Joyce & Jim Ludwig

We have enjoyed Amateur Boxing for the past 25 years. Initially, (1981) we attended a show at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. One of our local boys, Sammy David, was participating. That same year we attended the show at Easton High School where Mark Holmes, Larry Holmes' brother, was boxing. We followed Middle Atlantic and Pennsylvania Golden Gloves for the next few years, watching Fernando Rodriguez from Lancaster, PA and many others.

After enjoying so many local and regional shows, we decided it was time to see the National Golden Gloves. Our first show was in Des Moines, IA (1991) where we formally met Frank Cariello. We continued to follow the local shows, the States, and most of the Nationals for 18 years, when we were asked to Chair the Registration Committee (1998). We have done so for the past 9 years.

We were honored to receive the Appreciation Award from the Middle Atlantic Association (1995). We also received an award we truly cherish when we were inducted into the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Hall of Fame (May 10, 2002). This award partially states: “In recognition of your years of outstanding and dedicated service to the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Program.”

Throughout the years at the National Golden Gloves, we have witnessed great boxing by Dan Davis, David Reid (1993 Olympic Gold Medallist), Tim Williamson, Aaron Torres, Demetrius Hopkins, Rashiem Jefferson (3-time Nat'l Champ), Anthony Thompson, Alfred Kinsey, Carney Bowman, Israel Crespo, Leon Kennedy, and Chazz Witherspoon.

Boxing has become a very enjoyable hobby for both of us. We have not missed a show that the Golden Gloves has sponsored since 1998, or any of the Nationals in 15 years.

We have also been fortunate enough to follow many Amateur Boxers, such as Sammy David, Rocking Fernando Rodriguez, Manny Rose, Mighty Ivan Robinson, and No-Joke Mike Stewart, throughout their Professional Careers.

In between boxing, and our frequent visits to Atlantic City, we enjoy spending time with our 2 sons, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

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