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Steve Plevins: 2024's Boxing Man of the Year in New Jersey

2024-12-09

Steve Plevins, a remarkable figure in the boxing community, has recently been bestowed with the prestigious 2024 Boxing Man of the Year Award by the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. His life's work is dedicated to serving communities and uplifting youth, with a special emphasis on the transformative power of boxing.

A Boxing Legend's Impact on Communities

Early Beginnings and Training

From a young age, Plevins was deeply involved in the world of boxing. From ages 10 to 15, he trained with amateur boxers, laying the foundation for his future in the sport. By 16, he was already volunteering at Ma Byrd's Training Camp in Pleasantville, NJ. Here, he had the privilege of working alongside boxing legends like Joe Frazier, Yank Durham, Emile Griffith, Gypsy Joe Harris, Ernie Terrell, and Stanley “Kitten” Hayward. This experience exposed him to the rich history and traditions of Philadelphia's boxing scene and instilled in him a passion for the sport that would last a lifetime.During this time, he witnessed firsthand the discipline and determination required to succeed in boxing. These early experiences shaped his approach to working with young people and inspired him to use boxing as a tool for personal growth and development.

Community Outreach and Impact

Plevins' commitment to community service began early on. As a community recreation director in Prince George’s County, Maryland, he supported the local boxing team that included the young Sugar Ray Leonard. He collaborated with Adrian Davis in a program in Bowie, Maryland, furthering his reach and impact.Later, as recreation director at the Vineland Children’s Residential Treatment Center, he made history by integrating boxing into the treatment and rehabilitation of troubled youth. His program secured state approval to take students to professional boxing workouts in Atlantic City, where they had the opportunity to train with celebrated fighters like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Shannon Briggs, Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield, and George Foreman.The results of his program were remarkable. Many of the young participants did not return to state facilities, indicating the positive impact that boxing had on their lives. This initiative was a huge success and demonstrated Plevins' ability to use boxing as a means of helping at-risk youth.

Notable Initiatives and Recognition

One of Plevins' notable initiatives was “Broaden Your Horizons,” a five-day afterschool program centered on boxing. This program was recognized by Gov. Christie Whitman as the best in the state and eventually evolved into the Vineland Boys and Girls Club.In 2023, Plevins was honored before Congress for his enduring impact on the Vineland community. His numerous accolades celebrate his unwavering dedication to inner city and at-risk youth in Vineland. His work has touched the lives of many and has left a lasting legacy in the boxing community.Plevins' journey is a testament to the power of boxing to transform lives and communities. His dedication and hard work have earned him the respect and admiration of many, and his story serves as an inspiration to others.

Kali Reis, a remarkable figure, has made a stunning transition from the Golden Gloves to the Golden Globes. Her journey is a testament to her diverse talents and unwavering determination.

Witness Kali Reis' Spectacular Ascent in Entertainment

Boxing Prowess and Early Achievements

Kali Reis once dominated the boxing ring, winning three world titles from 2008 to 2021. In 2016, she claimed the WBC middleweight title, and in 2020, she added the WBA junior welterweight title to her collection. Her final fight in 2021 saw her secure the WBO's belt at 140lbs, showcasing her exceptional boxing skills. These victories were not just feats of physical strength but also a testament to her discipline and dedication.Her time in the boxing world not only earned her respect but also laid the foundation for her foray into the entertainment industry. Reis' boxing background gave her a unique perspective and a certain level of confidence that translated well onto the silver screen.

Acting Debut and Notable Roles

In 2021, Reis made a significant mark in the acting world with her debut in "Catch the Fair One." This Josef Kubota Wladyka film follows Kaylee, a Native American boxer searching for her missing sister and delves into several contemporary issues faced by Indigenous people. Reis, an advocate for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement, was recruited to star and co-write. The film opened to positive reviews at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival and earned her the Jury Award for Best Actress at the Newport Beach Film Festival.This success led to a major role co-starring alongside Jodie Foster in "True Detective: Night Country," the latest season of HBO/Max's series. In this role, she played state trooper Evangeline Navarro, working in the fictional Alaskan town of Ennis and struggling with her past, including aspects of her Indigenous heritage and culture. It was a dynamic role that demanded both grit and vulnerability, and Reis proved her mettle by holding her own on screen with Foster, a two-time Academy Award and three-time Golden Globe winner.Reis' performance in "True Detective" earned her an Emmy nomination for "outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie." Although she didn't win the 2024 Emmy in that category (which went to Jessica Gunning for "Baby Reindeer"), being listed among such talented actors was a great honor.For the Golden Globes, Reis is competing in the category of "best performance by a female actor in a supporting role on television." She is up against tough competition from Liza Colon-Zayas ("The Bear"), Hannah Einbinder ("Hacks"), Dakota Fanning ("Ripley"), Jessica Gunning, and Allison Janney ("The Diplomat").According to the Internet Movie Database, Reis is also in the running for a Critics Choice award for "best supporting actress in a limited series or movie made for television." The Critics Choice Awards ceremony will be held on January 12, just one week after the Golden Globes.Reis' story is a remarkable one, showcasing her ability to excel in different fields and leave a lasting impact. Her journey from the boxing ring to the Golden Globes is a source of inspiration for many.

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