Gentile to receive Lifetime Acheivement Award.
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. Gentile said his life philosophy has always been, “It 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 Gloves championships, including Lovell Nixon and Larry Bowen, the runner-up in the 118 pounds 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.
He was inducted into the Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates, Inc. Hall of Fame, and was the Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates, Inc. Man of the Year in 2005. He was inducted into the Elyria Hall of Fame as well as the Legends of Leather Hall of Fame in 2006. He was the Man of the Year, Legends of Leather in 2007. Gentile, along with his son, Lorenzo, sponsored the 2012 Lake Erie Association Jr. Olympic Tournament in Elyria. Gentile is enjoying retirement with his wife, Francesca, and his son, Lorenzo. Gentile is being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award , along with Bill Futchi, Paul LaBuda, and Tom Lorek