Boxers show talents

Posted by the Times-Beacon Newspapers on 07/19/07

STAFF REPORT

Gladiator Boxing hosted an amateur boxing card this past Saturday evening and three Gladiator boxers fared well against competition which came from various locations, including Connecticut, Newark, Paterson, Trenton, New Brunswick, Pleasantville and Brick.

In a 160-pound contest, 15-year-old Gladiator boxer Anthony Sodano remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision over Dave DiBenedetto, while Dan Murray took to the ring for his amateur debut and lost a split decision against a more experienced Jermaine Barrett of Newark in a 15-year-old, 145-pound bout.

But it was 13-year-old Rocco Salimbene who thrilled the crowd the most, as he took on Antonio Monroe of Pleasantville in a 90-pound contest and dominated from the opening bell. Salimbene scored four standing eight-counts against his opponent, forcing the referee to stop the bout on a technical knockout midway through the second round.

For his efforts, Salimbene was awarded the Most Impressive Boxer award for the evening.

Team Gladiator now is preparing for the Mid-Atlantic amateur boxing tournament to be held in Virginia next month, then will host the opening night of the New Jersey Diamond Gloves tournament in October.