2002 INDUCTEES

BANQUET GUESTS & CELEBRITIES

Angelo's love of history is only equaled by his love of boxing. He had many accomplishments over the years; as a sports reporter for the Batavia Daily News, sports editor of the Genesee Independent Press, his numerous articles for Ring, Boxing Illustrated, Boxing Digest, Unitas Boxing World magazines and the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. Angelo has written many articles of title bouts like Frazier-Ali I, Hearns-Leonard I, Leonard-Duran I, Ali-Norton III and Hearns-Hagler. His articles were more than just descriptions of the fights themselves; they were-in-depth studies of the emotions of fighters, the behind the scenes maneuvering, the history of the period, and personal recollections. Mr. Prospero is also the author of the book titled, "Great Fights and Fighter." As a well-known boxing historian, Angelo Prospero takes great pride in his knowledge of the many great fighters that Western New York has produced over the past century.

In the early 1970s, Angelo Prospero founded "The Rochester Boxing Association" - where he served as president for eleven years. It became one of the premier Veteran Boxer's Associations in the country. Angelo is currently a licensed boxing judge in South Carolina, and has judged hundreds of bouts including two Championship fight.

Angelo's membership to Ring #44 is a powerful representation of the multi-talented and prestigious quality of our organization. Ring #44 takes great pride in sharing his enthusiasm and sense of humor over the past four years at our Dinner Banquets. The "Professor" now performs like a well-oiled machine.

A sports writer once said, "If all fights were a hundred rounds, George Chuvalo would be heavyweight champion for twenty years." George Chuvalo's story is one of the amazing sagas of the ring. First of all, in 93 fights he was never off his feet, despite meeting the best heavyweights in the world for over two decades. He won the Jack Dempsey Tournament in Toronto in 1956, and first won the Canadian title in 1958 - when he kayoed James J. Parker in one round. Twenty years later he was still Canadian champion, kayoing George Jerome in one round and retired still the champ.

When Chuvalo challenged British Empire champion Henry Cooper, the latter said, "I don't even want to meet him socially!"

George did meet Muhammad Ali twice, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Yvon Durelle, Ernie Terrell, Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, Floyd Patterson, and all the great heavyweights of two eras. In 91 bouts he scored 64 knockouts. In his last nine fights, up to age 41, he won eight, all by kayo - losing only a twelve round decision to Muhammad Ali. Jerry Quarry, who was kayoed by Chuvalo in seven rounds in Madison Square Garden said, "I've never met anyone toughter, in or out of the ring."

George Chuvalo was a powerful fighter - at home in the ring - no matter where the ring was. Therefore it was no surprise that he never lost a bout to a Western New York fighter. He beat Buffalonians - Dick Wipperman, Vic Brown, Tony Ventura, and Lloyd Washington; Rochesterians Bob Biehler and Mike Boswell; and Syracuse native Mike DeJohn.

George Chuvalo's career was one of the finest and most unique in boxing history for strength, bravery and longevity. A Chuvalo comes along once in a lifetime!

John Tedesco was born in Port Dalhouise, Canada in 1924. His family moved to Buffalo in 1930 where John attended Public Schools #1 and #2, as well as Boys Vocational High School. While attending high school John began his two careers that would bring him both fame and fulfillment. While still in high school he began working for the Ellicott Square Florist Shop. He remained with them in different capacities, with time off for the war, until 1967 when he opened Flowers By Johnny in Kenmore. During the next 23 years John became one of the most successful florist in Western New York. In 1974 he became the first local florist to be invited to Washington, D. C., to help decorate the White House for Christmas. John still does volunteer work for Grow Wholesale Florists.

John's other love has been boxing. He competed in the Golden Glove and Diamond Belt tournaments while in high school. Tom Stenhouse was his first opponent in an amateur fight held at the Mars Hotel. While in the marines, Tedesco had 43 fights. After WW II John followed his wife's advice and retired as an active fighter. Jack Singer was like a father to John. Jack guided John as he entered a "new" boxing career - that of a licensed boxing second. John's major duty was that as a glove man. He worked many of the Bobby Scanlon and Joey Giambra fights. Jack Singer frequently called up John Tedesco to work the corners for many of the out of town fighters.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!

History: For thousands of years before European contact, Aboriginal people held games throughout the continent of North America, often being revered as Turtle Island. Historical records dictate that many modern team sports were derived from traditional indigenous games. What is not well known is that these games taught personal and social values, which were a curriculum for their way of life. These practices taught each generation values and personal qualities that are reflective throughout indigenous lifestyles and cultures to the present day. Qualities such as honesty, courage, respect, personal excellence, and gratitude for the guidance of parents, elders and communities - prepared children and youth for the responsibility of adulthood.

Present: The North American Indigenous Games will be a celebration of indigenous cultures from across our continent as over 7,000 athletes gather to compete in our own games. This event will no doubt be a truly splendid combination of sport and culture. It will feature remarkable performances - by hosting competitions from a wide variety and multitude of sporting events. These events include archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoeing, golf, field lacrosse, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, swimming, Tae Kwon Do, volleyball and wrestling. It will also include more traditional First Nations pursuits such as hoop dancing, lahal and a social Pow Wow.

The North American Indigenous Games promises to be the largest amateur sporting event in Buffalo, New York, and perhaps even the largest of its kind in the United States during the summer of 2005. The Host Society believes these games will be remembered in years to come, by participants and spectators alike, as a true world-class celebration of sport and Indigenous cultures. The 2005 North American Indigenous Games, and the Host Society for these Games, will create immediate and tangible opportunities to leave substantial legacies for youth, sport, culture and heritage preservation. Specifically, the Bid will revitalize sport, recreation and physical fitness activity through a strong commitment to elite athletic development. The 2005 Bid will allow the Haudenosaunee to showcase our unique identities and cultural diversity to the world.

The Buffalo Sport Society is an emerging leader in developing amateur sport excellence, from recreation and leisure grassroots level - to Indian Country's high performance, elite athlete. The Buffalo Sports Society is dedicated to strengthening the unique contribution that the redemptive power of sport makes to our unique First Nations identity, culture and society.

Corporate Sponsors, Communnity Organizations and Volunteers interested in becoming "Friends of the Games" can contact Guy G. Patterson, Jr., at 716-822-1389. For more information see NAIG