Lacey Township, New Jersey's Shawn E. Darling is being inducted into the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame on November 13 at the Venetian Restaurant in Garfield. Other honorees joining him on the 13th are: John Freda, Ricky Gonzalez, Bobby Gunn, Samad Haq, Reggie Haines, Tracy Harris Patterson, Leo Loiacono, David McWater, Chuck Metzger, Arnold Robbins, Merqui Sosa, Gregory Joseph Speciale, Bruce Trampler and Johnny Turner.

 

Darling has worked as trainer, manager & gym owner for over 20 years. The 55 year old Darling’s produced regional champs: Chris “Sandman” Thomas, Dan “The Brawla” Pasciolla and Hafiz “Big Dawg” Montgomery. Other notable fighters he’s worked with are: John Brown, Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson, Nick Valliere, Joel Delapaz, Mike Arnauatis and Natu Visinia.

 

Darling is currently coaching: Jaywon Woods, Cali Box and Tyler Vanorden. He was previously voted the New Jersey Coach of the Year in 2021 by the Hall of Fame and he credits working under WBC champ Matthew Saad Muhammad with his success.

 

His 4,000 square foot gym, The Gladiator Gym is known as the best gym in South Jersey and is frequented by all the elite fighters in the tri-state area for sparring, camp and amateur tournaments.