Golden road to Hall of Fame

Charlie Hanshaw’s love story started with a glove story.

At 8 years old, Hanshaw received boxing gloves from his father, Virgil.

The boxing gym became his second home, and now he’s at home in the hall — the National Golden Gloves of America Hall of Fame.

The 63-year-old was inducted alongside legends Christy Martin, Allan Green and Deontay Wilder in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 10.

When the Hall of Fame board contacted Aaron Hanshaw, Charlie’s son, to inform him of the honor, he couldn’t wait to tell his dad.

“I was blown away by it,” Aaron Hanshaw said. “When I told him, he’s like, ‘Really? Wow!’ He was like an excited kid.”

Charlie Hanshaw has devoted five decades to the sport. As a young fighter, he competed in more than 200 amateur bouts; he won five Golden Gloves regional championships in the ring.

Hanshaw acquired the Tri-State Golden Gloves franchise in 1991.

Hanshaw embraced all aspects of coaching — both inside and outside the ropes.

“He puts his heart and soul into it,” Aaron Hanshaw said. “A lot of people he trained still talk to him about how he trained them as kids. A lot of them have beautiful families and great jobs, and they came from hard backgrounds. If they didn’t have a father figure like my dad, they would’ve ended up in the streets.”

Charlie was Aaron’s coach, too. He described his tutelage style.

“I would say he’s very caring. He makes them work hard; stays on them, straightens them out,” Aaron Hanshaw said. “He’s always asking, ‘what are your grades?’”

Hanshaw’s loyalty to Golden Gloves never faltered.

Bob Russo, National President of the Golden Gloves of America, wrote the following in a letter to Hanshaw: “This prestigious honor is a reflection of your many years of selfless service and unwavering commitment to the Golden Gloves program. Through your leadership, perseverance and passion for the sport, you have helped ensure that the Golden Gloves tradition continues to thrive in your region.”

Russo went on to call Hanshaw “one of my longtime Golden Gloves friends,” and expressed how proud and happy he is for him.

Hanshaw also coached USA boxing teams in both California and Canada in the 1990s. He has promoted nearly 200 amateur shows.

Charlie and Aaron Hanshaw started the Hanshaw Boxing Club in Ironton.

“It’s like the old Rocky movies,” Aaron said. He said while they charge a monthly fee, he never turns anybody away. He wants to model his approach to boxing to mimic that of his dad’s.

In a ballroom ceremony at the Doubletree Suites in Tulsa, Martin, Greene and Wilder’s manager gave speeches. Charlie did, too. It was short and sweet. Aaron Hanshaw said a few words for him as well.

Golden Gloves of America is in its 103rd year.

(606) 326-2664 |

asnyder@dailyindependent.com

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