October 6, 2004
 

Sixteen union fighters took to the ring on Thursday night at New York City’s Manhattan Center as part of the Broadway Boxing series. The fighters were all working under contract through the Joint Association of Boxers.

In the night’s main event, Junior Middleweight Sechew Powell of Brooklyn, NY improved his winning streak to 14-0 (9 KOs) by defeating George Armenta (12-4, 10 KOs) of Silver Spring, MD. The night also featured a decision of victory for undefeated Georgian boxer Koba Gogoladze (16-0, 7 KOs), who defeated Marteze Logan (14-10-2, 2 KOs) of Covington, TN.

“It’s good to be home again,” said Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, JAB President. “This is an historic occasion.”

Former and current fighters who attended the event as spectators also expressed their pride and excitement at JAB’s growth and its potential for changing the sport.

“Now the fighters have a chance,” said Al Cole, former International Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion. “Now boxers will have their own union. I’m so happy to see the Teamsters who came out tonight.”

The event provided an opportunity to pay tribute to two members of the boxing community. JAB lawyer Walter Kane read a letter from Patricia Love-Page, who had written to thank JAB Charities for a $3,000 donation to assist with the medical bills for her husband, Greg Page. Greg Page was permanently injured in a March 2001 fight in Kentucky and remains under intense medical care, much of which is not covered by insurance. In addition, an honorary 10-count was rung in honor of William “Wiggy” Giles Jr., the nine-year-old son of boxing trainer Willie Giles, who recently lost a valiant struggle against cancer.

Boxing is the last major sport without a collective bargaining agreement. Boxers lack minimum standards, health insurance or retirement security. While other professional athletes are protected by unions, boxers still enter the ring unprotected. JAB's goal is to change this by providing physical and financial security for boxers.

“This union is for the fighters,” Muhammad said. “With the dignity this union provides, there is no need for handouts. I’d like to thank my Teamster brothers and sisters. Keep up your support!”

Click here to view photo gallery.

©2003-2007 Joint Association of Boxers
P.O. Box 2662
New York, NY 10108
Eddie Mustafa Muhammad
(202) 437-5755
info@boxersunion.org