Hall of Famer Riddick Bowe Joins Team Fight to Walk!

 

New York, NY (December 30, 2014) – 2015 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former heavyweight champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe has joined Team Fight to Walk.

 

An elite heavyweight in his heyday, Bowe captured the undisputed world championship in 1992 after besting then-unbeaten Evander Holyfield. Bowe and Holyfield fought twice more, with Holyfield winning the rematch and Bowe dramatically stopping the future hall of famer in the rubber match. The Bowe-Holyfield trilogy is considered one of the greatest in boxing history. In addition to twice besting Holyfield, Bowe defeated former or future champions Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tubbs, Bruce Seldon, Michael Dokes and Herbie Hide.

 

Recently, Bowe met Team Fight to Walk co-founder Boyd Melson at the WBC Convention in Las Vegas where Melson received the Ambassador of Peace Award. The two started talking and Bowe immediately took an interest in the cause Melson fights for. Shortly after the convention, he agreed to join Team Fight to Walk and the fight against paralysis. 

 

“When Boyd told me what he was doing, I was amazed,” Bowe said. “I was familiar with spinal cord injuries after hearing about the accident Paul Williams was in a few years back and I know he’s fighting to walk again. But to hear that somebody donates all of their earnings in the ring when everybody else is concerned with keeping every penny possible is really something else. My goal is to help raise awareness and show people that even though things may be dim that there is a bright light (with the pending trials).”

 

“Spending time with Riddick at the WBC Convention was incredible on multiple levels,” said Melson. “When I told him about Team Fight to Walk’s mission, he immediately wanted to join. He told me that meeting my father and I was one of the best things to happen to him in a long time. I was incredibly honored to hear him say that because I grew up watching Riddick. He was a great fighter and his willingness to join Team Fight to Walk as he’s on his way into the Hall of Fame means the world to us.”

 

For more information on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com. All questions about Team Fight to Walk or Spinal Cord Injuries can be emailed to Boydmelson@Teamfighttowalk.com.

 

Contact: Matt Yanofsky (Team Fight to Walk Publicist) –551-206-0578 or @kopublicity

Melson to receive Ambassador of Peace Award!

 

New York, NY (December 14, 2014) – Junior middleweight boxer and charitable figure Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will receive the Ambassador of Peace Award from the World Boxing Council (WBC) during their annual convention Monday, December 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Since turning pro in 2010, Melson’s garnered international attention for donating 100% of his fight purses and raising awareness about bringing trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Along with best friend Christan Zaccagnino, Melson founded Team Fight to Walk and recruited many notable boxers to join the fight to cure paralysis. During the last two years, Team Fight to Walk hosted charity galas titled “Fighting for the Cure” to help raise additional funds for the pending trials. Due to their tireless efforts with Team Fight to Walk, Melson and Zaccagnino have been featured by many major media outlets.

 

A 2003 graduate of West Point Academy with a full schedule outside of the squared circle, Melson serves the United States as an Army Reserve Officer and is also a motivational speaker.

 

“This is an honor and a blessing,” Melson said of the award he’ll be receiving. “When I turned pro, my plan was to raise as much money and awareness as possible with the ultimate goal being that Christan walks again. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be inLas Vegas on behalf of Team Fight to Walk receiving the same award many boxing greats did in years past.”

 

“The World Boxing Council has been an incredible supporter of Team Fight to Walk, Christan and I. They attended our gala, donated memorabilia for us to auction and honored me at their WBC Cares event in 2012. On behalf of Team Fight to Walk, I’d like to give an extra special thanks to the WBC’s Jill Diamond. She has gone above and beyond to assist with our efforts in bringing clinical trials to the United States that can help cure Spinal Cord Injuries.”

 

Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former NBA All-Star Anthon Mason, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two division world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams, former NBA All-Star Anthony Mason, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian 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 on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com. All questions about Team Fight to Walk or Spinal Cord Injuries can be emailed to Boydmelson@Teamfighttowalk.com.\

 

Click Here to listen to an interview we did recently with Boyd on the FNU Combat Sports Show. It's about halfway into the broadcast. We also chat with Paul "The Punisher" Williams on the same show, who is now a member of "Team Fight to Walk."

Paul Williams Joins Team Fight to Walk!

New York, NY (December 7, 2014) – Three time world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams is the newest member of Team Fight to Walk.

 

A fixture on the pound for pound lists and a fan favorite, Williams had an outstanding 41-2 record with 27 wins by knockout. Williams, a two-division titlist, became paralyzed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident in May 2012. Even after becoming a paraplegic from the accident, Williams maintained his signature smile and a great attitude.

 

Recently, Williams connected with Team Fight to Walk co-founder Boyd Melson in New York City, where he helped Williams find speaking engagements. During their time together, Melson took Williams to RutgersUniversity to meet Dr. Wise Young. He showed Williams patients treated during clinical trials in China. Williams saw the patients walking following a surgical procedure that enabled their axons to regenerate. Young is planning to conduct the same trials next year in the United States. Amazed by what he saw, Williams immediately joined Team Fight to Walk.

 

“Being a member of Team Fight to Walk is an incredible feeling,” said Williams. “Regardless of how I felt, people were telling me that I was never going to walk again but after meeting Boyd and Dr. Wise Young, you can’t tell me anything! I saw people with Spinal Cord Injuries walking again and their cords regrowing. It’s amazing how God works because he brought all of us together and I’m confident as ever that I’ll walk again.”

 

Melson is also overjoyed about having Williams on board and knew it was only a matter of time until the two connected.

 

“From the day I heard about Paul’s accident, I tried to get in touch and let him know there was hope. Thankfully, we were able to connect and I showed him the incredible results from Dr. Young’s clinical trial inChina. He’s an important member of the boxing world who can help our outreach tremendously. Like (Team Fight to Walk founder) Christan (Zaccagnino), Paul’s life changed in a split second but now he knows that results of trials overseas means there’s plenty of hope for both of them. I believe that Christan and Paul will walk again once the clinical trials take place in the United States.”

 

For more information on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com. Fans can contact Paul on Twitter @1paulwilliams. All questions about Team Fight to Walk or Spinal Cord Injuries can be emailed to Boydmelson@Teamfighttowalk.com.

Melson to Speak at United States Military Academy!

New York, NY (October 26, 2014) – Junior middleweight boxer, West Point grad and charitable figure Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson has been invited to speak at a leadership development series at the United States Military Academy at West Point Monday, October 27.

 

For the leadership development, Melson will host a one hour interactive discussion with a group of approximately 40 high ranking cadets that excel academically and have peer leadership positions.

 

Melson graduated from the USMA at West Point in 2003 with a degree in psychology and put on a pair of boxing gloves for the first time as a plebe (freshman) for a required course. After joining West Point’s boxing team and excelling in the squared circle on an international level, he was selected as an alternate for the 2008 United States Olympic Boxing Team, but withdrew due to an injury. During his senior year at West Point he met Christan Zaccagnino, who became paralyzed from the waist down after a diving accident when she was 10. The two quickly became close and Melson’s ultimate goal in life is to see her walk again.

 

With Zaccagnino as his inspiration, Melson turned pro in 2010 and has donated 100% of his fight purses to Teamfighttowalk.com and Justadollarplease.org to help find a cure for Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. To further assist with fundraising efforts, Melson and Zaccagnino hosted the “Fighting for the Cure” gala the last two years, raising a significant amount of money in the process.

 

“This will be one of the greatest and most proud moments of my entire life,” said Melson, who has been featured along with Zaccagnino on HBO Real Sports, ESPN.com, Yahoo and Sports Illustrated. “I’m an extremely proud West Pointer and my boxing trunks have “West Point 03” on them for a reason. It’s an incredible honor that they thought of me for this event because there are so many West Point graduates worthy of the opportunity.”

 

For more information on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com

Team Fight to Walk to host Second Annual Gala!

 

Tickets and sponsorship packages available at teamfighttowalk.com

 

For Immediate Release

 

New York, NY (September 30, 2014) – Junior Middleweight boxer Boyd Melson and Christan Zaccagnino, founders of Team Fight to Walk, are proud to announce their organization will host the second annual “Fighting for the Cure” benefit gala Thursday, October 16 at 6:15 pm in the Beckwith Pointe in New Rochelle, NY.

 

Tickets and sponsorship packages to “Fighting for the Cure” are available by going to teamfighttowalk.com or calling 914-497-5727. All donations are deductable per IRS regulations.

 

In May 2013, Team Fight to Walk held their inaugural fundraiser at BB King Blues Club in Time Square that featured a special act by world renowned comedian Artie Lange along with heartfelt speeches from Boyd Melson, Dr. Wise Young, former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, Christan Zaccagnino and boxer/cancer survivor Danny Jacobs. Last year’s event raised $100,000 towards a clinical trial and research of Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.

 

Since meeting at a social event in 2002 while he was atWest Point, Melson’s dedicated much of his life to helping Zaccagnino. At ten years old, Zaccagnino became paralyzed from the neck down following a diving accident. Since turning pro in 2010, Melson’s donated 100% of his purses from 15 of his 16 matches towards Spinal Cord Injury Research through Justadollarplease.org and Team Fight to Walk, 501c3 charities. Melson and Zaccagnino’s story has received a significant amount of national attention, as the two have been featured on HBO Real Sports, ESPN.com, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, NY1 and various newspapers.

 

They also recruited a team of boxers to support the cause either by donating or promoting. The fighters include world champion Demetrius Andrade, former titlists Steve Cunningham and Austin Trout, 2008 Olympian Shawn Estrada and contender Will Rosinsky amongst many others. Even with all of the hard work and tireless efforts, Team Fight to Walk must still raise a significant amount of money before they can move forward with the trial that could changes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

 

On the 16^th, guests will get to see performances by comedians Gilbert Gottfried, Jayson Cross and Damon Rozier. Former New York Knicks star Anthony Mason, world champion boxers Danny Jacobs and Demetrius Andrade, former champion Junior Jones and unbeaten contender Frank Galarza will all be on hand throughout the evening to support the cause and spend time with ticketholders. This special event also has a blackjack table, silent auction, DJ, live music, open bar and guest speakers throughout the evening. Dave Diamante, voice of the Brooklyn Nets, will emcee the “Fighting for the Cure” gala.

 

“I’ve seen the way the world positively reacts to certain causes through social media and there are a lot of people out there that need help with different issues,” said Melson. “I’m calling not only on the boxing world but the general public to help in whatever way they can with Team Fight to Walk and our “Fighting for the Cure” gala. Our 2013 gala was a great success and we need to top donations in 2014 in order to potentially change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans suffering from Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. Christan, myself, the rest of Team Fight to Walk and our loyal supporters have put in a tremendous amount of time to assist with efforts but there’s still a lot of work left to be done. If you aren’t able to make it on the 16^th, please consider making a donation of any amount or purchasing a sponsorship page if you run a business. This will go a long way and your assistance can have a major impact on the lives of others.”

 

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, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian 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.

MRI confirms Melson’s Tear; Treatment set for tomorrow!

 

 

New York, NY (July 28, 2014) – An MRI confirmed that junior middleweight and West Point graduate Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson suffered a torn supraspinatus. Melson, 14-1-1 (4 KO’s), tore his supraspinatus, which is part of the rotator cuff, preparing for what would’ve been the biggest bout of his professional career against Glen Tapia at Madison Square Garden.

 

This marks Melson’s third tear since he started boxing, one of which forced him to give up his alternate slot in the 2008 Olympics. Thankfully, his injury won’t require surgery, and he’s receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment tomorrow. For the treatment, a small amount of blood is drawn then spun in a centrifuge machine to separate the plasma. The plasma holds the growth factors that the human body uses for healing, and by spinning the blood, the doctor will have a concentrated medium of the body’s growth factor. This is then re-injected into the location of the injury. The PRP treatment followed by therapy should help Melson recover fairly quickly, though the initial post-treatment stage is rough.

 

“The PRP treatment is really going to help but it’s brutal at first,” said Melson. “The first 2-3 days, even the slightest movement causes extreme pain in the shoulder. This will be my third time having Dr. Andrew DeMann working on me. He works miracles and I can only hope for the same result.”

 

An update on Melson will follow.

 

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, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian 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. Fans can also interact with Boyd on Twitter @boydmelson.

Melson Injures Rotator Cuff; Tapia Fight Off!

 

New York, NY (July 17, 2014) – Junior Middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson has been forced to withdraw from his Saturday, July 26 bout against contender Glen Tapia.

 

Melson, who was in the best shape of his professional career and prepared in an extended training camp, believes he tore his left rotator cuff Tuesday during one of his final sparring sessions. A 2008 Olympic Alternate selection, the West Point grad gave up his spot after suffering the same injury. He’d also had his left rotator cuff operated on twice in the past, including in 2008 after tearing it.

 

“I felt it stretch when I was throwing a punch and I immediately knew something wasn’t right,” said the dejected Melson. “I tried to work through it but the pain only got worse. First, my shoulder started to throb then it got cold. Since I hurt my rotator cuff and had surgery twice in the past, I know what a tear feels like.”

 

Even though he had a feeling what just took place the second his shoulder started hurting, he was hoping the pain would go away. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

 

“I didn’t want to believe it because I’ve worked incredibly hard and understand the significance of the Tapia fight. Not only was it a dream of mine to fight at Madison Square Garden, but a victory over Tapia would’ve put me in position to start earning significant money for Team Fight to Walk. This is truly devastating and I am heartbroken, especially after what happened during my last fight. I’m very emotional right now and don’t know what the future holds.”

 

All tickets purchased from Teamfighttowalk.com will be refunded.

 

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, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian 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.

The Next Level: Melson excited to challenge Tapia July 26 at The Garden!

New York, NY (June 20, 2014) – Like every other prizefighter around the globe, junior middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson’s dreamed of competing in big bouts and making the most money possible; albeit for different reasons.

By now, the cause Melson fights for is well documented. As the co-founder of Team Fight to Walk who was an integral part of a successful May 2013 fundraising dinner amongst other events, he’s helped raise a significant amount of money for Spinal Cord Injury research. Melson’s also been a success inside the squared circle, compiling an impressive 14-1-1 record with 4 wins by knockout. Even with all of his accolades, the 32-year-old’s been looking for the kind of fight that will take him to the next level.

The popular Manhattan based Brooklynite will have the opportunity to show the world that he’s a top 154 pounder when he faces contender Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia Saturday, July 26 at Madison Square Garden. Tickets for the card featuring Melson-Tapia, which is headlined by a world middleweight title bout between WBA champion Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale, are available at teamfighttowalk.com.

Hailing from the tough streets of Passaic, NJ, Tapia’s a blood and guts warrior who gives fans their monies worth every time he fights. Eight years Melson’s junior, he’s 20-1 with 12 wins by knockout, most notably stopping previously unbeaten Abie Han in July 2013. In his premium cable debut last December, Tapia got off to a blazing start and hurt James Kirkland in the opening round before ultimately ending up on the wrong end of a brutal sixth round stoppage. With the same management team that handled the late, great Arturo Gatti backing him, Tapia returned with a vengeance June 14, stopping veteran Keenan Collins in 84 seconds.

“This is going to be the toughest fight of my career but these are the kinds of bouts I have to win if I’m going to make it to the next level,” said Melson. “Glen is a good, strong fighter and I’ve seen him a number of times. I know I’m considered the underdog but I don’t feel like one. In the amateurs, I was defeated a number of guys that are currently top pros. I’ve been working almost four years as a professional for an opportunity like this and put in too much work just to let this massive stage get to me. I’m confident July 26 will be my coming out party to the upper echelon of the 154 pound division.”

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, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian 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.

Broadway Boxing gets ready to explode with Melson vs. Ruiz February 12!

 

New York, NY (January 9, 2014) – On Wednesday, February 12 Army Reserve Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson and Mike “El Cangri” Ruiz will headline the Roseland Ballroom’s final boxing card in a ten round junior middleweight contest. However, both men are fighting for a lot more than the notion of winning the Roseland’s last boxing match.

 

Melson, residing in Manhattan by way of Brooklyn andWhite Plains, and Ruiz, who hails from Puerto Rico and resides in Long Island, are two of New York’s most popular prizefighters. Each fighter has appeared in the Big Apple various times, participating in many local classics and knows that a victory could catapult them onto a bigger stage.

 

With an outstanding 13-1-1 record and four wins by knockout, Melson’s fought thirteen of his bouts in theEmpire State. The West Point graduate and 2008 Olympic Alternate dropped a controversial 2012 decision to Delen Parsley in what is widely considered the best match in Broadway Boxing history. Melson also dominated tough veterans Jason Thompson, Gundrick King and Yolexcy Leiva in front of sold out crowds.

 

A former World Boxing Federation titlist, Ruiz’ record is a deceptive 17-8 with 9 wins by knockout. The charismatic 28-year-old scored a career best victory in July 2012, knocking out world title contender Paul Delgado in his hometown of Atlanta, GA. Like his counterpart, Ruiz took place in memorable bouts in the Big Apple against the likes of Martin Wright (twice), Glen Tapia, Daniel Sostre and Charlie Ota.

 

“This is going to be a very tough fight for many reasons,” Melson said of his upcoming showdown with Ruiz. “He’s got a lot of experience and was in a lot of close fights that went the other way. Two fights ago, he beat a fighter that fought for a legitimate world title and he’s also faced a lot of top opponents. For most of my fights, I’ve been the clear crowd favorite but Ruiz has a large and vocal fan base of this own. I’m ready for the challenge and know a victory will lead me to better opportunities. I am also excited to have progresses up to the ladder where I am competing for the first time in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. I owe a special thanks to Lou DiBella for sticking with me and giving me this chance."

 

Tickets starting from $45 are available on teamfighttowalk.com.

 

Following the match, Melson’s pledge to help find a cure for chronic Spinal Cord Injuries will continue when he donates 100% of his earnings from his purse to Justadollarplease.org in support of America’s first trial of its kind.

 

It was recently released in the nationwide 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 but it is estimated that it could start sometime in 2014. The hopes are for this trial to begin at the end of the Summer of 2014 with Mount Sinai Hospital- Manhattan's very own- being one of the hospitals carrying out the study.

 

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, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Sonya Lamonakis, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., WBO Junior Middleweight titlist/2008 US Olympian Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and fellow 08’ Olympian 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. Fans can also interact with Melson via Twitter @BoydMelson orFacebook.com/Boydmelson