USA Boxing…

USA Boxing conducted its first eastern seminar for level 3 coaches, which has never been held outside of Colorado Springs. Approximately 80 coaches from various parts of the eastern seaboard were in attendance at the seminar at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York. Longtime boxing director at WCC, Stephen B. Acunto hosted the meeting.

Level 1 and 2 of the two part seminar was conducted by Walter Haley USA President. Level 3, a five hour session was conducted by Ken Weldon, Chairman of the United States Coaches Committee. He gave an excellent demonstration and talk about what has been sorely missing in the training of boxers by coaches throughout the US: that is learning the basics and rudiments that make it possible to teach all the mechanics of the sport. Weldon proved that the actual future of Olympic Boxing in the USA will depend on the ability of coaches to teach the sport as a science and art. A structured program and attaining optimum condition are a must. In order to receive third level certification, the coaches present have to get into the ring and physically demonstrate what has been shown to them by Weldon and his young amateur boxing assistant, Raymond. Weldon, a student of famous trainer, Bill Gore is a proponent of the style of master boxer and former champion Benny Leonard. Ken was a number one contender in the featherweight division.

The game has been detrimentally besieged for far too long by incompetents in both the amateur and professional ranks and therefore, have often caused a negative influence for the advancement of boxing in this country. Our appreciation goes to Fred Marotta, coordinator and Bob Wall, volunteer coach at WCC, for their cooperation and assistance.

The next USA seminar will take place in San Diego.