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Police Lieutenant Mike Indri is a 17 year
veteran of the West New York PD, he also is the New
Jersey state representative for the Retired Boxers Foundation
(RBF), a nonprofit corporation founded by ex-middleweight
contender Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos. Having experienced
first hand the hard, cold reality waiting for him, Ramos
-with his fighting days behind him- founded the RBF
in 1995 and along with his executive director Jacquie
Richardson formally incorporated in 2000. The RBF's
mission is to assist fighters in -for what most retired
boxers find to be- their toughest fight of all: life
after boxing. Unfortunately a large majority of retired
boxers aren't prepared for life outside the ring and
while most have picked up boxing at an early age, they
haven't learned anything else. Most have no other means
of support or income, and many have to deal with mental
or physical problems -a direct result of their battles
in the boxing ring.
With more then five years under its belt
the RBF has learned that even with their present meager
resources they have been able to make a substantial
difference in the lives of hundreds of boxers-one at
a time.
Indri, who lives in Lyndhurst with his
wife Lori and their three daughters, wants to see the
RBF having a more significant impact in boxing.
"I've always loved the sport of boxing.
Growing up my dad hardly ever took me to ballgames,
instead he took me to Madison Square Garden or local
arenas -such as the old North Bergen Embassy theatre-to
watch the fights. While my buddies were dreaming of
Mickey Mantle and Tom Seaver I was making believe I
was Joe Frazier-he was my hero."
"Alex Ramos and Jacquie are really good
people who have been helping many retired fighters -guys
we have watched fighting for championships- who have
lost everything, even their own respect and dignity.
I think it's a shame how these guys have been treated."
With a police schedule that rotates each
week and his busy family life taking on the position
as the RBF's New Jersey State representative isn't always
easy.
"Nothing good comes easy," states Indri,
"and the RBF is a great cause! After my police days
I'd like to be associated in something where I can still
lead with a positive example and also help people -I
really think that's how I became involved with Alex
and the Retired Boxers Foundation."
For the RBF to reach its goals it needs
help, not just from the people who make their living
off of fighters (such as promoters, managers, etc.),
but from the fans. "I'd like to formulate our own support
team, here in New Jersey, comprised of lawyers, financial
advisors, doctors, computer personnel, caterers, etc.
Anyone who is a boxing fan can help. I plan to launch
a "RBF New Jersey" website soon, so as to reach a much
larger statewide audience."
The RBF already has its Retired
Boxers Foundation site and Alex gets ten to twenty
phone calls each day from fighters needing various forms
of assistance.
To contact Mike Indri call (201) 933-1040
or e-mail him at RBFNJMIKE@aol.com
To make a contribution to the Retired
Boxers Foundation contact Alex Ramos at:
Retired Boxers Foundation
3359 Bryan Avenue
Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 583-5890
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