Nick Duganier will be honored by the Ohio State Former Boxers And Associates, Inc. for his service as a boxing coach. Duganier was inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Duganier began coaching his grandson, Nick J., in February of 2017.
After four months of hard training, under Duganier‘s tutelage, Nick J. fought his first fight at the Battle of the Ballroom Boxing Show. With his very aggressive boxing style, Nick J. won his first bout. Nick J. won his next two bouts, and he became a fan favorite at the Ballroom. The Battle Of The Ballroom Boxing Show promoter arranged for Nick J. to fight Adam Kozelka, their undefeated champion. Nick J. defeated Kozelka on a 2nd round TKO.
Uncle Matt, a 25 year Marine Combat Instructor veteran, also assists with Nick J.‘s training. Boxing has been important to team Duganier. Duganier‘s boxing career started when he trained under the late legendary coach, ‘Uncle John‘ Giachetti from 1970 to 1973. While managing the Parma Boxing Club, Duganier trained several Golden Gloves champions and many runner-ups. Duganier coached several Junior Olympic champions and PAL national runner-up boxers at the Duganier-Rehnert Boxing Club.
From 1977 to 1980, Duganier was the personal trainer, manager, and friend to the late Paul Ramos and other boxers. His close friendship with Ramos continued until his death. In 1980. Don Myers, Parma Boxing Club founder, encouraged Duganier to manage and train boxers for the Parma Boxing Club. In December 1983, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners designated Saturday, December 3, 1983 as “Nick Duganier Day” in recognition for his active interest in physical fitness for today‘s youth through boxing.
Duganier began a boxing program for the Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Department in I984 to increase physical fitness and self defense. He also trained boxers for the Police Olympics. Duganier has trained, managed, and coached several pro and amateur boxers. He coached a Police Olympic Champion, who at the age of 40, won the Gold and Silver medals. From 1983 to 1999, he also trained boxers out of West Park YMCA Duganier-Renhart Boxing Club.
Duganier was employed as a correctional officer during his career.
He is married to Deb. They are blessed with four children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.