Carolina Boxing Hall Of Fame Induction

May 29, 2024

Deeandra Michel,

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CHARLOTTE, N.C – In the midst of spring, where the idiom float like a butterfly, sting like a bee flows perfectly, plenty of honorable men were inducted into the Carolina Boxing Hall Of Fame.

The inductions kicked off April 26th, with over 60 attendees present. All guest were dressed in their best to honor a remarkable group of men.

Like every banquet, there were refreshments, and vendors selling merchandise for the memorable event. But what made this banquet so special are the stories of triumph from all of the hardworking boxers who were also military veterans. A few in particular made a major impact on the community including the following: Robert Frazier, Kevin Bryant, Billy Mitchem, Lamar Parks, And Paul Marinaccio.

The Floyd Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award winner was given to Mike Bivens. With an astounding track record, the Boxing Contributor of the Year award was presented to Mark D. Stoessel, who was introduced by his predecessor Nathaniel Finch.

As Stoessel stood at the podium, the history of his journey flashed before the eyes of his audience. Tears, clapping, and military chants lifted the room as he accepted his award and told his story.

Stoessel’s boxing experience began as an army soldier stationed at Fort Jackson in Colombia, SC. As a soldier he trained and fought under the tutelage of Chris Hipopoulous at the Memorial Youth Center near the USC campus.

Following several years at Fort Jackson, Stoessel went to Airborne school, and found himself at the world’s largest military base, Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg.

During his time at Fort Liberty, Stoessel trained with Hank Johnson, who commissioned him as the boxing team medic and trainer. It was at this moment, Stoessel’s skill and dedication evoked success and prompted him to meet several important and impactful individuals along the way, including the following coaches: James Grant, Al Smith, and Anthony Bradley.

These small victories are pieces to the puzzle of Stoessel’s legacy. These victories showed up in his stature as he approached the podium to accept his award; they were in the inflections and emotions in his voice as he spoke about his journey. That journey included moments from the past that collided with the present as he paid homage to the boxing community from his glory days to bringing his daughter, Rachel, along for the ride.

“She’s my biggest supporter” says Stoessel.

It was at this moment that his boxing buddies turned to Stoessel’s teary eye daughter as she stood smiling at her father. The crowd could see a beautiful juxtaposition of a man, those who influenced him, and the success that blends it all together.

As the saying says, the journey is never linear, and for Stoessel this proved to be true. Prior to the support and influence of his daughter, Stoessel hit a crossroad after graduation with his bachelor’s degree: the bittersweetness of graduation and promotion to a military officer meant the end of competitive boxing.

But Good Ol’ Hank Johnson swooped in to redirect Stoessel and push him to continue his boxing career. He suggested Stoessel become a USA Boxing official. With eye for the art, and passion to continue in the realm of boxing, Stoessel refereed and judged over 500 amateur and professional matches between 1986 and 2002 at Fort Liberty and throughout other states across the country.

Stoessel didn’t limit his officiating skills to just boxing. He also represented Fort Liberty playing lacrosse and ice hockey including interservice and international level games.

His military career allowed him to be well traveled, with a significant memory of officiating at Camp Zama’s Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan.

Between the ring and the field, Stoessel’s accolades speak volumes to his dedication, skill, and perseverance. His continued honor is recognized as he unfolded stories from his journey.

That dedication, skill, and perseverance shows in the depths of his friendship with Nathaniel “Nate” Finch who curated and runs a boxing league in Fayetteville, N.C.

And that honor is also present in his respect and love for the sport of boxing itself. There was a certain je ne se quois about the way Stoessel spoke, the way he held on to the big, red boxing glove as it was passed around for all the inductees to sign.

This environment proved to be his true home, a venue hall filled with friends and family who support the art of boxing. From the dedication to the gloves and the ring tied to the brotherhood shared by these retired military soldiers, one could look at Stoessel and believe he was a man who found his purpose.

Hooah and congratulations to the 2024 Boxing Contributor of the Year, Mark D. Stoessel.