Fans, celebrities flock to Buchmiller Rink for evening of exciting bouts
George "Khalid Kasib" Jones is a 34-year-old father of five who would be the first to admit that he’s made his share of mistakes during his life. None bigger than when he was arrested four years ago and charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics in his native Paterson – a charge for which he was later convicted.
Jones had to relinquish a budding boxing career to serve three years in Passaic County Jail.
"I knew I couldn’t go back to the streets," Jones said. "I knew I had to provide for my family."
When he was released from prison, Jones first worked at a McDonald’s, because that was the only place that would hire an ex-convict.
However, his luck changed when he was introduced to Andy and Steve Mercer, the owners and operators of a Secaucus-based printing firm, Command Web Offset Corporation.
"They were willing to give me a shot when no one else would," Jones said of the Mercer brothers. "I’m begged them for a job and they took a chance on me."
After getting a job as an inventory manager with Command Web, Jones then focused on getting back in the ring and making a mark in the world of professional boxing. Full-time provider, part-time boxer. For now.
Last Tuesday night, Jones made another step in working his way up the light heavyweight ranks with an impressive one-sided unanimous decision over Demetrius Jenkins of Detroit, in the main event of an eight-bout professional card held at Buchmiller Ice Rink in Secaucus.
The event was promoted by Duva Boxing, headed by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Lou Duva, who was busy working ringside with a lot of the boxers on the card that train under his command.
The card was televised nationally on ESPN2 and brought a lot of attention to Secaucus, not to mention a lot of celebrities. Among the notable people in the crowd were undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, who was there to watch his nephew, Demetrius Hopkins, fight and win; former heavyweight contenders Gerry Cooney and Chuck Wepner, and Philadelphia 76ers standout guard Aaron McKie.
Jones is the rising star, improving to 18-1 with the victory over Jenkins. Getting the chance to fight in front of so many local family members and friends meant a lot to Jones.
"It’s like a dream come true for me, to fight here," Jones said. "I thank God for this chance, to fight where I live and where I work. It’s better than winning a world title. The next step I have is trying to get ranked (among the top 10 light heavyweights in the world). That would be enough for me."
Jones said that he had a certain strategy when fighting Jenkins.
"I knew that I didn’t want to brawl with him," Jones said. "I wasn’t even going to waste my time. That was it. No brawling. I knew that the guy is more dangerous when he’s hurt. I’ve watched him on tapes a few times, so I knew what to expect."
Jones knocked Jenkins down in the second round, but he didn’t think it was a knockout quality punch.
"I knew it wasn’t a solid punch and that he wasn’t hurt by it," Jones said. "I just had to make sure to throw solid hard lefts to the body, and that’s what I did."
Jones also registered a standing-eight count on Jenkins in the seventh round, which sealed his victory.
Also on the card, Jersey City native Dennis Sharpe continued his progress toward a fine pro career, with a four-round decision over Jose Aponte of Puerto Rico.
Sharpe, a middleweight who now has a professional record of 11-0-1, thought he was fighting a six-round bout before officials decided to cut the bout in order to start the televised portion of the card.
"I was ready for six rounds," said Sharpe, who now calls Bayonne home. "I’m usually a late starter, so it was tough for me to make the transition in the middle of the fight. He [Aponte] was a tough opponent, so it was a good night all around."
It was especially good for Sharpe’s fanatical following as well. About 50 of Sharpe’s family and friends were on hand, hooting and hollering at every single punch.
"It’s a great feeling to be able to fight so close to home," Sharpe said. "I usually bring the crowds, even when I’m far away. I think a lot of my family and friends were relieved that this fight was so close. But it was really exciting and it was great to be a part of this night."
Basically, that was the general feeling throughout Buchmiller. The temperature cooperated, with a crisp, cool night that made everyone in attendance very comfortable.
The card proved to be a rousing success, with a good, solid turnout and a throng of devout boxing fans who were treated to an evening of pugilistic excellence. All of the fights proved to be exciting.
"All totaled, I’m very, very pleased," said Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, who sat ringside throughout the entire evening and received a check for $1,500 from Duva Boxing and ESPN to help build the memorial to remember the Secaucus residents who were killed during the World Trade Center tragedy.
"It’s all been a positive thing to help showcase Secaucus," Elwell said. "This was a great night, with our youth activities benefiting as well."
The Secaucus Babe Ruth program handled the concession stand, enjoying its most successful evening in terms of fund raising.
Elwell said that the evening was such a success that he would encourage future boxing events to be held at the venue.
That has to be good news for Jones, who would certainly love to return to his stomping grounds and fight in front of a very festive crowd.
For now, he’s taking a week off from work.
"We’re going to Disney World, so the kids can see Mickey," Jones said. "It was a planned vacation, win or lose. I owe my bosses a lot. I thank them every day for helping me and my family. Three years ago, I didn’t have a dime and no one would hire me. They sent me to school and I got my commercial driver’s license and now I’m studying real estate."
Sounds like someone who has his priorities straight – after dealing with life’s hard lessons.