Ring 8 to Present American Hero Award Nov. 29
The new award honors boxers who served their country, with its first recipient, Al LaBarba, to be recognized posthumously at a Brooklyn banquet.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Boxing
Ring 8 Veteran Boxers Association of NY will present its inaugural "American Hero" award to Al LaBarba on November 29. LaBarba, whose real name was Chuck Zito Sr., was a former professional boxer and World War II veteran who passed away several years ago.
Why it matters
The award was created to recognize boxers who served their country, giving formal recognition to fighters who balanced ring careers with military service. Ring 8 intends to make it an annual honor.
LaBarba had 102 professional wins when he was drafted and spent three years away from the United States, including tours in Italy. Tickets to the awards event are listed at $170 each, and the source does not detail criteria for future recipients.
The players
Ring 8 Veteran Boxers Association of NY
A boxing organization formed in 1953 whose motto is "Boxers Helping Boxers," providing aid to former fighters and overseeing the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
Al LaBarba
A former professional boxer and World War II veteran whose real name was Chuck Zito Sr., and who is the award's first posthumous recipient.
The details
Jose Corpas and Ron McNair created the award, which the entire Ring 8 board supports unanimously. It will be presented at Ring 8's holiday awards banquet at Russo's On The Bay in Howards Beach, Brooklyn, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Timeline
World War II era: LaBarba was drafted mid-career and served abroad.
1953: Ring 8 Veteran Boxers Association of NY was formed.
November 29: The American Hero award will be presented at the holiday banquet.
Season Trajectory
The American Hero award extends the Ring 8 Veteran Boxers Association of NY's 1953 mission of supporting former fighters into formal recognition of military service. Ring 8 plans to make the honor annual, establishing a recurring tradition within New York's boxing community.
Fans attending the holiday banquet will need a $170 ticket to witness the award presentation. The event offers a chance to see recognition for boxers who served in the military.
The takeaway
The new award shows how boxing communities can formally honor fighters who served their country alongside their ring careers. Readers interested in veteran sports history may find the recognition meaningful.
What happens next
The American Hero award will be presented at Ring 8's holiday awards banquet at 12:30 p.m. on November 29 at Russo's On The Bay in Howards Beach.
Further reading
Explore more New York boxing news for context on the state's veteran fighter community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Military.
