Media Release
Contact FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin C. Rabago, Sr.
(856) 451-3407
BRIDGETON HONORS HOMETOWN BOXING GREAT WITH “RITCHIE
KATES SR WAY”
He came back to Bridgeton and he impacted the lives of
area youth through his work in the Police Athletic League and before that,
working in the public schools but the journey back to Bridgeton for Ritchie
Kates, Sr., was a long one with many stops along the way.
At each of those stops, Ritchie Kates had the hopes and
good wishes- and even a few prayers- of Bridgetonians with him as he fought his
way up through the welterweight ranks and then the light heavyweight division.
The pro boxing journey started for Kates in late 1969 in
Baltimore beating a fighter named Bobby Haynes and it ended in the autumn of
1983 with a 10-round split decision win over Jerry Martin in Atlantic City. But
in between, Kates traveled far at the top of his sport.
The pinnacle of his career came in the mid-1970’s winning
the North American Light Heavyweight title from Jimmy Dupree in Philadelphia in
1974 and fighting twice for the WBA World Light Heavyweight title against
Victor Galindez.
While Kates lost both times to Galindez by decision, his
first WBA World Light Heavyweight title bout in Gauteng South Africa was
controversial and many thought Kates should have been crowned champion. In the
hearts and minds of Bridgetonians, he was a champion and always will be.
That’s why Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly wanted to rename
Burt Street in Bridgeton City Park “Ritchie Kates Sr., Way” and with the
passage of Resolution 17-10 in June, it became official. For Kelly, it went
beyond the title fights and well beyond a 43-win career; it is the fact that
Ritchie Kates was always focused on helping area youth and providing the
guidance and discipline that he had learned through a career in boxing.
“In the years since his boxing career ended, Ritchie made
it a point to work with kids that came up the same way he did. Whether though
his volunteer work with the Police Athletic League, his work as a security
officer in the public schools, or through his congregation; he always had a word
of encouragement for the kids he met. He represents the best in our community”
Kelly said.
With honors that include the Bridgeton African American
Union Association of South Jersey Community Service Award and induction into
the Bridgeton All Sports Hall of Fame, it is fitting that Ritchie Kates has a
place in Bridgeton bearing his name. The dedication of “Ritchie Kates Sr., Way”
will take place on August 20th at 3:00pm in Bridgeton City Park at
the Hall of Fame building.
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