Ryan O’Leary, chief trainer at Main Street Boxing and Fitness in New Rochelle, has been named Registration Chair of USA Boxing Metro. He will be responsible for the yearly licensing of amateur boxers, trainers and the gyms throughout the five boroughs of New York City, the Hudson Valley and Long Island. This new position culminates a near lifelong involvement in the sport for the married New Rochelle homeowner and proud father of two.
O’Leary was introduced to boxing at age thirteen when he enrolled at the Cage Gym in White Plains. The egalitarian qualities of the sport attracted him immediately. According to O’Leary, “You received instant respect no matter how good you were. It was intimidating at first to enter the ring but even the best fighters would treat you well if you have the guts to get in the ring. In team sports, you didn’t get such respect if you weren’t a star.”
Fighting as a lightweight and junior welterweight (132-139 lbs) under the tutelage of Charlie Casserta and Kid Sharkey, Ryan made three appearances in New York Golden Gloves competition, accumulating an amateur record of 47-17 over a fourteen year span. Despite his passion for the sport, Ryan focused on academics and did not proceed into the professional ranks. After graduating from Carmel High School, Ryan received his degree from Iona College, majoring in Criminal Justice. He currently is employed as an accounts receivable insurance broker for the Manhattan firm of Coface NA.
Towards the end of his amateur career, O’Leary began to assist the trainers in their work and eventually obtained a trainer’s license himself. Over the ensuing ten years, Ryan worked at various gyms in Westchester and became a popular trainer with an expanding team of young fighters. Much to O’Leary’s frustration, his team did not find a gym in the area willing to accept them as permanent residents , and Ryan was pondering a permanent relocation of his stable of fighters to a Bronx gym.
While returning home from training his team one night, O’Leary noticed posters announcing the opening of Main Street Boxing and Fitness at 310 Main Street in New Rochelle. O’Leary contacted owner Michael Stellate and quickly realized that their interests and ideals converged. The gym opened in July 2009 and his team had a permanent home. The Main Street Boxing Team made its debut appearance in the New York Golden Gloves tournament this year, resulting in 60% of its fighters advancing to the quarterfinal or semifinal rounds. At present, O’Leary trains twenty five amateurs with eighteen likely to enter the 2011 Golden Gloves competition. O’Leary is optimistic for even better results this year for the team.
O’Leary is very appreciative for owner Michael Stellate’s involvement and sponsorship. “Michael and all the other fighters come to all the competitions and cheer for their teammates. That gives our fighters a great psychological edge. Our gym is large, allowing for more sparring and for the fighters to develop. We have a ‘Fight Night’ every Thursday and fighters from gyms all over the area come to participate in the sparring.” As a trainer, O’Leary does not promote any particular style for his fighters although he emphasizes proper footwork and defense. With these basics, he concentrates on each fighter’s individual strengths and helps develop an appropriate style. His reputation has spread throughout the area, attracting other cornermen to Main Street Boxing, including veteran Bronx trainer Willie Soto.
In accepting his new position, O’Leary stipulated to the Board of USA Boxing that he be allowed to continue his training duties at Main Street Boxing. In addition to the aforementioned licensing responsibilities, he will need to verify birth certificates and residences and communicate with the organization’s physicians for medical clearances. As always, in the face of such daunting obligations, O’Leary’s passion for the sport of boxing will lead him onward.
To inquire about membership in Main Street Fitness and Boxing and its various exercise programs, please call 914-636-2811 or contact owner Michael Stellate at michael@mainstreetboxing.com or Ryan O’Leary at ryan@mainstreetboxing.com.