Clayton’s Corner: Boxing with the ‘Empress’ of Bleecker Street [PHOTOS]

This image has been archived or removed.

Photo: Clayton Patterson

I know so much has changed around here, making it difficult to be enthusiastic about anything that follows the gentrification. But there are pockets where one can still find the kinds of fires and heat that used to make the old Lower East Side the action-driven place we remember. And for me, one of the most interesting, happening places, is Overthrow Boxing at the old 9 Bleecker Street address. Yes that is the old Yippie Headquarters, and yes, Dana Beal still comes by and hangs out. As does photographer Robert Frank and his artist wife June Leaf.

The focus today is Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon, star female boxer and co-owner of Overthrow Boxing. Here’s her bio from the gym’s website…

Alicia began training at age 18 in Manorville and attended her first competition at 20. Her illustrious amateur career has been laced with notable accolades, including a 22-5 record, 11 amateur titles, two NY Golden Gloves, one National Golden Glove, two National bronze medals, three Metro Belts, one Empire State Game, one Platinum Gloves and one NYABC belt. She is number 2 in the United States and number 3 in the world, making her way to number 1 as she fights for a Double World Title fight October 24th at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island.

These photos are from the (recent) main event: Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (7-0, 5 KOs) vs. the veteran Texas hard slugger Kita Watkins (7-14, 1 KO).

This image has been archived or removed.

Photo: Clayton Patterson

The fight was promoted by Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions, and took place at the Five Star Banquet Hall in Long Island City. Right from the beginning it was a war. At the end of the 6 brutal rounds, the decision was unanimous in favor of Alicia.

This gallery has been removed.

All photos courtesy of Clayton Patterson