Boxing Trainer Barry Iron Man Stumpf Interview: Seriously Injured in Ring Fall
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
Veteran boxing trainer Barry Stumpf, one of the top amateur and professional boxing trainers in Pennsylvania and the Northeastern United States, was seriously injured yesterday in a freak accident involving a fall from the ring apron. Stumpf was seriously injured at his Finefrock & Stumpf’s Lancaster Golden Gloves Center Gym in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Stumpf, who was standing on the ring apron, took his eyes off the action in the ring for a moment, and while talking to individuals moving around outside the ring, was hit from behind by the fighters sparring in the ring inadvertently, and got knocked off the ring apron. In the fall which followed, Stumpf cracked or broke seven ribs which were crushed when he hit the gym floor concrete, also losing movement in his right arm.
Stumpf is currently hospitalized in the trauma unit at St. Luke’s University Hospital Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Stumpf contacted Real Combat Media by cellphone text to give boxing fans an explanation of what happened, and an update on his condition.
Real Combat Media: “Barry, what happened?”
Barry Stumpf: “I will tell you more (information) tomorrow. They are taking my cellphone from me in the trauma unit of St. Luke’s. I’m getting better. I was training lightweights Rolando Chinea and RafaelGonzalez for upcoming fights. I was in a corner (on the ring apron) telling kids to get back from the ring, and I got bumped (from behind) and I got knocked off the ring (apron) and fell about five feet on my back onto concrete.”
Real Combat Media: You gave the entire boxing community quite a scare. Get better, Barry. Iron Man, everyone is praying for you tonight, old friend.”
Barry Stumpf: “They’re taking my phone (cellphone from me in the trauma unit). Got to go. (It was) very good sparring for Rolando Chinea and Rafael Gonzalez (when I got hurt). Could have sold some tickets!”
Real Combat Media: “Barry, you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”
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