Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
The “Battle for Bobby” fundraiser event was held on Sunday at the Nutley Elks Club in Nutley, NJ, just a few miles down the highway from where Bobby Czyz fought some of his early pro fights at Totowa Ice World.
Bobby Czyz, is a NJ born and raised former Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight Champion and also an ex Showtime Boxing analyst who is currently battling brain cancer. When asked how he was holding up, the ring legend replied: “It’s gonna take something a lot tougher than cancer to beat me.”
The event was SOLD OUT event with many champions in attendance including: Derrick Graham, Mark Medal, Randy Neumann, Arturo Gatti Jr., Tommy Rainone, Chuck Wepner, Larry Holmes, Donny Lalonde, John Scully, Scott Depompe, Leo Loiacano, Michael Spinks, Tim Witherspoon, Vito Antuofermo.
Czyz was and still is a very popular, adored figure in boxing for his memorable career from the Golden Era of the sport.
Always friendly, gracious and engaging with fans and media, my favorite Bobby Czyz memory was doing an interview with him and he told a story about hanging out with former NFL great Lawrence Taylor, considered the greatest defensive player in football history. LT told Czyz, “I could never do what you do.” The New York Giants icon was basically saying to Czyz that he didn’t have the courage to be a pro boxer.
Actually, there’s I have another good memory of Bobby. I played hockey with his brother who was our goaltender for a few games. The first time I ever met Bobby was at the Jersey Shore, in the mid 1980s, Seaside Heights. One Saturday afternoon we were playing whiffle ball in the street and who walked by us but the boxing champ himself Bobby Czyz, on his way to the Joey Harrison Surf Club down the street. I expected Bobby to be really cocky but when I said, Yo Bobby, he turned and stopped and waved, really friendly and cool. I don’t know how to explain it, but I always remember that little brief interaction and how I really liked him from it. It’s like that three seconds showed his true colors and character, he’s a great human being and cool guy.
Please pray for Bobby Czyz, a champion and great guy in the ring and out. To donate link
