By Stephen Cooney

I have always been somewhat of a brute, probably more suited for the peak of Roman Gladiatorial Combat and not the refined sports of the modern world. That is why the savage sports that refused to die with the Roman senate appeal to my brutal heart. I love hockey goons, watch too much football and have a borderline unhealthy obsession with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Quinton Rampage Jackson. Hockey fights excite my soul and nothing is better than a knockout in any sport. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the skill in sports and respect them for what they are, and that is why I prefer “The Sweet Science” to hockey fights, but also refuse to let go my obsession with Mixed Martial Arts.

When I got the chance to cover the opening of the New York Golden Gloves tournament, I jumped on it. Watching boxing from the canvas is the best visual experience in all of sports. The opening card was impressive and the athletes put on a strong amateur boxing show. Watching these fights live in the crowded B.B. King Blues Club was impressive, in fact more impressive than I could probably write about effectively since I spent the night wedged between the ropes taking photos. There were knockouts and tough decisions – everything a boxing fan could ask for out of an amateur show.

Here are some photos from that night, and I am hoping to bring more coverage of the following rounds of tournament fights to The Chronicle for your viewing pleasure. For now, enjoy.