The sweet science

Broadway Boxing Club trainers Dennis Wilcox (thumb up) and Joe Ricciardi (center) surrounded by the many boxers training for free at the new boxing center at the old Everett High School building. (Contributed photo)

Broadway Boxing Club open to interested fighters

By LORENZO RECUPERO

If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing in the ring, get your gloves and inner fight readyas a first-of-its-kind boxing center is now open for all Everett residents to attend — free of charge.

Whether you’re 13, 30, or maybe older, the Broadway Boxing Club at the site of the old Everett High School, is welcoming all to train with certified USA Boxing trainers and former amateur boxers, Dennis Willcox and Joe Ricciardi, who have been running the club together since it opened to residents in May.

“Both Joe and Myself were amateur boxers and he had a gym in Saugus. He would train professional boxers and we talked about getting together to offer it to the youth of Everett and that’s how it came to be,” Said Willcox, who said he presented the idea to the city and was offered the space at the former site of the Wellness Center.

“The free program is offered for all ages, but the best time to get started with boxing is between the ages of 12-13. So we really want to encourage all the interested youth in the city to get involved,” said Willcox.

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Foppiano looking to make waves

JUNE 18: Professional Boxer Shayna Foppiano practices her boxing skills underwater. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso)

Next bout July 23

By LORENZO RECUPERO

It’s been over a year since Everett boxer Shayna Foppiano last got into the ring to defend her undefeated professional record. 

Finally, after months of searching for an opponent and waiting out Coronavirus restrictions, the time has come for Foppiano (3-0-1) to flex her muscle and try to extend her winning record. 

“Oh, man, I am so excited for the fans! It’s definitely music to my ears!,” said a very ready-to-go Foppiano, who will be fighting in front of a live crowd, something she wasn’t sure would be a possibility when fig planning began earlier this year.

The upcoming bout, against pro boxer Vanessa Grimes of Texas, who has a background in Mixed Martial Arts, will take place Friday, July 23rd at the Castleton Banquet Hall in Windham, New Hampshire. Doors are scheduled open at 6pm, fights start at 7pm.

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Dilboy Down, Nationals to Go

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Ryan Pietrantonio (white trunks) is victorious at Dilboy Stadium. (Photos by Ana Jeleniewska)

By Lorenzo Recupero

Everett boxer Ryan Pietrantonio already cemented himself in Everett lore after punching his way to the New England Golden Gloves Championship earlier this year. Now, with his 12th victory coming by way of unanimous decision over Josh Raineri at the annual Fight Night at Dilboy event in Somerville this past weekend, he’s looking to spread word of his talents and knock down the competition at USA Boxing’s largest tournament of the year.

“I plan to pick up my training, do a lot more strength and conditioning and focus a little less on the skill part. I wanna be in super shape and strong [for nationals],” said Pietrantonio after getting the fight at Dilboy Stadium Saturday, his last before going to compete in USA Boxing’s National Tournament in October is n Ohio.

Until then, Pietrantonio says he’s got to ramp up the workload if he plans to come back home a national welterweight champion.

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