Aricles/Press
Knocked Down, but not Out
(Featured in the Somerville News June 2, 2004)

Members of the Somerville Boxing Club dismantle the frame of their boxing ring as they moved out of the Masonic Temple on Highland Avenue. The ring, which dates back to the 1930's was used by great champions including, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Cassius Clay. News Photo by Neil W. McCabe

"...to the city in the past 25 years. Whether the kids who came in here were black, white, El Salvadorian or Haitian, they were staying out of trouble and avoiding gangs and drugs. We have had thousands of kids come through here and go on to college and successful careers. They come back as men and tell us they could not have done it if they hadn't come to the club and learned about respect, community, and physical and mental health. We don't teach these kids how to fight, we teach them how to be successful, productive members of society," said McCarthy.

The boxing club, run entirely by volunteers and maintained with dues paid by members, has recently gained national attention for producing John Ruiz, the current WBA heavyweight champion of the world, and his manager and trainer Norman "Stoney" Stone.

But McCarthy said the successful duo of Stone and Ruiz are no longer associated with the club.

"Johnny and Stoney are not involved anymore. They are always thought of as being associated with us but they made it - they're out in Vegas enjoying their success. Guys like me and John Curran are still here trying to help these kids in the ring and outside of it," said McCarthy.

Although all of the gym's equipment is in storage and they are not accepting new members, the Somerville Boxing Club is far from gone, said McCarthy.

"Right now we're at World Gym is Assembly Square working with our fighters who have bouts coming up. We're not going to accept new members until we have a new gym somewhere in Medford or Somerville. But we'll be back stronger than ever with more business sense this time," said McCarthy.

We already know how to help the kids in the ring and in life; now we just have to work on the business side of it and make sure something like this doesn't happen again."