Inducted on November 11, 1999
Highlights of Irv Abramson’s Career
Served in World War II, Air Force. Gunner on a B-25 Bomber. Known as the “Bastard Gunner.” Flew 64 missions in New Guinea. When not flying, he trained boxers and staged boxing shows in New Guinea.
While still in the service, he returned to the States. Was stationed in Kentucky. Because of rank, was assigned to a public relations department and became a sports writer for the Post newspaper. Became active in boxing, baseball and basketball. Held a press pass to Crossley Field, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Helped to bring boxing back to Cincinnati and arranged a main event in Chicago. Honorably discharged.
One of the youngest fight promoters in the country. Teamed up with Pete Montesi, renowned former boxer and fight manager, to promote boxing in Jamaica, Queens. (Montesi lost an arm and a leg in the service during World War II.) Irving Rudd was my publicist; Johnny Addie was my announcer.
Editor of “Ringside,” a publication of the New York Managers and Trainers Association. Publisher of “Boxing World,” a newspaper related to the sport. Distributed world-wide. Editor of “The Longshoremen’s Voice.” Wrote a syndicated boxing column.
Appointed assistant to the general organizer. Public relations advisor for Community Projects for the New York District Council, I.L.A., AFL-CIO. Authorized to represent the Assocaiation in matters relating to any housing and/or combined occupancy projects sponsored by the Association, including, but not limited to representation before City and State agencies, such as the City Planning Commission, Housing and Development Board, Department of Real Estate and the New York City Educational Construction Fund. Helped establish the South Street Seaport Museum with Peter Stanford and Jakob Isbrandtsen, primary property and financier, who owned most of the real estate adjacent to the seaport.
Consultant to Edward Egan, former New York State Boxing Commissioner, who was appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to head the “People-to-People” Sports Committee.
Won a quiz contest program in the United States, and represented the United States in Australia for a world-wide title.
Made extensive world-wide appearances at United States Consulates on behalf of the program. Relocated to Florida and resumed publishing “Boxing World.”
Elected president and vice president of Boxing Ring No. 31, a benevolent organization consisting of boxers, past and present, and others interested in boxing.
Chairman of the 18th Annual Convention of the National Veteran Boxers Association, held in Miami Beach.
Elected president of the National Boxing Association and instrumental in the formation of a Florida State Boxing Commission.
The very first location of the official headquarters of the Commission was at my office at 2640 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Fla.
Accomplishments of National Boxing Association:
Formation of an HMO medical plan.
Establishment of an Insurance Program. For the first time ever a boxer was protected if injured while in the ring.
Brought the Boxing Commission and the insurance company together to accomplish this.
Formation of a Pension Plan, approved by the Internal Revenue Service. America First as Trustee.
Formation of an Employment Program for boxers who need part-time employment.