Boxing Community
"Spider" Joe Burke Passed Away on Saturday, October 10, 2026
On Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, just one day shy of his 93rd birthday, we lost our friend “Spider” Joe Burke, who peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family.
Spider began his boxing career at the Olympic Club at age 19, and spent over 50 years training countless young fighters at Newman’s Gym, King’s Gym in Oakland, and, most recently, at Fire In The Ring. The most important quality in a fighter, Spider often said, was that s/he be “coachable” — although that first black eye he gave a young Danny Maguire at Newman’s was a lesson in itself, a story worthy of being recounted by both men, again and again.
In addition to working as a boxing promoter, Spider also served as NCVBA’s Secretary-Treasurer from 1995 through 2025, a role that included overseeing the publication of our quarterly newsletter, “Keep Punching!” Proud owner of a two-tone red-and-white truck that was plastered with politically incorrect stickers, and equally proud of the fact that he had never owned a cellphone, Joe was definitely one-of-a-kind. His wise insights, unique sense of humor, and generous heart will truly be missed.
🥊 Keep punching, dear Joe!
Philippines Boxing Hall of Fame
On August 21st one of our newest members, Emmanuel Rivera, will be co-curating the opening of a new exhibit about boxing at the San Francisco Main Library. The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on September 3rd from 6 to 7:30PM in the library’s Koret Auditorium.
Little Brown Dolls No More: The Rise of Filipino Boxers in the Squared Circle
NCVBA Member Finishes Boxing History Video
Carl, our Video/Filmmaker member has just finished his latest video project in which he thanked our organization NCVBA at the end of the credits. A very good Boxing History Video.
NCVBA YouTube Channel
We have a new YouTube Channel: Norcal Boxers Assoc
Lagos, Nigeria: Former WBC/WBF Cruiser-weight Champion Bashi Lawrence Ali aka “Bash Ali”
(66-14-0) recently caught up with former trainer/manager Sonny Marson by phone (no, it wasn’t a collect call). Besides reminiscing overpast times at Newman’s Gym, Bash offered to have Sonny fly over to Nigeria “so you can be there when I fight next.”
If you don’t know Bash, he’s serious about both the invite and the next fight. Mr. Ali welcomes old friends and former foes alike to reach out to him. He prefers WeChat #07036662806 . He is also easily found on Facebook/FB Messenger. Bash is especially interested to learn the whereabouts and/or news of SoCal Heavyweight Mike Gans.
Looking good champ!!
People We Meet: Frank Maldonado, the boxing coach
Click here to view Hawaii's Boxer photos.
Boxing Community
"Spider" Joe Burke Passed Away on Saturday, October 10, 2026
On Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026, just one day shy of his 93rd birthday, we lost our friend “Spider” Joe Burke, who peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family.
Spider began his boxing career at the Olympic Club at age 19, and spent over 50 years training countless young fighters at Newman’s Gym, King’s Gym in Oakland, and, most recently, at Fire In The Ring. The most important quality in a fighter, Spider often said, was that s/he be “coachable” — although that first black eye he gave a young Danny Maguire at Newman’s was a lesson in itself, a story worthy of being recounted by both men, again and again.
In addition to working as a boxing promoter, Spider also served as NCVBA’s Secretary-Treasurer from 1995 through 2025, a role that included overseeing the publication of our quarterly newsletter, “Keep Punching!” Proud owner of a two-tone red-and-white truck that was plastered with politically incorrect stickers, and equally proud of the fact that he had never owned a cellphone, Joe was definitely one-of-a-kind. His wise insights, unique sense of humor, and generous heart will truly be missed.
🥊 Keep punching, dear Joe!
Philippines Boxing Hall of Fame
On August 21st one of our newest members, Emmanuel Rivera, will be co-curating the opening of a new exhibit about boxing at the San Francisco Main Library. The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on September 3rd from 6 to 7:30PM in the library’s Koret Auditorium.
Little Brown Dolls No More: The Rise of Filipino Boxers in the Squared Circle
NCVBA Member Finishes Boxing History Video
Carl, our Video/Filmmaker member has just finished his latest video project in which he thanked our organization NCVBA at the end of the credits. A very good Boxing History Video.
NCVBA YouTube Channel
We have a new YouTube Channel: Norcal Boxers Assoc
Lagos, Nigeria: Former WBC/WBF Cruiser-weight Champion Bashi Lawrence Ali aka “Bash Ali”
(66-14-0) recently caught up with former trainer/manager Sonny Marson by phone (no, it wasn’t a collect call). Besides reminiscing overpast times at Newman’s Gym, Bash offered to have Sonny fly over to Nigeria “so you can be there when I fight next.”
If you don’t know Bash, he’s serious about both the invite and the next fight. Mr. Ali welcomes old friends and former foes alike to reach out to him. He prefers WeChat #07036662806 . He is also easily found on Facebook/FB Messenger. Bash is especially interested to learn the whereabouts and/or news of SoCal Heavyweight Mike Gans.
Looking good champ!!
People We Meet: Frank Maldonado, the boxing coach
Click here to view Hawaii's Boxer photos.
