Jersey City Native Joe Botti Inducted into National Boxing Hall of Fame

Jersey City’s own Joe Botti has been inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame, class of 2024. The ceremony was held at the Quiet Cannon Event Center in Montebello, California, where Botti was honored along with boxing legends such as Evander Holyfield, Shane Mosley, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Micky Ward.

Joe Botti, a staple in the boxing community since 1977, has made significant contributions to the sport, not only as a competitor but also as a coach and mentor. Botti founded the Union City Boxing Club in 1989. Under his leadership, the club produced numerous amateur champions and professional contenders.

Botti’s influence extended beyond training fighters. He was instrumental in promoting amateur boxing shows and authored two notable books on boxing history, “Joe Jennette: Boxing’s Ironman” and “Thunder & Lightning: The Fighting Gatti Brothers,” which chronicles the lives of Arturo Gatti and his brother Joe.

Reflecting on his achievements, Botti said during his acceptance speech, “This award also belongs to all of the fighters who have trusted me to train them over the years.” He emphasized the joy he finds in coaching, particularly in guiding newcomers from their initial steps in the sport to their first victories in the ring.

Botti’s impact on the community is profound, as he continues to train fighters at the Strategic Combat Academy in Old Bridge, New Jersey.

The induction ceremony was a family affair, with Botti’s children—Jenna, Katrina, and Joshua—celebrating this significant milestone alongside him.