By Charles Jay
When you try to do something different, it helps to get the right mentors. And that’s why Boxing Insider so lucky to be able to work with someone like Sonya Lamonakiswho is currently the Vice President and Registrar of the United States boxing subwaywhich administers amateur boxing in the New York metropolitan area.
They will monitor.”Boxing Insider Fight Night“Happening on Thursday night at Sony Hall in Times Square (235 W. 46th Street to be exact).
Most of you probably know Sonya from her days as a professional boxer. She campaigned for the better part for seven years as a serious contender, in a career marked by a decisive win over Carlette Ewell to win. IBO Championship in December 2014.
Possessing a master’s degree in education, she is currently a math teacher in the New York City public school system.
We asked her a little question about amateur boxing of all levels.
Q: Do you observe how amateur boxing affects the young people involved, regarding their future, will they take it to the next level?
A: You ask, why do people box? Box people for different reasons. Some join for the future, some join for the love of sports, and some join for personal growth. If you plan to become a successful professional boxer, it is very helpful to have an in-depth amateur background. You can see when the big fights happened, the professionals had amateur careers. All of the boxers above have had amateur experience, that’s where you learn the craft, refine, and decide if this life is for you.
Q: How lively is the amateur boxing “scene” in the NY Metro area compared to other areas you know of? Is it increasing?
A: Well, as Vice President of BOXING METRO USA, and as president of registration, we are ranked in the top 3 in the US. The Colorado Country Office considers Metro a leading example of how a successful LBC should run.
We are one of the best performing LBCs (local boxing commissions) in the country. We have a large pool of athletes, coaches, doctors and officials. We host over 80 sanctioned shows each year. We have athletes from other LBCs to compete in Metro programs. We host America’s most sought-after tournament, The Ring Masters, giving them a chance to hit the box at Madison Square Garden, other popular venues include, Barclay Center, Sony Hall, Car Club Old Town in Manhattan and our popular gyms like Gleason’s Gym Church Street Boxing and Gotham.
Q: Is there a gig (and hopefully a series of shows) at this particular venue, in Times Square – does it have the potential to help elevate amateur boxing in the area?
A: Yes, premium venues promote USA Boxing Metro athletes for the chance to compete in a venue where other major celebrities have competed.
Q: Would you say the future of amateur boxing at the national and even world level is promising, despite the chaos we see at these higher levels?
A: Yes, the future of amateur boxing is very promising, boxing has been around since ancient times and will continue into the future. It just keeps getting bigger and better. Remember the famous author who didn’t like women’s boxing said, “The only thing square in boxing is the ring”
Q: As we discussed, you took a break from your full-time job. How in the world do you find the time to devote to all these amateur boxing gigs in the NY area (and I’ve seen that schedule – it’s powerful)?
A: Teachers are very good at planning and preparing. Lucky for me, I have a great team with me. We all work together for LBC’s success. We have a board of directors who volunteer to help make this organization a success.
Q: What happens to our guy Larry (Goldberg, of Boxing Insider) in his new pursuit?
A: Larry is doing great because he has the right team behind him. He has always been supportive of amateur boxing, women’s boxing and even my journey in boxing. We look forward to having a great partnership with Larry and Boxinginsider.com on building premium programs that give our athletes a chance to box under the bright lights.
