Thursday, July 10, 2025
Even with an opponent ten years his junior, 65-year-old Friedberg JCC boxing trainer and North Merrick resident Steve Solomon emerged victorious on May 17 in Brooklyn, securing the prestigious Gleason’s Gym Masters Boxing Championship title — a long-awaited goal for the veteran amateur fighter.
Solomon has run the boxing program at Oceanside’s Friedberg JCC for several years, has been training consistently throughout his life and defeated a younger opponent in a three-round match. Despite facing a challenging and physically aggressive competitor, Solomon emerged victorious, winning the championship and adding another milestone to his impressive boxing career.
“I never stop training,” Solomon explained. “I’m always in shape, and I continue to challenge myself.”
Solomon, who teaches general, special needs and Parkinson boxing at the JCC, continues to spar and train, serving as an inspiration to athletes of all ages. Solomon, who turns 66 in a month, said his age has never been a deterrent, physically or mentally.
“I thank God first for good health,” he said. “I continually do it. I don’t stop. When you stop doing something, you age quicker. The key is to continue doing what you love. Whatever it is”
Gleason’s 7th Annual Masters Tournament was open to amateur boxers aged 35 and older. The tournament was sanctioned by USA Boxing Metro. The gym is a hub for both amateur and professional boxing, boasting a long history of producing world champions, including Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
Solomon has an impressive boxing history, featuring multiple world championship exhibitions and charity events that highlight both athletic skill and community engagement. Throughout his amateur career, Solomon has fought notable boxers like Danny Jacobs, Iran Barkley, and Yuri Foreman, an ordained rabbi and professional boxer. The May 17 win follows Solomon’s previous triumph at the Chicago Golden Gloves Masters Tournament last summer, where he was the oldest competitor to claim the title. His approach to fitness is rooted in clean living, spiritual beliefs, and a commitment to continuous physical activity. A longtime Long Island teacher and coach in schools throughout Nassau County, including 30 years in the Uniondale School District, Solomon said his dedication to boxing and his resilience through adversity come from a combination of discipline, gratitude, and deep spiritual faith.
“I live clean. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t use drugs — only what’s prescribed for medical reasons. And I’m spiritual,” he said. “I feel the presence of God in everything. That’s why I don’t really get scared. I have a lot of strength.”
Despite being banged up physically Solomon says he isn’t done yet. With plans to compete again in Chicago for the Golden Gloves Masters Tournament on June 20. With a supportive team, including trainer Shannell Blackman, Solomon continues to challenge perceptions about aging and athletic performance.
“I’m sore, but I’ll recover,” he said. “I’ve come back before, and I’ll come back again. As long as my knee heals, I want to go back to Chicago and take on another master’s Golden Glove Masters Boxing Tournament.”
Whether or not he steps back into the ring for another official bout, Solomon has already proven what grit, faith, and lifelong discipline can accomplish — even against younger, rougher opponents.
As he put it simply: “I thank God that I was able to be victorious that Saturday,” he said. “I have a lot of strength. I’m always thanking God for all the good.”
