Boyd Melson – A Champion in Every Aspect

By Boxing News - 03/05/2012 - Comments

by Chip Mitchell: Sacrifice is defined as the surrender of something for the sake of something (or someone) else. If the dictionary allowed for a picture of a human being to exemplify sacrifice, Boyd Melson would be on a multitude of selection committee’s short lists.

Background
Boyd “The Rainmaker” Melson was born in White Plains, NY in October 1981. He began boxing in the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA). STOP! Boyd is a boxer. Boxers must sacrifice their body, time, mind, and relationships with family and friends. If you truly want to be the best in your craft, anything short of the aforementioned sacrifices could be detrimental.

As an amateur, Boyd won the 48th World Military Boxing Championship and was a four-time champion US Army champion. He graduated from West Point in 2003 with a degree in psychology and a minor in nuclear engineering. STOP! There’s that word sacrifice again. We’ve all made sacrifices at one point. At least I hope that to be the case. However, the men and women of our military risk their lives every day so that we may enjoy the fruits that this country has to offer. Boyd- (and any other military personnel) – if you are out there reading this, THANK YOU for your service!

Professional Career
Currently, Boyd Melson is a professional boxer with an 8-0 record. The last time I saw Boyd fight was in Atlantic City on the undercard of Carl Froch vs. Andre Ward. He caught Danny Lugo with a quick right hook and got a third round stoppage. Boyd received a rousing ovation from what seemed to be a sizeable cheering sector of fans.

After the card ended, my colleague Robert Uzzell and I headed to the post-fight presser. We ran into Boyd along the way, shook his hand, and offered congratulatory remarks concerning his victory. At that time, we learned that Boyd donates all of the money he earns in his boxing matches to stem cell research. STOP! Once again, a sacrifice is what this young man chose to make for the sake of someone else.

Robert and I were almost brought to tears. Yes, even tough guys like us have a sensitive side. It wasn’t the fact that Boyd educated us about stem cell research and the stories of many who hope to one day be able to walk. It was the passion with which Boyd talked about his ‘fight’ that moved us. Boyd’s fight is to help those afflicted with spinal injuries (some 1.3 million Americans). The look in his eyes while he spoke to us can’t be described. In street terms, we’d say he “took us to church” that night while avidly explaining his goals. As we reached in our pockets to donate to the cause, the emotions seemed to get the best of Boyd. It was truly a stirring event. We could tell that this was something that Boyd wants to see come to fruition. For a brief period that evening, everything-boxing became secondary.

Just A Dollar… Please?
Boyd met Christian Zaccagnino during his senior year at West Point. She would significantly transform his life. Boyd and Christian soon became a couple. She had been in a wheelchair for 17 years following a diving accident. Doctors told her that the chances she’d walk again were extremely slim.

Boyd’s dreams went from solely making the Olympic boxing team to also helping Christian walk again. In addition, he’d like to raise awareness about things that can be done with Stem Cell treatment.

Coming Up Next
Fans, if you happen to be in New York City on Wednesday March 7, 2012, stop by BB King Blues Club & Grill. Please check out Boyd’s next fight, against undefeated Delen Parsley. In addition to the variety of sacrifices Boyd has made outside of the ring… he’s actually a good fighter with a very exciting style inside the ring. You won’t be disappointed.

If you are unable to make the event and wish to donate to the cause, please go to www.justadollarplease.org. Also, please visit www.boydmelson.com.

Thanks to “The Catalyst”, Matt Yanofsky for introducing us to Boyd and bringing ‘the fight’ to our attention.



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