DENVER HOSTS AMERICA'S HEROES
InsideBoxing.com Columnist
Photos: MICHAEL V. ORNELAS/INSIDE BOXING
Denver, Colorado (INSIDE BOXING) . Friday night May 24, 2002 there were no losers. Although there was a fight card featuring 10 Colorado Firefighters/Police vs. 10 New York Firefighters/Police, everyone in attendance was a winner.
The Colorado Convention Center was the chosen venue for a fundraising effort that was organized to help charities of both the New York and Denver Police and Firefighting Associations.
Denver City Councilman Ed Thomas, himself a former police officer, along with Lori Montano, Sponsorship Coordinator and the Denver Athletic Club did an outstanding job of putting together a first-class event.
The Denver Firefighters presented a check in the amount of $813,000 to the charities, New York Widows and Children's Fund; New York's Bravest Scholarship Fund; Denver Police Brotherhood; Denver Police Officers Foundation and the Denver Fire Fighter Protective Association Relief Fund. These funds are used to provide assistance to families that incur expenses their insurance will not cover. Providing financial support for children left behind as a result of firefighters and police officers losing their lives in the line of duty will also be a focus of the donated funds.
The evening began with world-renowned ring announcer Michael Buffer, he of matinee idol good looks, providing the women in attendance something to look at. No problem. The majority of men in attendance had their eyes locked on the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders! Channel 4 sports reporter Vic Lombardi added a local flavor in the ring by assisting Buffer.
The ringside action was called by non other than INSIDE BOXING.COM Chairman
and CEO Aurelio Martinez Arroyo and Fox 31 Television's Will Jones. Their work
can be caught on a delayed broadcast Saturday May 25th at 8:00 pm eastern time
on the Dish Network channels 9602 and 455.
Denver's own singing diva Hazel Miller got things started with a powerful rendition of "The National Anthem". Following Ms. Miller "God Bless America" was sung by 9 years old Shannon Patilla.
After all the dignitaries had been introduced and the fighters returned to their dressing rooms, all that was left was for the RUMBLE IN THE ROCKIES to begin.
The match results are as follows:
(1) Ray Mix (DFD) decisions Mike Kelly in the only robbery of the night. (2) Tarek Otero (NYPD) KO'd Dan Delmonico (DPD) in the first round. (3) Brett Titus (DPD) KO'd Jose Quinones (NYPD) in the first round. (4) Todd Gentry (DPD) KO'd Doug Barry (FDNY) in round one. (5) Arby Hurd (US MARSHALLS) decisioned Kim Shaffidyia in one of the most entertaining matches of the evening featuring the only bout with women.
At this point there was a brief intermission where a live auction brought spirited bidding on 3 separate items of interest. An authentic Colorado Avalanche autographed jersey went for $2700. The helmet of a New York Fire Chief that survived 9/11 went for a whopping $6300. An original painting by Denver artist Darrel Anderson of the 9/11 tragedy fetched a handsome sum of $5000. Again, all proceeds went to charity.
Back to the action:
(6) Troy Morilli (DFD) decisions Mike Russo (NYPD). (7) Ron Leyba (DOC) decisions Louis Medina (DOC). (8) Joe Rodarte (DPD) decisions Joe Odachowski (NYPD) in the best fight of the night. These two heavyweight fighters were no "ordinary Joe's" and received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd for their efforts. (9) Rick Whalen (NYDOC) decisions (Jim Quinn (DFD). (10) The Main Event of the night featured Craig "Nature Boy" Feldmann (DPD) by decision over Timmy Hinchey (FDNY).
There was nothing but all-out effort given by each and every fighter who entered the ring this night. As if the more than worthy cause wasn't enough both the New York and Denver finest went at it like there was no tomorrow.
After all that serious head knocking could these guys have anything left? Saturday morning those fighters that are able will compete in a golf tournament at Buffalo Run Golf Course. Whew!
Both the Denver and New York Police and Firefighter Associations deserve credit for their combined efforts in providing one spectacular evening. For their support and appreciation of what the New York Police and Firefighters did during and in the wake of 9/11, the many in attendance this night made Denver proud.
Let's all hope and pray there never again be a need for an event such as this to held under circumstances other than to garner support for existing charities.
The Denver Athletic Club, Ed Thomas, Lori Montano, C.C. Edwards, Leroy Miller and Linda DelBianco are just a few of the many who gave endless hours to make the event the huge success it undoubtedly was.
To all of you, we the citizens of Denver give our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
05/24/02