Elmont's Williams wins LI amateur belt
Titus Williams of Freeport lands a right uppercut on his way to winning the LIABC&C amateur boxing championship against IMMA's Dave Meloni at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn. (Aug. 21, 2011) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
The idea that boxing has become a dying endeavor, particularly on the amateur level, has never been more prevalent among sports fans.
But that's not a concept Freeport PAL president Joe Higgins embraces.
The longtime trainer, who has created a haven for aspiring boxers at Freeport's Northeast Park on Parsons Avenue, said the sport is on an "upswing."
"If you look at the numbers from years ago and today they're not that much different," Higgins said. "But today there are liability and safety issues so parents are really concerned when it comes to amateur boxing."
Higgins' latest prodigy, Titus Williams, is proof there still is life in amateur boxing.
The Elmont resident captured the 132-pound open championship of the Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships and Charities tournament at Gleasons' Gym last night with a unanimous decision (5-0) over Dave Meloni.
It was the second fight in two days for Williams, who celebrates his 22nd birthday Monday. "He just learned what it's like to fight two days in a row and he gutted it out," Higgins said. "The other fighter was a little fresher because he didn't fight [on Saturday]."
Williams is just the latest example of what the Freeport PAL has produced.
Light heavyweight and recently turned pro Sean "Irish Seannie Rocks" Monaghan (8-0, 5 KOs) is set to fight on the Sergio Martinez-Darren Barker undercard on Oct. 1 in Atlantic City.
The Freeport program also features Patrick Day, a 2011 New York Golden Gloves silver medalist; recently retired 165-pound amateur star Herve Duroseau, the 2011 Golden Gloves and USA Metro champion; and Kalib Walker, a member of the Marine Corps boxing team.
Duroseau was on hand to support Williams last night. "Everyone thinks this is an easy sport," said Duroseau, "but there's a mental aspect to it. Some guys can't take the hits."
Williams credited the Freeport program for helping him succeed. "Herve and Patrick set the foundation," Williams said. "The blueprint is to stay busy all year around so when the major tournaments come around you'll be ready for them."
