Frankie Toledo, Doug DeWitt and Renaldo Snipes top the list.
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
Earlier the week Henry Hascup, the president of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, proudly announced the 13 newest members, voted into the highly esteemed organization for induction, by the Hall’s electoral committee.
"This is a truly deserved group, including some great fighters as well as those who have provided great service to the sport of boxing," stated Hascup, a noted boxing historian who has served as the NJBHOF president for over twenty years.
Headlining the list of this year’s inductees is New Jersey’s own Frankie Toldeo. Born in Newark and managed by his father, Frankie, Sr., Toledo trained in Paterson and developed under the tutelage of respected trainer Joe Grier.
Compiling a professional record of 43-7-1 (18 KO’s), Frankie’s skill and talent, obtained through hard work and perseverance, was obvious. Known as the "The Shark", Frankie took many top fighters into deep waters, defeating the likes of Orlando Canizalez and stopping Clarence "Bones" Adams, as well as battling world champions Manuel Medina (twice) and the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera.
Yet, if not for his wife Evelyn, Frankie may have never earned the title of "World Champion".
"I feel great getting into the Hall of Fame, it’s an honor and I truly need to thank the man upstairs and I thank my family," excitedly exclaimed Toledo, who emphasized the importance of having such a supportive partner in his corner, "If not for my wife, I would have packed it in. She really kept me motivated."
Evelyn, now training to be a state licensed boxing official, knew it wasn’t time for Frankie to quit. "Boxing is so hard and at times Frankie didn’t believe in himself, but I would see him watching the fights on TV and I could see it in his eyes, I knew it was still in his heart. I always knew he could be a world champion, I believed in him and I’m so proud of my husband today!"
Deciding to continue pursuing his dream, Frankie found renewed dedication, which paid off. In 2001 Frankie earned his shot at a world title (04/06/2001) and defeated Mbulelo Botile in a hard fought twelve round battle to become the International Boxing Federation’s Featherweight World Champion.
These days both Frankie and Evelyn look over their 12 year old daughter D’Andrea, who shows the same natural Toledo talent and skill, as a young and gifted amateur boxer.
New York’s Doug DeWitt, who fought exactly half of all his pro fights in New Jersey, won two middleweight world titles (WBA & WBO) during his illustrious career. A non-stop fighting machine, DeWitt fought the best in the world and earned his respect. After losing to James Toney (12/05/1992), DeWitt retired with a commendable 33-8-5 (19 KO’s) professional record.
On November 11, 1981 heavyweight contender Renaldo Snipes came within seconds of becoming world champion. "Mr. Snipes" had Larry Holmes hurt and on the canvas during their heavyweight title fight. To the testament of Holmes’s own greatness, the champ somehow did manage to beat the count and escape with his crown, stopping the dangerous Snipes in round eleven.
During his career Snipes defeated three world champions (Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Gerrie Coetzee and Trevor Berbick), never backed down from any challenge and was one of the most feared and respected fighters. The likeable and articulate Snipes also enjoyed a highly successful amateur career, and finished up with a professional record of 39-8-1, with 22 knockouts. "This means a lot to me and I’m really happy," beamed the classy Snipes when informed of his impending induction.
Another most deserved fighter Jeff Chandler won several titles before becoming the WBA Bantamweight World Champion in 1980 (11/14 TKO 14 vs. Julian Solis in Atlantic City, NJ). "Joltin Jeff" successfully defended his world title ten times, before going out as a true champion, on his sword, losing to Richie Sandoval (04/07/1984 via TKO 15) in what would be Chandler’s last fight.
Retiring with an envious 33-2-2 (18 KO’s) record, Chandler was also bestowed the honor of being called "one of Philadelphia’s greatest champions". Being in a group along with the likes of Joe Frazier, Bernard Hopkins and Matthew Saad Muhammad, to name a few, speaks volumes as to the caliber of Jeff Chandler as a fighter.
James "Hard Rock" Green (22-10-2, 15 KO’s), Tony Riccio (54-37-13), Pat Comiskey (73-12-2, with 60 knockouts) and Johnny Howard (74-37-9, that’s 121 pro fights!), all New Jersey natives, were also amongst the boxers earning enshrinement.
There were five honorees who will be inducted into the NJBHOF for their distinct contributions to boxing, from outside the squared circle. Those selected include: the revered and highly respected late Al Gavin, the legendary cut man with no comparison; Jimmy DeForest, who trained the likes of Joe Gans, Jack Sharkey, Luis Firpo and Jack Dempsey along with being a promoter and referee; world class boxing judge H. Eugene Grant; Mark Belafsky, a highly accomplished ringside physician and boxing historian and writer Robert Fernandez.
*Pat Comiskey, Johnny Howard, Al Gavin and Jimmy DeForest are being honored posthumously.
The annual New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony/dinner will be held (Weds.) November 1st at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.
For tickets to the induction ceremonies dinner or for information on the NJBHOF, contact Henry Hascup (president): 1(973) 471-2458.