When the world’s most famous boxer chose Joshua Clottey, a New York welterweight, for a championship bout in Texas, Manny Pacquiao wasn’t just plucking a relative unknown out of obscurity — he was elevating a Bronx gym.
Since its founding 30 years ago, John’s Gym, on Westchester Avenue in Melrose, has seen its share of quality boxers — but few have gotten a shot to become world champ.
Kathleen (Kitty) Walsh, a 20-year-old college student, is a real fighter.
The young boxer is battling her way through the Daily News Golden Gloves tournament. The semi-final round for both men and women takes place this month, leading up to the finals at Madison Square Garden on March 25-26.
Walsh is hoping to emerge a champ – and make her way from New York to London for the 2012 Olympics.
Women’s boxing has gained popularity through movies like “Million Dollar Baby,” and professional fighters like Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali.
But the gender gap hasn’t closed much when it comes to money. Jill Emery, a 37-year-old former Golden Gloves champ, has found that making as much cash as the male boxers who train beside her at Gleason’s Gym is her toughest fight yet.
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