Title
Proclamation recognizing the highest-ranked Pittsburgh-area professional boxer, Monty Meza-Clay, for being a champion both in the ring and in his Rankin community.
Body
WHEREAS, on February 2, 2008, locally renowned boxer Monty Meza-Clay delivered an exciting win against International Boxing Federation lightweight champion Eric Aiken inside the Pittsburgh Expo Mart, a fight that was nationally broadcast on ESPN2; and
WHEREAS, Meza-Clay, a Rankin-area native, has been boxing since he was a student at West Junior High School, when a friend encouraged him to use his fighting skills at the Monroeville Boxing Gym; and
WHEREAS, Meza-Clay quickly became known as a “natural” among his peers and in 1997, he began boxing at the amateur competition level, earning a record of 52-8; and
WHEREAS, Meza-Clay has fought in the Feather Weight, Super Feather Weight, Light Weight and Welter Weight Class, and has amassed a number of titles, including the International Boxing Association World Title in 2005 and the Super Feather Weight Champion Title in 2007; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his work in the ring, Meza-Clay takes the time to give back to his Rankin community, volunteering to speak to troubled youth at juvenile and county correctional institutions, public schools, and group homes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council wishes to recognize Mr. Monty Meza-Clay for being a champion both in the ring and in his Rankin community. Your commitment to excelling in the field of boxing and your efforts to provide local troubled youth with a positive role model are commendable.