popular fighters in the Empire State. In his most recent bout on August 14, Melson impressively defeated Jason Thompson in front of a standing room only crowd, avenging a controversial draw.

 

Unbeaten in ten professional bouts, Chris Gilbert’s not a fan of judges. The 28-year-old Windsor, VT native stopped eight of his opponents, six of which failed to make it out of the third round. On September 12, the heavy handed Gilbert dropped 11-1 Anthony Chase three times en route to a third round TKO.

 

“Gilbert is definitely going to present a strong challenge," said Melson, whose March 2012 bout with then-unbeaten Delen Parsley was one of the greatest in Broadway Boxing history. "His team personally reached out to me on Facebook asking me to fight their man. Christmas falls in the same month of this fight, so I decided to give them their present early by saying yes. It's the season of giving, which is my specialty. I know he’s hungry and is looking to come into New York to steal the spotlight but I’m not about to let that happen. A win over Gilbert will get me one step closer to a significant fight and I’m ready as ever!”

 

Tickets starting at $55 are available on Teamfighttowalk.com. Following the bout, Melson will once again donate his entire fight purse to Justadollarplease.org in support of bringing trials to the United States that could help cure chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.  It was recently released in the nation-wide media that this clinical trial we are raising funds for to bring here to the U.S. has resulted in 15 out of 20 patients walking enrolled in the study in China who were paralyzed an average of 7 years. Unfortunately, there still is not enough money to carry the trial out in the US.

 

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, WBA junior middleweight titlist Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.

ARMY STRONG: Melson overcomes cut, gritty opponent to earn victory!

New York, NY (August 15, 2013) – Through five rounds, Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson appeared to be in complete control in last night's rematch against rugged Brooklynite Jason Thompson.

 

Melson, a West Point graduate whose garnered international attention for donating 100% of his fight purses to Justadollarplease.org in support of a trial to help cure chronic Spinal Cord Injuries, boxed effectively, displayed much-improved head movement and landed cleaner punches in much greater volume. The pro-Melson crowd, which included notable celebrities such as Academy Award winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., former NBA All-Star Larry Johnson and Kim G. from the Real Housewives of NJ – each whom specifically came to see Melson - packed the sold out BB King Blues Club in New York City. They cheered for their fighter as he connected with a plethora of jabs, hooks and straight left hands as his opponent hung in tough.

 

In the sixth however, things almost took a turn for the worse when a Thompson punch opened up a nasty cut over Melson’s eye ala Vitali Klitschko against Lennox Lewis. The shape of the cut however led Melson and others to believe it may have been caused from an accidental headbutt. The two New Yorkers had an exchange in close quarters where the butt may have happened, but as they came out of the exchange a punch landed where blood immediately squirted out. Recognizing that he may have an opportunity to turn the tides, Thompson swarmed Melson before the referee called for the doctor to look at the cut. Proving that he lives up to the “Army Strong” billing, Melson immediately signaled with a smile that he wanted to continue, assuring that he was fine.

 

Fired up by the sight of his own blood, the cut appeared to awaken a side of Melson that few had ever seen. The 2008 Olympic alternate selection fought extremely hard and focused, dominating Thompson while showing no ill-effects from the cut. At the beginning of the eighth and final round, Thompson took a bit of a cheap shot by touching gloves with Melson for an instant, and with the same hand, using it to immediately land a hard punch on Melson’s face. Moments later, The Rainmaker scored a knockdown with a right hook en route to controlling his game foe until the final bell.

 

Scores were 78-73 twice and 77-74 for Melson, who was congratulated in the ring by the aforementioned Cuba Gooding Jr. and improved to 12-1-1 with 4 wins by knockout.

 

“I felt great after eight rounds,” said Melson, who also had more than ten of his West Point classmates that served in Iraqor Afghanistan amongst his large contingent of fans. “My plan was to time him as he came forward with punches as well as come off of the blocks with straight punches when he would attack with wide hard punches. I think I did a decent job of that. I wanted to remain within a few feet of him at all times unlike in our first bout, where I gave him too much space to think. Additionally, I made a point of it to not allow myself to become overzealous and boxed patiently even when I hurt him. I believe I did a fair job of both."

 

Melson’s solid performance was also admired by two notable spectators.

 

“Boyd has the biggest heart in boxing,” said Gooding Jr., who has trained with Melson in the past. “He fights with his hands to heal a nation. Think about that. He’s a warrior in spirit and one of god’s angels.”

 

“I’m so proud of Boyd’s performance this was the best of his career,” said Promoter Lou Dibella, who promoted five of Melson’s bouts and is a personal supporter of Justadollarplease.org. “He’s got a bigger heart than anybody he’s such a good human being. He fights for a cause that’s so important and it makes him rise above any obstacles in the ring. His heart is so big and his desire to help people is so great. I admire Boyd like nothing else.”

 

In an entertaining six round bout, Melson’s Team Fight to Walk stablemate Sonya Lamonakis looked strong against five-time Golden Gloves champion Tanzee Daniel. The two combatants fought in close quarters from bell to bell, with Lamonakis’ hard punches and consistency earning her the decision.

 

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, WBA junior middleweight titlist Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir, Sonya Lamonakis and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

It was recently released in the nationwide media that the clinical trial Team Fight to Walk is raising funds for to bring to the U.S. resulted in 15 out of 20 patients enrolled in the study in China being able to walk again. The patients were paralyzed an average of 7 years ranging from their necks down to their lower backs. 13 of the 15 needed a walker to help them walk and 2 of the 15 required no assistance in helping them walk. Unfortunately, there still is not enough money to carry the trial out in the US.

 

 For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com. Fans can also follow Boyd on Twitter @BoydMelson.

Melson prepared to take out Thompson!

New York, NY (August 12, 2013) – When calm and mild mannered Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson enters the ring Wednesday evening at BB King Blues Club in New York City for a rematch against Jason Thompson, his sights are set on redemption; sort of.

 

In their first bout, Thompson sent Melson to the canvas in opening round but the West Point grad recovered and mostly outboxed his Brooklyn based foe. Following the six round junior middleweight contest, the first ever at Barclays Center, all three judges scored the bout a draw. Melson, who is 11-1-1 with 4 knockouts, left the ring frustrated and is eager to leave no doubt as to whom the better fighter is.

 

“A rematch did not have prevalence in my mind, but when the rematch was offered, my competitive spirit immediately smiled. Both Jason and I feel won our first bout against one another, so I know he accepted this match with the same eagerness,” said Melson, who’s been featured on HBO Real Sports, Espn.com, Yahoo and Sports Illustrated amongst other media outlets for the money he’s raised by donating 100% of his fight purses to Justadollarplease.org. “Jason’s tough and he’s fought very good opposition. I am shining bright Wednesday night- the end!”

 

Thompson, a notable gatekeeper who has fought a number of good fighters, is exactly the kind of fighter Melson believes he must defeat impressively before stepping up to the next level.

 

“If everything goes the way I expect it to, I’m only looking to fight in eight and ten rounders going forward. I’ve been boxing more than 10 years so it’s appropriate that I test myself against other up and coming fighters. We have already received offers to face unbeaten opponents but first I’ve got to handle Thompson. I am sure Jason and I both have the same plan - leave it out of the judges’ hands this time. Our team has our OPORD and Army Strong mission oriented. I have about ten of my classmates from West Point coming down to BB King to see me who have all been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. I am not about to come up short in front of my fellow warriors. This one is for them!"

 

An extremely limited amount of tickets are still available on Teamfighttowalk.com. Following the bout, Melson will once again donate his entire fight purse to Justadollarplease.org in support of bringing trials to the United States that could help cure chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.  It was recently released in the nation-wide media that this clinical trial we are raising funds for to bring here to the U.S. has resulted in 15 out of 20 patients enrolled in the study in China now walking who were paralyzed an average of 7 years ranging from their necks down to their lower backs: 13 of the 15 needing a walker to help them walk and 2 of the 15 needing nothing to help them walk. Unfortunately, there still is not enough money to carry the trial out in the US.

 

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, WBA junior middleweight titlist Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.

Melson to battle Thompson in Rematch August 14!

New York, NY (July 18, 2013) – Junior middleweight and charitable figure Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson of New York City gets a crack at redemption when he faces Brooklyn, NY's Jason Thompson in an eight round featured boutWednesday, August 14 at BB King Blues Club in New York City.

 

On October 20, 2012, Melson and Thompson fought in the first bout ever at the brand new Barclays Center. In the opening round, Melson suffered a flash knockdown but rebounded well and mostly outboxed his foe. Most ringsiders believed Melson would walk away with a decision, but all three judges scored the bout 56-56 even.

 

Since their first bout, each fought once, with Melson, 11-1-1 (4 KO’s), dominating veteran Edgar Perez and Thompson, 5-6-3 (4 KO’s), fighting to a draw against highly regarded Frank Galarza. With the battle of the boroughs set for round two, Melson doesn’t want there to be any questions as to who the victor is this time around.

 

“Regardless of how I feel I performed or what I and others believe the outcome of the first fight should have been, it was ruled a draw” said Melson, who helped raised more than $70,000 profit during Team Fight to Walk’s first fundraiser May 16 at BB King. “He’s a tough fighter and has faced good opposition but he’s been stopped in a few of his losses. On August 14th, I will be special. I will look different in the ring. If you are asking what that means, then you will have to be there to see. It's about time I stop someone again!”

 

Tickets starting at $50 are available on Teamfighttowalk.com. Following the bout, Melson will once again donate his entire fight purse to Justadollarplease.org in support of bringing trials to the United States that could help cure chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.  It was recently released in the nation-wide media that this clinical trial we are raising funds for to bring here to the U.S. has resulted in 15 out of 20 patients walking enrolled in the study in China who were paralyzed an average of 7 years. Unfortunately, there still is not enough money to carry the trial out in the US.

 

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, WBA junior middleweight titlist Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.

FRANK GALARZA TO TAKE ON JASON THOMPSON TONIGHT AT THE RESORTS WORLD CASINO IN QUEENS

PLUS WATCH MAYWEATHER – GUERRERO ON 6 LARGE SCREENS FOLLOWING 8 BOUT CARD---1^ST BOUT 6PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

QUEENS, NY (May 4, 2013)—TONIGHT!!! at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New Legend Boxing, Old World Boxing and W.O.N Promotions presents an eight bout that will be headlined by undefeated Bantamweight Juan Dominguez takes on Manuel de los Reyes Herrera in the ten round main event.

DOORS OPEN AT 5PM---1^ST BOUT IS AT 6PM

After the eight bout card is complete, fans will be able to watch the Floyd Mayweather – Robert Guerrero fight on six large screens that will be erected throughout the fight venue.

The exciting eight round co-feature will pit undefeated Jr. Middleweight Frank Galarza (9-0-1, 5 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY battling Jason Thompson of New York.

Galarza has become one of the most popular prospects on the east coast.  That was evident in his last outing where he had a loud cheering section when he stopped Guillermo Ibarra on March 9^th at the Barclays Center as part of the Bernard Hopkins – Tavoris Cloud undercard.

“I am feeling pretty and ready”, said Galarza.

Despite sporting a record of 5-6-2 with four knockouts, Galarza knows that Thompson is no easy customer.

“Jason Thompson is tough.  He seems to have power so I know I need to be cautious of that”

Galarza knows that his handlers and fan base will help him as he moves forward.

“I know I have support behind me.  After I get past Thompson, I will keep moving forward and hopefully get on some more big cards.  My promoters New Legend Boxing, Old World Boxing and Old World Boxing plus my manager A.J. Galante have a good plan and that’s to stay busy”

Galante who also manages former world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez sees a similar course for Galarza.

“This fight is a great fight for Frank.  He is building a fan base”, said Galante

“Frank has been up here in Danbury, Connecticut sparring with Delvin and they share a trainer in former Heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz”

Galante expects a solid learning experience for Galarza.

“Thompson has been around and it’s good to get in with a tough veteran.  Frank looks great and he is just scratching the surface.  We expect a decisive win and move forward.  Frank will be active and we have a good team assembled”

Besides the two co-features, six other big bouts will be on the card:

Joe Smith Jr. (11-1, 11 KO’s) of Long Island takes on Hamid Abdul-Mateen (3-3-2) of Brooklyn in an eight round Light Heavyweight bout.

In a six round Super Featherweight bout, Angel Cruz (5-1, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn battles Ray Velez (2-3, 1 KO) of Troy, NY

Bryant Cruz (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Port Chester, NY fights Michael Doyle (1-1) of Prichar, AL in a four round Super Featherweight bout

Allan Phelan (1-2, 1 KO) of New York via Ireland will box Jimmy Small (0-3) of Cincinnati, OH in a four round Featherweight bout

In a four round Super Bantamweight bout, Ryan Ramaya (1-0, 1 KO) of Queens, NY takes on Jonathan Gonzalez (0-2) of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico

Rounding out the card will see Shawn Cameron (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn taking on Gustavo Medina (1-3) of Eloy, AZ in a four round Middleweight bout

*Following the show, fight fans will be treated to the Mayweather vs. Guerrero fight live on SHOWTIME, scheduled to be broadcast on six big screen televisions.

Tickets: $50 General Admission and $125 VIP Ringside can be purchased by calling New Legend Boxing 718-487-4474 and/or logging on to www.NewLegendBoxing.com

JUAN DOMINGUEZ HEADLINES ON SATURDAY MAY 4TH AT RESORTS WORLD CASINO NEW YORK CITY

QUEENS, NY (April 15, 2013) - On Saturday night May 4^th, Boxing returns to the beautiful Resorts World Casino New York City in Queens, New York for a great night of action promoted by New Legend Boxing, Old World Boxing and W.O.N Promotions.

In the main event, undefeated Super Bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez will see action in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

Dominguez of Brooklyn, NY has a record of 13-0 with 9 knockouts and is coming off an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Geyci Lorenzo in his hometown of Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic that took place on February 16th.  Dominguez captured the WBA Fedecaribe Super Bantamweight title with that win over Lorenzo.  Dominguez previously captured the New York State Bantamweight title with an eight round unanimous decision over Arturo Santiago on June 24, 2011.

Dominguez opponent will be named shortly.

Co-features:

Frank Galarza will take part in a Jr. Middleweight bout against Jason Thompson and Light Heavyweight Joe Smith Jr will take on Hamid Abdul-Mateen.

Galarza of Brooklyn, NY has a record of  9-0-1 with 5 knockouts and is one of the most popular fighters in the New York area due to his exciting style. In September 2012, Galarza was involved in a Fight of The Year when he and fellow undefeated Alantez Fox waged an eight round war that took place at the Resorts World Casino New York City.  In his most recent bout, Galarza scored an impressive 2^nd round knockout over Guillermo Ibarra on March 9^th that was part of the Bernard Hopkins – Tavoris Cloud undercard at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Jason Thompson of Brooklyn, NY has a record of 5-6-2 with 4 knockouts. Thompson is a rugged, aggressive fighter who comes to fight. In Thompson’s most recent fight at the Barclays Center on October 20, 2012, Thompson fought to a six round draw, dropping up and coming prospect Boyd Melson 10-1-0 in the first round. All three judges scored the fight 56-56.

Smith is an exciting knockout artist from Shirley, Long Island, NY has a record of 11-1 with all of his wins coming early and is riding a five fight winning streak.  Smith won his first six by knockout, all within the first two rounds before being stopped by Eddie Caminero.  Since then, Smith has taken out all five opponents which includes a third round stoppage over Yasin Rashid on September 22^nd, 2012 which was at the Resorts World Casino New York City.

Mateen of Brooklyn, NY has a record of 3-3-2 and has faced some solid opposition.  Mateen has a win over Ahmed Mickens (1-0-1) and a draw with Alexander Mancera (8-4) with his only defeats coming to undefeated fighters Stivens Bujaj (2-0), Lavarn Harvell (7-0) and the highly regarded Travis Peterkin (4-0) on October 24, 2012 in New York City.

Also scheduled for a six round bout, Angel Garcia (5-1, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on an opponent to be named in a Super Featherweight affair.

In four round bouts: Bryant Cruz (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Port Chester, NY will take on an opponent to be named in a Super Featherweight bout.

In a Featherweight bout, Allan Phelan (1-2, 1 KO) of New York (by way of Ireland) battles Jonathan Caban (0-4) of Queens, NY.

Ryan Ramayya (1-0, 1 KO) of Queens, NY will take on Daniel Hernandez (0-1) of Queens, NY  in a Super Bantamweight bout.

In a Junior Middleweight bout, Shawn Cameron (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on Jose Angel Ortiz (4-11-1, 1 KO) from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Rounding out the card will be a ladies Super Flyweight match between Vanessa Greco (1-2) of New York and an opponent to be named.

Tickets:  $50 General Admission and $125 VIP Ringside can be purchased by calling New Legend Boxing 718-487-4474 and/or logging on to www.NewLegendBoxing.com

Melson Battles to Draw; Frustrated with Decision and Performance

 

 

New York, NY (October 24, 2012) – Although he’ll go down in history as a member of the first fight ever at the Barclays Center in his native Brooklyn, NY, Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson left the ring last Saturday night a frustrated fighter.

 

“I won this fight at worst 4 rounds to 2 with the mutual knockdowns canceling each other out,” the West Point graduate said of his six round junior middleweight bout with rugged veteran Jason Thompson. “I got caught early on in a round that I was winning before I got knocked down and won the rest of after. Additionally, I controlled the ring generalship.”

 

With close to 300 fans cheering him on, Melson got off to a rough start, suffering a knockdown during the first stanza. After retaking control in the second round, Melson stormed back in the third, decking Thompson with a hard hook immediately followed by a straight left, but was unable to finish his game foe off. During the final three rounds, Thompson landed a few hard clean punches each round while Melson continued to connect with a significantly higher volume of more visibly effective punches. He also demonstrated a better level of conditioning down the stretch by finishing strong.

 

Thompson continued to fight Melson hard despite receiving more punishment as the final round came to a close for the two New Yorkers. Virtually all of the ringside media members believed Melson’s consistency in pressing the fight and landing significantly higher visibly effective blows throughout the bout clearly earned him the victory.

 

After six exciting rounds to kick off a historic evening of boxing, all three judges scored the bout 56-56.

 

“I’m very upset with the decision,” stated Melson, who fought three times since August, all while working a fulltime job for Johnson&Johnson and serving as an Army Reserve Officer. “There was maybe one round outside of the first that I could’ve given to him, so that’d make it 4 rounds to 2 in my favor. This is one of my most frustrating moments in professional boxing, but I am sure I will have more. Most important, I need to keep working harder to ensure I am doing all I possibly can to not leave any doubt in the judges eyes as to my earning a clear victory."

 

Even with the draw, the popular Brooklynite recognized there were some good things that came out of the evening.

 

“On the contrary, there were many positives tonight. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of history and there were a lot of people who wanted to speak to me about what I fight for. Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions were extremely generous to not only allow me to fight on their card, but to match my purse by personally donating to Justadollarplease.org. I loved fighting at the Barclays Center and hope to be on another card in the near future. I also had one of the most special moments of my life when my best friend Christan Zaccagnino, who is my inspiration for what I do, wheel in her chair down the aisle with me as I walked to the ring for my bout. I will never forget that moment.”

 

Melson, one of the most popular local fighters in the New York area, will take a brief break from boxing after fighting seven times since October 2011.

 

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.