BROOKLYN, NY (March 21, 2014) - Iron Mike Productions (IMP) and Gleason's Gym are joining forces in efforts to revitalize the New York boxing scene. The world famous gym - located on 77 Front Street in Brooklyn, NY - that once housed a young man who would go on to become the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history will now serve as headquarters for IMP to recruit local amateur fighters aspiring to enter the pro ranks.
IMP plans to officially open its office doors at its new location in April.
"The combination of Gleason's Gym and Mike Tyson is sure to make an impact in the boxing community," stated Bruce Silverglade, owner of Gleason's Gym, the oldest boxing gym in the United States. "The Recruitment Center will be a magnet for top prospects from around the world."
The launching will come right before the semifinal and final rounds of the 2014 Daily News Golden Gloves, an annual amateur boxing tournament. The finals will take place April 16-17 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It's a given that Tyson and his team will be paying close attention to the results.
"The opening of this recruitment center could not have come at a better time," noted Jose Nuñez, a local boxing manager whose clients include reigning 130-pound world titlist Argenis Mendez, former two-time world champion Joan Guzman and a slew of rising young fighters. "This collaboration will not only help bring local fighters to the gym, but make them step up their game. We're looking for the best fighters of the area to represent our brand in the pro ranks. When fighters come to Gleason's, they'll know they have to bring their best every time they're ready to train."
IBF junior lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez
IBF junior lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez
Nuñez Management will serve as an integral part of the recruiting process for IMP, given the manager's local roots.
The location hits home for Tyson, one of 133 champions (male and female) from past and present to have at one point trained at Gleason's Gym. Tyson was born and raised in Brooklyn before being taken in by Cus D'Amato at age 16, with boxing serving as his lone salvation amidst a childhood littered with petty crimes, frequent arrests and time spent in reform school.
Now comes the Hall of Famer's chance to once again give back.
"Iron Mike Productions is very excited about establishing our presence in the New York boxing community by partnering up with Gleason's Gym," said Azim Spicer, Vice President of Iron Mike Productions. "It's a great opportunity to monitor and assist boxers to strive for their goals in the amateur and professional ranks."
About Iron Mike Productions (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.
About Gleason's Gym: One of the sport's grandest institutions and among the last of New York City's thriving boxing gyms, Gleason's Gym is owned and operated by Bruce Silverglade. Gleason's has served as training headquarters for some of the sports biggest legends, including Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran and Jake LaMotta. All told, more than 130 World Champions have trained inside the hallow walls of the Brooklyn landmark.
About Nuñez Management: Jose Nuñez has been involved in the sport since the late 1990's before forming and serving as CEO of Nuñez Management in 2006. The New York-based manager, whose company also manages several notable music acts, has guided four fighters to world championships to date, including reigning 130 pound world champion Argenis Mendez and former two-division world champion Joan Guzman. Both fighters still serve under the managerial banner, along with a trio unbeaten prospects - junior welterweight Felix Diaz, who captured Olympic gold for the 2008 Dominican Republic boxing squad, light heavyweight Lenin Castillo, and junior middleweight Dominique Dolton - among several other rising prospects from the U.S. and Dominican Republic.
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