Cliffside Park, NJ - Earlier this month the International Veteran Boxers Association, Ring # 25 honored one of Cliffside Park's favorite sons - boxing legend Joe Borrell. With over 300 fights to his credit Borrell was world renowned in the sport of boxing, having faced the great hall of fame middleweight champion Harry Greb four times from 1918-1921 (records show Borrell only losing once!).
Borrell, having served in the U. S. Navy - Retired Chief Petty Officer, later became Cliffside Park's Chief of Police and also had the prestigious honor of being the first fighter inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 1969.
Ring # 25 president Paul Venti, Pierre Benoist, Henry Hascup (the master -of-ceremonies & the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame president) and Cliffside Park mayor Gerald Calabrese took part in the event. The highlight being the unveiling of the Joe Borrell monument, which is now on permanent display at the town's municipal building. In attendance, proudly looking on, were Borrell's son Frank and his great-grandson Joey Mandel.
New Jersey boxing greats Randy Nuemann, the ever-popular Chuck Wepner and former World Champion, hall of famer Emile Griffith were also on hand and took part in the festivities.
The Borrell family, Cliffside Park's City Officials and all the members of Ring # 25 should be very proud of the honor bestowed upon Joe Borrell - a wonderful gentleman who honorably served his country and his community, who also was a tremendous, legendary fighter.
