Mustafa Abdullah is a 2005 New York State Metropolitan Amateur Champion and a two-time semifinalist in the prestigious New York City Golden Gloves—one of the nation’s largest and most respected amateur boxing tournaments. Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, Mustafa has coached both male and female amateur boxers to the semifinals of the NYC Golden Gloves, helping develop the next generation of athletes.

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Driven by a desire to give back what boxing once gave him, Mustafa founded BOXER, Inc. to ensure today’s youth have access to the same discipline, mentorship, and opportunities that helped shape his life. Through BOXER, Inc., he is committed to using boxing as a vehicle for personal growth, confidence, and positive change—inside and outside the ring.

Kenneth Pannell was born and raised in Virginia and now calls Brooklyn, NY, home. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications with a minor in English from Old Dominion University. After graduation, Kenneth began a career in insurance compliance, spending over 16 years with companies including XL America, The Dewitt Stern Group, and HSBC Intermediary Solutions. During this time, he played a key role in developing business procedures, creating marketing strategies, establishing new business entities, and building strong corporate relationships.

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Kenneth has recently joined the team at Rose Classic/Conrad McRae Tournaments, where he supports day-to-day operations and helps expand the reach and impact of these youth-focused events. Beyond his professional work, Kenneth is a talented web developer and music DJ, bringing creativity and technical skill to everything he does.

Mr. Massey was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Roxbury Latin School before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Colgate University in 1983. He went on to co-found Massey Knakal Realty Services, building it into the New York metropolitan area’s premier full-service brokerage firm.

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Beyond his business accomplishments, Mr. Massey is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He brings the same vision, leadership, and dedication that guided his professional success to supporting youth programs and nonprofit initiatives, helping create opportunities and resources that empower the next generation to achieve their full potential.

Boyd Melson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point earning his BS. Additionally, he holds an MBA from Touro University International. Boyd completed his Active Duty Service in the rank of Captain, and continues to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was an alternate for the 2008 US Olympic Boxing Team, giving up his alternate position due to injury.

 

Melson donates all of the money that he earns in his boxing matches to
spinal cord research, and his efforts have been profiled on the Emmy Award Winning HBO Series Real Sports, ESPN.Com, Sports Illustrated, and Yahoo. Melson is the WBC USNB Junior Middleweight Champion. Melson served on the USA Boxing Board of Directors. In Corporate America, Melson has worked as a medical device sales rep for Medtronic, J&J, and Gauss Surgical. He is a professional speaker, and he is also a founder of the non-profit Team Fight to Walk.

Kwanza, also known as “Coach Kwan,” is a Certified Performance and Fitness Professional and Nutritionist with over 20 years of experience. He began his boxing journey in 1987 at a Bed-Stuy gym, and since then has dedicated himself to mastering the sweet science while helping clients achieve their fitness and personal goals.

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Coach Kwan specializes in a wide range of skills and techniques, tailoring his training to meet the needs of each individual. In his boxing classes, he emphasizes precision, conditioning, and fun—empowering participants while helping them build strength, confidence, and resilience.

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Over the years, Kwanza has trained professional boxers, athletes, celebrities, youth, weekend warriors, and anyone committed to becoming their best selves. Guided by his mottos, “Build a Useful Body” and “Develop a Fighter’s Spirit,” Coach Kwan is dedicated to helping every client unlock their full potential, both inside and outside the ring.

Ronica “Queen”  Jeffrey   2000-2002 (Nursing) is a Professinal Boxer and a Boxing Licensed Medical Assistant, She has been completely engulfed in the boxing scene and most of its players for almost 20 years. She has spent her whole career training, and now teaching and mentoring young up-and-coming fighters at Gleason’s Gym. She has won multiple titles during her amateur and pro career: 

• 2005 Golden Gloves Champion

• 2005 Empire Game Champion

• 2005 Metro Champion

• 2005 Silver Medal, Regionals

• 2006 Golden Gloves Champion

• 2006 Women’s USA Boxing Champion

• 2006 Bronze medal, Pan Am Games

• 2006 PAL Gold Medalist/Champion

• 2007 Golden Gloves Champion

Boxing Pro Career  17-1-1

• 2011 NABF Champion

• 2012 Super Featherweight WBC Silver

• 2013 WIBA Super Featherweight World Title

• 2014 WIBA Featherweight World Title

• 2016 WBC Silver Feather Weight World Champion

Auréus King is a Brooklyn native with a deep-rooted passion for health, wellness, and community empowerment. His journey in the fitness industry began in 2009 while completing his senior year of college, when he started working at Vitamin Shoppe and quickly developed a strong interest in holistic health and physical well-being.

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Soon after, Auréus transitioned into personal training at New York Sports Club, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of sustainable fitness. Driven by a desire to build something aligned with his values, he founded Above the Bar Fitness—an endeavor rooted in long-term health, personal growth, and accessible fitness for all.

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Guided by Plato’s belief that “attention to health is life’s greatest hindrance,” Auréus is committed to inspiring others to prioritize wellness as a lifelong practice. He finds purpose in helping both youth and adults achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Known for his meticulous approach, Auréus designs progressive, practical fitness programs that promote consistency, confidence, and results that last a lifetime.

Jonathan Hurtado is a dedicated fitness trainer and boxing coach based in Brooklyn, New York, with a passion for using movement and mentorship to create positive change. With nine years of personal boxing experience and five years of coaching, Jonathan brings both technical expertise and genuine care to every session.

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Beyond the gym, Jonathan has worked with the New York City Department of Education as a paraprofessional, gaining valuable experience supporting students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities. This role strengthened his ability to provide individualized instruction and adapt his coaching style to meet each participant where they are.

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With over a decade of experience as a fitness trainer, Jonathan has worked in fitness studios across the country, including New York City, Chicago, and Houston. He believes boxing is more than a workout—it’s a powerful tool for building confidence, discipline, and resilience. Whether guiding beginners or helping experienced boxers refine their skills, Jonathan is committed to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and step into their inner champion.

Rhonda Odom, J.D., is a seasoned leader, attorney, and community advocate who brings a strong commitment to youth empowerment, wellness, and organizational integrity to the Board. With extensive experience in compliance, governance, and team leadership, Rhonda supports nonprofit missions by helping build sustainable programs rooted in accountability, equity, and positive community impact.

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Throughout her career, Rhonda has worked across legal, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, partnering with diverse stakeholders to navigate complex challenges while keeping people at the center of every decision. Her background includes overseeing operations, managing risk, mentoring teams, and ensuring adherence to policies that protect both organizations and the communities they serve.

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As a long-standing nonprofit board member and active community volunteer, Rhonda is passionate about creating safe, structured spaces where young people can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. She strongly believes in the power of boxing to teach discipline, confidence, resilience, and respect—skills that extend far beyond the ring and into everyday life.

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Rhonda is proud to support programs that use boxing as a pathway to healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and brighter futures for youth.