Reese Mistretta’s Triumph
Reese Mistretta wasn’t preoccupied with the significance of his achievement as he stepped into the ring on Saturday night. Instead, he focused on the heaviness in his legs and the struggle to breathe, all while facing off against Ali Conde, a skilled fighter from El Maestro’s Gym in the Bronx known for capitalizing on his opponents’ mistakes.
Just two nights earlier, Mistretta had narrowly defeated Conde at Madison Square Garden in the intense 176lb final of the Ring Masters Championships, New York’s top amateur boxing event. However, since the finals operated on a double elimination basis, Mistretta knew he needed to win again at a gym in Gravesend, Brooklyn, to claim the title. “He definitely came back, re-corrected, he put it on me a little bit more,” Reese reflected, acknowledging Conde’s reputation as an adept counterpuncher.
Desiree Mistretta, Reese’s mother, was not merely a spectator. A champion herself, having won the New York Golden Gloves in 1999 and 2005, she was actively guiding her son in the corner. This moment solidified their bond as they became the first-ever mother-son duo to win titles in the New York Golden Gloves, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s long history.
A Legacy of Boxing
Reese, aged 26, expressed the emotional weight of the tournament, saying, “This tournament specifically was for her. I have my own goals – we want a national title too – but this was the sweet spot. We became the pair.” The Ring Masters Championships is known as the legal successor to the Golden Gloves, having undergone a name change due to a trademark dispute but maintaining its competitive structure. Elite-level winners not only receive a custom-designed ring but also qualify for the national Golden Gloves tournament.
The New York Golden Gloves, established in 1927, has been a renowned amateur sporting event, producing legendary boxing figures like Sugar Ray Robinson and Floyd Patterson. Although some participants advance to professional boxing, many view it as a path toward personal growth, self-discipline, and a sense of belonging.
Desiree Mistretta’s Journey
Desiree has preserved her initial winner’s necklace, a symbol of her achievement. This year, she wore it proudly, contrasting it with Reese’s new championship ring, which held deeper significance. Their intertwined story reflects the evolution of boxing in New York across generations.
Desiree began boxing in 1997, seeking a fresh start after overcoming personal struggles, and quickly found her passion for the sport. She was instrumental in paving the way for women’s participation in boxing, while balancing fatherhood and her own fighting career. Her resilience led her to win the Golden Gloves in ’99, shortly after giving birth, and to court national recognition as a pioneering female boxer.
A Shared Path
The unwavering support from Desiree has been vital to Reese’s journey back into the sport he grew up around. After several personal setbacks, he found solace in boxing again. “I needed to,” he admitted, emphasizing that his mother always respected his choices regarding the sport.
Reese’s victory against Conde in their second match confirmed not only his skill but also his persistence. “I’ve won all three New York tournaments now,” he noted with pride, considering this win the most significant of all. Their accomplishment is a tribute not only to their hard work but also to the memory of Patrick Day, a young fighter who had once inspired them both.
Looking forward, Reese aims for the National Golden Gloves and considers a professional path, holding a desire to achieve another mother-son milestone. Every fight and title symbolizes their shared journey of resilience. “It’s not about living through him,” Desiree emphasized. “It’s about sharing this part of myself with him.” Their true legacy is the courage and determination to overcome adversity, showcasing the enduring bond they share.
