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Don King
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There is a saying that goes “The streets are watching”. There is a definite truth to that, as the streets have watched our youth and preyed on their psyche. In a sport that many people feel consists of crooks in every nook, New Jersey State Athletic Commissioner Larry Hazzard proves that notion very wrong with his organization called, Community Organization Making Boxing Alternatives for Today and Tomorrow, or more easily called, C.O.M.B.A.T.T.
In its four year infancy, this non-profit organization has provided the youth of Newark, NJ with much needed guidance in redirecting the negative energies that tend to grab our youth by giving them alternatives to the streets. It has shown the positives of boxing and what the sport can do and has done. Just as in its name, C.O.M.B.A.T.T. has provided troubled youths and amateur boxers with the a place to turn that will lead them through today as well as tomorrow. Its founder Larry Hazzard, President Rhonda Utley-Herring and the whole C.O.M.B.A.T.T. staff deserve a great deal of acknowledgement for their tireless efforts in making the vision work.
Every year C.O.M.B.A.T.T. also acknowledges the contributions of boxing dignitaries who have themselves lent their time, effort and love for the sport and the youth by holding its Annual Celebrity Reception and Awards Dinner. On Tuesday, March 28, 2006, the C.O.M.B.A.T.T. organization will hold this fourth annual affair at the Robert Treat Hotel in the heart of downtown Newark, New Jersey.
Some past C.O.M.B.A.T.T. award winners have been I.B.F President Marian W. Muhammad; former heavyweight champions ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson; Bruce Silverglade of Gleason’s Gym; boxing trainer/manager Lou Duva; ringside Physician Dr. Barry Jordan and Hall-of-Fame promoter Don king, to name a few.
On tap for this year’s honors will be Joe Guzman who will receive the Joe Frazier Boxing Community Service Award; Delacey Davis will be honored with the Lou Duva Mentor Award; Golden Boy Promotions East and West will be honored with the C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Founder’s Award; the Global Service Award will go to Jimmy Binns; Dr. Ken Remsen will take home the Sports Medicine Award; The Rev. Dr. Jethro James’ efforts will be awarded with the Humanitarian Award; the Boxing Ambassador of Goodwill Award will go to Paul Venti and finally boxing promoter Murad Muhammad will be honored with the C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Leadership Award.
The Honorable Mayor Wayne Smith of Irvington Township will serve as the master of ceremonies. Don King will also be in attendance as a guest speaker.
Again, all this takes place on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at the Robert Treat Hotel in the heart of downtown Newark, New Jersey with the reception starting at 5:30 PM and the dinner to begin at 7:00 PM. All tickets are to be purchased in advance for a donation of $75. All ticket information can be obtained by phoning (973) 651-6884 or (609) 656-0007.
The streets are indeed watching; come acknowledge the alternative.
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2006
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By Rob Scott (March 14, 2006) 
