WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MAY 25, 2017 21 BUZZ Ridgewood boxer wins fi rst pro fi ght in 57 seconds BY ANTHONY GIUDICE [email protected] @A_GIUDICEREPORT The Ridgewood boxer who competed in the 2015 Olympic Trials in Colorado, recently traveled to North Carolina to fi ght in his very fi rst professional bout — and defeated his opponent in under a minute to start off his career with an impressive victory. Mathew Gonzalez had his hand raised just 57 seconds into the fi rst round aft er knocking out his opponent Raekwon Speight at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC, in the 147 pound welterweight division on Saturday, May 20. Gonzalez began competing in the amateur ranks at the age of 11, training and fi ghting out of the International Boxing & Fitness gym, located at 953C Cypress Ave. in Ridgewood. During his time training at the gym, he began training people to pick up some extra cash. He now works 40 hours a week at the gym training both adults and children the art of boxing aside from his boxing career. Aft er earning a 38-7 amateur record, and competing in national competitions such as the Olympic Trials and the Daily News Golden Gloves, Gonzalez’s team at International Boxing & Fitness gym believed that he was ready to turn pro, and even decided to fund his professional career. “After Mathew competed in the semi-fi nals of the Daily New Golden Gloves, our team got together and decided that the best move now is to turn Mathew pro,” said Jenny Badillo, Mathew’s coach and owner of International Boxing & Fitness gym. “With the help of, Coach Eric Roman, Coach Victor Cruz, supporting members of International Boxing & Fitness Club, and myself, we used our resources to help Mathew in his transition. Gonzalez is now preparing for his second pro fi ght, which will take place on Sept. 23, back in North Carolina, and the International Boxing & Fitness team is excited to see him fl ourish. “Many talented young men never have the opportunity to turn pro Photo courtesy of International Boxing & Fitness Club Mathew Gonzalez (second from left) with his coaches at his fi rst professional due to the lack of resources and support of a team. Boxing is not only about talented boxers, but it’s also a business,” Badillo said. “You need the right team to get the ball rolling. Here at International Boxing & Fitness Club we are a family. We all got together to help. Now Mathew is 1-0 (1KO) and we have upcoming fights guaranteed.” fi ght in North Carolina. Ridgewood’s newest bar aims to elevate craft beer experience BY ANTHONY GIUDICE [email protected] @A_GIUDICEREPORT After more than a year of waiting, Ridgewood’s newest craft beer bar, Craft Culture, is now open on Myrtle Avenue to serve the neighborhood’s thirstiest beer connoisseurs. Craft Culture, located at 59-04 Myrtle Ave., offi cially opened to the public on Wednesday, May 24, but owner Cesar Andrade held a soft opening on Saturday, May 20. The bar has 16 diff erent craft beers on tap, some from breweries right here in Queens like Big Alice, Finback Brewery, LIC Beer Project, Bridge and Tunnel Brewery, and more. In addition, there is a refrigerator full of canned and bottled craft beers that patrons can enjoy right at the bar (with a $3 pouring fee) or can take home to sip on their couch or at a friend’s place. Craft Culture also serves a variety of delicious foods that put an interesting twist on traditional bar grub. From slider sampler to zeppoles, Andrade is excited to treat his customers to foods that fully complement the bar’s wide array of beers. “It feels invigorating, freeing and energizing to get everything fi nally off the ground. I want people to know that Craft Culture is all about Ridgewood and Queens,” Andrade said. “Being from Queens and having once lived in Ridgewood, it feels amazing to put a business like this in my backyard. I have a great passion for craft beer and good food and want to share it with everyone I come in contact with.” Craft Culture is a relatively small area, but it feels much bigger once you’re inside. The bar area has several seats with hooks underneath the bar to hang coats and handbags, as well as outlets for all your electronic needs. There are two large picnic-table style benches for larger groups Photo via Cesar Andrade Craft Culture is offi cially open on Myrtle Avenue. to congregate, as well as a pair of two-seat tables for a more intimate setting, making Craft Culture the perfect place to go with a bunch of friends, or to bring a fi rst date. Even though the bar officially opened on May 24, Andrade will hold a grand opening celebration on June 1 through 3, as to not compete with the Memorial Day weekend. “My Grand Opening festivities will be on June 1, 2 and 3,” Andrade announced. “For those days I will have balloons outside. I will have deals on all the beer. Cans and bottles will have a $1 pouring fee as opposed to the usual $3 pouring fee attached to enjoying those in the bar. Beer on tap will be $2 off all day.” Craft Culture is located at 59-04 Myrtle Ave.
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