[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF MOBERLY, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, since its beginnings in Ancient Egypt and 
the first Olympic Games in Greece, boxing has evolved into a 
multifaceted sport and industry spanning the globe. Figures such as 
Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali have captivated the 
American public and become icons in our sports culture.
  Mr. Speaker, the City of Moberly, Missouri, located in my district, 
holds a unique place in boxing's rich history, and I rise today in 
recognition of that history.
  There are few names that are as synonymous with boxing as Jack 
Dempsey, who rose to greatness as a heavyweight prizefighter in the 
1920s. After becoming the world heavyweight champion, Dempsey made an 
appearance in Moberly in 1922.
  While training for bouts in 1917, Jack Dempsey approached Jacob 
Golomb, a small New York sporting goods retailer and manufacturer, and 
asked if he could make protective headgear for sparring. Golomb 
fulfilled that request and cemented his role in boxing, as his company, 
Everlast, would become the premier manufacturer of boxing gloves, 
equipment and apparel. When Dempsey won the heavyweight title, he 
sported Everlast gloves and shorts. Since then, the list of acclaimed 
fighters who have donned Everlast gear is too numerous to list here.
  Although headquartered in New York City, Everlast's production 
facilities are today located in Moberly, Missouri. John Ratzenberger's 
Made in America, a TV show on the Travel Channel, recently produced a 
segment on the Everlast plant in Moberly. Ratzenberger visited the 
300,000 square foot facility and learned how boxing gloves are made and 
a little about what it takes to be a fighter. If you have not seen this 
episode or the Made in America series, I would highly recommend it.
  From hosting high-profile boxing events in the 1920's to making the 
gear that outfits today's champions, the city of Moberly is rightfully 
proud of its boxing heritage and the important role it plays in boxing 
today. For this reason, I rise to recognize Moberly's valuable 
contribution to the sport of boxing and to bring this to the attention 
of my colleagues.

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