Joe Gentile will be honored by the Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates lnc. as the Man Of The Year for 2017 he also received the same honor in 2005 from the association.

Joe Gentile went from being a poor young immigrant from Italy to becoming a boxer and beloved legendary boxing trainer who took many poor youngsters off the street and showed them that they could achieve more with their lives. Joe Gentile honored with Man Of The Year Award Gentile said his life philosophy has always been. “lt takes very little energy to be nice.“ Gentile has used his energy to transform lives. and in the process he developed many outstanding boxers.

Gentile was born in Rome. Italy and his family immigrated to the United States. After spending a short time in New York City. his family relocated to Elyria where he was raised with his three brothers. Tony. Frank. and Sal. Gentile fought as an amateur boxer with an impressive record of 52-5. before finding his calling as a boxing trainer and promoter. According to Gentile. he trained 60 Golden Glove champions including Lovell Nixon and Lany Bowen. the runner-up in the 118 pound division. Bowen lost to Gregg Richardson from Youngstown. During his training career. Gentile helped William Stafford and Jim Ralston win district titles in 1969. He also helped Sean Mueller of Sandusky win the Toledo Golden Gloves. As a promoter. several world champions such as Michael Dokes. Hilmer Kenty. and Richard Rozell fought on his boxing shows. Gentile was a chief official for 13 years for the Lake Erie Association. During this period he judged more than 5.000 bouts.  was inducted into the Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates. Inc. Hall Of Fame. Trainer of the Year in 1970. He was inducted into the Elyria Hall of Fame as well as the Legends of Leather Hall of Fame in 2006. and the Summit County Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 along with Gold Medalist Boxing Winner, Ronnie Harris. Gentile, along with his son, Lorenzo, sponsored the 2012 Lake Erie Association Jr. Olympics Tournament in Elyria. Gentile is enjoying retirement with his wife, Francesca his son,. Lorenzo and daughter in law, Denise and his granddaughter, Isabella.