True Warriors Boxing Dominates the 2023 New Jersey Golden Gloves

True Warriors Boxing Dominates the 2023 New Jersey Golden Gloves
By George Beck, Ph.D.

Paterson, New Jersey, is known for silk and boxing. It is named the "Silk City" for its once-dominant role in silk production during the late 1800s. However, the silk factories have faded into yesteryear while boxing in Paterson still produces many prolific fighters.

Paterson is New Jersey's third-largest city, with a current population of 154,594. It showcases a long and storied boxing history, including during the 1920s when young Paterson native Lou Costello, later of the famed comedy team Abbott & Costello, boxed at the many gyms in the neighborhood. During the 1930s, Abbott and Costello performed at the local Hinchliffe Stadium before boxing matches. Many fighters have come up in the city gyms, rugged men, such as Paul Cavalier, who Gene Tunney called the "cleverest heavyweight in the world." Cavalier became the first to defeat Jim Braddock, "The Cinderella Man," in 1927. Others include Rubin Carter, Frankie Toledo, Omar Sheika, Vince Martinez, Pat Comiskey, George Khalid Jones, Curtis Harris, Henry Crawford and the list goes on.

From the numerous gyms that once flourished during the 20th century, boxing in Paterson has consolidated into two: Ike & Randy's Boxing and True Warriors Boxing & Fitness Club. Both are firmly established and respected in the sport, each producing some of the toughest fighters to get in the ring. Both are nonprofit 501 (c)(3) gyms focused on keeping young people off the streets where dismally gunfire, gang warfare, and social and economic blight envelope the city. Both gyms are making a significant difference in the lives of children living in a despondent city by offering encouragement, leadership, skills and hope.

JOSE AND RAMONA CONCEPCION

The husband-and-wife team Jose and Ramona Concepcion run True Warriors. The Concepcions have produced many talented amateur and pro boxers and have a heart of gold for the youth. They also officiate boxing matches.

"Jose and Ramona are not here for the money," amateur boxer Alberto Palacios told Blue Magazine as he trained, hitting one of several heavy bags in the gym. "They care about the kids, and they care so much for these kids you can see it in the gym's atmosphere. It's old school around here."

Palacios is speaking of the many rules of respect the gym has for its members and guests. Cursing is not allowed. Respecting the facility is mandatory, and respecting each other is strictly enforced. This, in turn, has created an environment where boxers from beginners to advanced work together to develop their boxing skills irrespective of the ways of the bustling city streets outside their doors. The gym has become a sanctuary for youth looking to establish themselves and have the most incredible opportunities life offers them.

A mother watching her son during their afternoon kid's class told Blue Magazine that she'd noticed a tremendous improvement in her son since she enrolled him in True Warriors. "We've been here for six months now, and everyone tells me how respectful and calm my son is. His teachers and even family members ask me what I did for this to happen," she said. "I tell them it wasn't me. Jose and Ramona deserve the credit."

(LEFT TO RIGHT: DEVINE GUZMAN, XAVIER CORREA, DENNIS GUZMAN, AND DANIEL GUZMAN)

The Concepcions’ strategy for turning young men and women into respectful children while teaching them boxing skills is a proven recipe for success. True Warriors Gym entered the New Jersey State Golden Gloves this year and produced five champions. Dennis Guzman, 10; Daniel Guzman, 16; Devine Guzman, 18; Xavier Correa, 18; and Justin Wiesner, 19, each won the tournament in their respective divisions. These young men not only experienced the accomplishment of success, but they learned how to overcome challenges through hard work, dedication and perseverance — all essential qualities needed to navigate the road of life ahead.

The Blue Magazine congratulates True Warriors 2023 Golden Gloves Champions and offers a genuine and heartfelt sense of gratitude to the Concepcions who, through boxing and kindness, provide kids with leadership and opportunity in a world where many have turned a blind eye. We see you and appreciate all that you do!