•Early Life: It all started on October 14, 1976, born into hard-working parents by the names of Thomas and Carmen Ewaska. I am the youngest amongst my three sisters; Joanne, Liliana, and Alexandra. Just like any family I have experienced my share of nostalgia, hardships, challenges, as well as traumatizing and life-altering memories that may never go away, which also included battling my own anxiety, self-doubt, and depression. As the old saying goes, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Facing the pain and sad not knowing where I am in life, I found myself stumbling into Boxing.
My boxing journey began back in New Jersey in the early 1980s watching great all-time champions with my father like the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and all of the phenoms that excelled and made history. I was intrigued and right then and there I knew this was the beginning of a lifetime of devotion and commitment. Even though the players have evolved, one thing that has always been consistent is the interesting stories, personalities, and great fights that have happened over the course of boxing. I was hooked on learning all I could about the past and present fighters which also include John C. Sullivan, Jack Dempsey, Henry Armstrong, Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Muhammed Ali, Mike Tyson, and hundreds of others that came before and after.
•My Amateur Years. At the age of 15, my mother decided it would be best to migrate and move to Florida with the hopes of a fresh new start and a better life, which was short-lived.Through this period of fog I was introduced to Magnum Boxing Club, located in Tarpon Springs. There I was shown the basics of boxing by Coach Pete Frissina.
As I’ve grown up, life has taught me that just physical strength isn’t enough. The perfect recipe for an overall healthy mindset stems from physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. Building a strong, positive, and healthy midset was a weakness that I had to fight to improve on. It was a couple of years later that my mom and I decided to move back to New Jersey where I became an IBEW Local 164 Union Member.
It was then that I found myself reconnecting with boxing. First at the Elizabeth Recreation Club under Coach Hakim, then finding my sanctuary to be at the Knights of Columbus Boxing Club in South River, Finally, a place where I felt at home and can call my safe haven. I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. This is where I learned the sweet Science from coaches Tony Gabriel, Dennis Cronin, and John Silodgy. Under their guidance, I successfully boxed in State Tournaments and local shows around the State.
•The Union Years:For the past 25 years I have been a proud worker/member with IBEW Local 164 Union. In the beginning I went through a 5-year apprenticeship program and eventually worked my way up in ranks as a journeyman, sub foreman, and foreman for numerous projects around the state; from schools to Universities, hospitals, data centers, pharmaceutical companies, and a host of many other businesses. I currently sit on the Executive Board and an advocate for the Union where I handle and vote on numerous topics for our workers to make sure they have a voice and are protected.
•My Coaching Experience: Over a 15-year stretch, and at the age of 30 my coaching career took off. I was finally able to turnkey what was taught to me to others who have the same love, passion, and dedication towards boxing. This includes kids/teens/adults of all different age groups as well as grandmothers who are looking to make a name in the boxing scene. With 15 years under my belt, I am currently a certified USA Boxing Association Coach and a level two coach for the past 10 years.
• Event Experience:Over the years I’m proud to say that I’ve teamed up with IBEW Local 164 and hosted ten NJ Golden Gloves/Breast Cancer Icharity events that raised thousands in donations and were given to local charities.
The recipe to success is about unity and teamwork so with that being said these events would have never been as successful without the support of all my union brothers/sisters and former boxers such as heavyweight champ Ray Mercer, Ray Mancini, Iran Barkley, Bobby Czyz, Chuck Wepner, Mark Medal, Vito Antuofermo, and many others. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to host many other events that were charity-driven and always went to a special cause.
Most recently I’ve teamed up with DJMC Promotions in Dubai where we match up the best up and coming professional boxers from all over the world and provide them a stage to build a record and showcase their talents.
•Equipment: Eight years ago I started my own equipment line. Offering heavy/punching bags that are offered in different weights and colors which currently hang in numerous corporate gyms as well as residential homes. More recently, I have added boxing gloves and hand wraps to my inventory that is champion worthy, affordable, and made with premium quality.
•In closing, When I look back at the age of nine, I often think about when my dad’s passing and vividly remember inheriting his prized possession; a pair of boxing gloves signed personally to him from Muhammad Ali. At First, I never knew how symbolic they would be in my life, but when I look back now it all makes sense. These days I’m blessed to be a portal to the past and a bridge to the future for those who want to learn about “The sweet Science”.