Sixty-one years ago, boxing was discontinued at the United States Coast Guard Academy, the year I was born. Maybe it was fate that, having been involved with boxing for over forty years, I would have some small part in the return of a boxing event to the Academy, located in the city where I grew up. Probably not, but Heavy Hitters USA certainly had a very prominent role in its return. With the help of Mr. Al Valenti, boxing promoter from Boston and the Connecticut USA Boxing Program, Heavy Hitters USA was able to bring the United States Marine Corps Boxing Team to New London for the first time. The Coast Guard Academy, through the efforts of their boxing coach Chris Soto, hosted the event and did a great job. Billard Hall, where the competition was held, was filled with energy, enthusiasm and cadets that were helpful throughout the event. One could almost feel the presence of the ghosts of boxing past smiling with pride in the arena they had competed in themselves so many years ago. There were also fans from New London who had never been inside the Academy gates before. Because of boxing, the playing field had been leveled and the cadets and the New London fans stood side-by-side for a moment that many will never forget.

    I would like to thank everyone involved with the production of this event and the sponsors and donors whose contributions helped Heavy Hitters defray some of the expenses. I would especially like to thank Mr. Orlando Peace, Program Coordinator for Heavy Hitters USA, for all the work he did and continuously does for the program, and Chris Soto and Tom Barile, CGA boxing coaches, for the work they do with their boxing program and for opening the “doors of possibilities” for the Heavy Hitters program.

Best Regards,
Kent Ward

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