By Frank Bartolini

Second week of November was very active and entertaining for the fight game.
Getting things started promoter Lou Dibella of Dibella Entertainment. Edison Ballroom in the heart of Times Square, New York City hosted the event on November 7th. A first rate affair that had cadets from West Point greeting well dressed guests on arrival. Former US Marine Junior lightweight Jamal Herring, Cincinnati Ohio returned to action after a brief fifteen month retirement, stopping outclassed undefeated Nicholas Molina of Lowell Mass in round one. A packed house saw Herring raise his record to 24-4 12 ko’s as Molina slips to 13-1 5 ko’s.
Two nights later The New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame had its fifty third annual inductions at The Venetian in Lodi. Held at an opulent banquet hall the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame dinner is a formal dinner just shy of being a black tie affair. Notable guests included the Commissioner Larry Hazzard, former heavyweight contender Chuck Wepner, heavyweight contender Otto Wallin and world renown officials boxing judge Serve Wiesfeld and Referee Benji Estevez. Inductees this year were former world rated middleweight Omar Sheika,one time world rated light Anthony Fletcher who was recently released from prison after serving 29 years first degree murder that was reduced to aggravated manslaughter by the Innocence Project and heavyweight journeyman Maurice Harris. NJBHOF President Henry Hascup devotes countless hours and also handled the Master of Ceremonies duties for the event.
In conclusion, on Saturday night in Newark NJ at The Robert Treat Hotel, the number one promoter in the Garden state Rising Star Promotions entertained a sold out crowd . This was Rising Stars fiftieth fight card since inaugurating the business in December of 2015. World ranked middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna is the CEO of the outfit. LaManna is a key factor in reviving the sport in the Garden state.
This evening super bantamweight Emmanual Rodriguez got back on the winning track after losing two out of his last three battles. Rodriguez of Newark NJ is a popular boxer who sells a ton of tickets. Carlos Mendoza was flown in from Modesto California to face Rodriguez. Rodriguez has solid skills but is not a heavy hitter. Winning every round Rodriguez went home with a eight round unanimous decision victory.