NY boxing venue from the 1990's?

Goldthorpe · Post by **Goldthorpe** » 08 Jan 2007, 15:17

Probably more of a question for the New York local fans, but here it goes. I used to work for Sportschannel in NY and I remember working a boxing match that took place in the early 90's and it happened at a venue located on Jericho Tpke in Bellerose, Queens, just before the Cross Island Parkway. It was an old white building. Does anyone know the name of this venue? I don't think bouts take place there anymore. It may have been a one-time thing.

cosand · Post by **cosand** » 12 Jan 2007, 22:59

There was Gym in that area of Jericho Tpke that had bleachers that folded into the walls for spectators. The police athletic league used to use it for training and matches, and I know that for a time, the guy that owned it, who I only knew as "Foxy" would sell gym time to some local prospects.
I would guess that the place would hold maybe 100 spectators.
I never knew of any boxing cards being put on there, but thatt doesnt mean it didnt happen.
It became a martial arts studio in the late 90s.

Goldthorpe · Post by **Goldthorpe** » 12 Jan 2007, 23:35

Yes, I passed by it the other day and it had an awning in front that said martial arts. Maybe it was an amateur bout held there but I know Sportschannel aired it in the early 90's.

cosand · Post by **cosand** » 15 Jan 2007, 08:44

That is the place then. I actually sparred in that place back in the 80s. An Argentine welterweight who had a fight coming up upstate wanted a HW to bang on, and I got the nod.
The guy who owned the place was a funny character. An old school pug right out of central casting, bent nose and scar tissue and all. Never knew his real full name, but he looked like he blocked about 3000 punches with his face.

Goldthorpe · Post by **Goldthorpe** » 15 Jan 2007, 10:17

Cosand, any idea what the capacity of that place would have held for a bout?

cosand · Post by **cosand** » 15 Jan 2007, 10:43

Well...there were two sections of bleachers that folded up into the wall, like you see in high school gyms. I would guess that would seat about 100 people. If you were to put chairs anound the ring on all sides, I am guessing around 100 more. so yeah, my guess would be about 200.
It had a very high ceiling, but was not a big room. I recall the building had some smaller rooms as well.