Mid-Term Proposal

My semester proposal will attempt to bring amateur boxing to the Golden Dome.  Amateur boxing is a sport that harnesses the disciplines if combat, when cultivated properly, gives a young man or woman a focus that can be transformed in any realm of life.  Most combative sports require a great deal of mental strength that can easily be applied to the classroom.  It has been widely accepted that young students who are members of extracurricular activities are much better students than those who don't.  Sports and academics go hand in hand because of the discipline needed to manage your time, as well as taking your studies to new heights because it's necessary to participate in the extracurricular activities that the young person wants to be involved in.

Golden Glove boxers battle for Championship

While all sports require a modicum of discipline, there are very few that can bring amateur boxers in touch with the emotions of centuries old combat that make them successful both in and out of the classroom.  I would like to see an evening of boxing at the Golden Dome, so the college campus can experience and appreciate the art of self defense, skill, dedication, and entertainment that comes with amateur boxers.  The sport is currently not a part of Rutgers sports program, but perhaps like many other higher education programs, we can entertain bringing boxing to the University.amateurboxing.

European Amateur Boxing Championships

I have a good relationship with New Jersey Boxing Amateur President Henry Hascup, and I'm sure I could get the technical support needed to bring big time amateur boxing to Rutgers Newark.  I spoke to Mr. Hascup about a year ago on just this exact subject and the event may cost approximately $5000.00 to produce and promote an evening of amateur boxing, but I think with the help of the school and the support of the students and faculty, we could embark on a spectacular, entertaining night of competitive amateur boxing.

  Approximately ten years ago, Rutgers Newark did host an evening of Golden Gloves competition that was a joy for all in attendance.  I interviewed Mark Griffin, Rutgers Newark Director of Athletics/Recreation last semester for the school paper and I would contact him to see how feasible the process would be.  I have spoken to New Jersey Amateur Boxing Treasurer Jackie Atkins about bringing to sport of amateur boxing to the school as a team sport that would fall under the guise of the National Collegiate Boxing Association.  The NCBA was founded in 1976 and currently has over 30 team members, including each branch of the armed forces.  The intercollegiate boxing programs promote healthy living, good academics, and competitive competition.

Amateru Boxing competition

I would use my position as a professional boxing referee and a Rutgers full time student to help promote an event that students, faculty, and members of the boxing fraternity would enjoy.  I believe International Hall of Fame inductee Larry Hazzard, as well as New York Boxing Chairwoman Melvina Lathan would be in attendance (if the state does not have an event that evening) in support of the amateur boxers, as well as the collegiate event.  I would also invite fellow boxing officials to support and promote the event.  I also believe that some successful professional boxers would attend, as they can appreciate young amateurs who are beginning a sport that they have tremendous respect for.

I believe a few events per year would help bring awareness of the many benefits that the amateur sport has been so beneficial in the promoting of good health and fair competition.  The armed services has had boxing programs for decades and many colleges have begun to see its benefits, with respect to hard work, discipline, and physical and mental achievements.  I look forward to helping shed light on a sport and endeavor that I am passionate and knowledgeable about to Rutgers Newark.

Sources:
Persons of Contact:
Henry Hascup, New Jersey Amateur Boxing President
Mark Griffin,  Rutgers Newark Director of Athletics/Recreation
Jacky Atkins, New Jersey Amateur Boxing Treasurer
Larry Hazzard Sr, New Jersey Boxing Commissioner
Melvina Lathan, New York Boxing Chairwoman
Benjy Estevez, New Jersey Boxing Referee