More Accolades For The Cutman

I met Al in 1997 ... as such, did not know him as long as many others. Yet he took me in as a close friend as if he had known me since childhood and always treated me as part of his extended family. I had the highest respect for him, not only as a cutman, but as a person. There are very few people in this world that deserves the highest accolades that Al Gavin has earned. Without doubt, Al Gavin will be in the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Al Gavin meant so much to so many ... fighters, friends, and family. His expertise as a cutman was unquestionable. He was as genuine and close a friend as anyone could imagine. He loved his family and extended that love to the boxing community. That too was his family. He was someone that you could always depend on and someone who always gave so much of himself to others. "Uncle Al", as we knew him, will always be in our hearts as we were always in his.

Rest In Peace, my friend.

Victor & Maria Pei

Will Zito Video Tribute

Will Zito, a former fighter under Al's tutelage sent us this video and tribute...



For two years Al was my trainer and cut man; but most importantly he was a father figure to me, both in and out of the boxing gym. During this time we became very close and overcame battles both in and out of the ring. Aside from training Al and I spent most of our time together talking about life, boxing and every other topic you can think of. During our talks Al would dig deep with the questions he would ask to find out what really made me tic. He wanted to know who Will Zito the person was, and paid a higher interest in me as a person, than as a fighter.

Like so many others, Al fulfilled a gap in my life that seemed impossible to fill. He became my voice of reason and taught me what being a “Man” really meant. Words cannot say what Al gave to me. What he gave cannot be described; it is a feeling, a reason, self worth and character. Al understood something that most people, and even those who are labeled as “great teachers” fail to see; and that is that success cannot be achieved without belief. He inspired so many by showing them that he believed in them, and therefore they believed in themselves. He knew that all someone needed was just one person to believe in them and that could fuel the attitude and dedication needed to accomplish an entire lifetime of dreams and goals, no matter how big or small.

I know this is true because his belief in me still drives me to this day; and as he helped me, I am now helping others. I know he is still with me and all those who had the honor of knowing him; in my heart, in my thoughts and in my soul I will carry him for a lifetime. He lives in all of us, within the hearts and minds of his children, in every breath of his loving wife, and in every fight with every boxer who ever had, and still has Al in their corner.

Thank you Al for all that you have given me, for all that you have given to all of us.
God Bless you, God Bless your family…

Love “your own” Will Zito