Newark Native Recognized for His Contributions to Boxing

On a day when the community was giving thanks and recognizing Larry Hazzard, Sr, he turned the tables and gave back to his community. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Irvington Mayor Smith chose Monday, September 27, 2010 as a day to celebrate the many accomplishments of Mr. Hazzard. Noted Politicians and Friends took turns thanking Mr. Hazzard, a celebrated school Administrator in NJ, for all of the wonderful things he has done not just in Boxing, but within their community. Friends also took the time to tell engaging stories about their very accomplished friend. But, in the end, it was Larry Hazzard, Sr. who eloquently delivered a message of hope and powerful words to live by.

Larry Hazzard, Sr. served as one of the most recognizable referees and Athletic Commissioners in the sport of Boxing. Under Hazzard's leadership New Jersey became a powerful boxing state. Hazzard implemented boxing rules, regulations, and policies in NJ that are now standards for other states and boxing organizations. He was also the driving force behind boxing adopting a nationally recognized unified Championship Rules System as well as officiating standards, and the development and use of the 10-Point scoring system universally used in boxing.

Hazzard was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in June 2010, but he took the time to tell his community "I didn't think it would get much better than being immortalized in the sport of boxing at the Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY, but I'm here to tell you Canastota has nothing on this." For Hazzard, that seemed to be a warm up as he addressed the well attended gathering with his one wish. "If I had one wish, I would want my mother to be here, so she can see what Boxing has done for our family." Hazzard also gave a message of hope as he acknowledged friends and role models saying, "I firmly believe that no matter what walk of life or background you come from you can be successful if you have the right role models and influences guiding your life."

Hazzard ended his speech acknowledging a disagreement between him and some board members led to his end as the Athletic Commissioner, but he turned the negative into a very powerful message. Hazzard, while filming the movie "ALI," had the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela. Hazzard asked Mandela how he found the will to survive in prison for so many years? Mandela told him, "he survived by fighting their negative with Excellence." In parting, Hazzard told everyone, "If you leave here today with one message, I asked you to remember when you are down or things don't look so well, remember to fight back with Excellence!"

Larry Hazard, Sr., once again, found a way to to give the community something special and for that Newark, NJ and the world say, "Thank You and Congratulations, Mr Hazzard!"

 

Chris Williams-Staff Writer