Boxing & Horseshoe History

 

Thomas began his boxing career in Perth Amboy, N.J.  in 1974. He also boxed in Edison, N.J., Toms River, N.J. and Binghampton, N.Y. During this time he won the County Golden Gloves in New Jersey three times - 1976, 1977 & 1978. He also raised money for Binghampton Boys Club as well as for charities supporting cancer and heart disease while in Binghampton and Tom's River. His fund raising activities, which stemmed from having a family history of cancer and heart disease, gained him local recognition including local awards and nomination for Hometown Citizen of the Year, Thomas continues to support these charities, as they are very important to him.

 

Mr. DeLaney's boxing talent may have been passed down by his father, Thomas E. DeLaney, who was an amateur boxer in the army for a short time. Jack DeLaney, Tom's Great Uncle was a Light Heavyweight Champion of the World in the 1920's and Michael "JJ" DeLaney who was the MiddleWeight Champion in Ireland who is also a Great Uncle of Tom's.

 

Today, Mr. DeLaney is a boxing coach, trainer and referee for Florida State and is a member of USA Boxing. He remains good friends with Sammy Bammy, Mackie Willis and Randy Decker, exceptional former boxer.

 

In addition to boxing, Mr. DeLaney and his wife, Carol have came in first and second place in many horseshoe tournaments. In fact, in 1992 he came in 2nd at the Mercer County Classic in Class D and took 4th and 1st in two matches at The Pits, Maine, NY in April of the same year. In July 1992, Thomas took 3rd place in the Z division at the World Tournament for which he recieved a letter of recognition from Senator Charles D. Lemmond, Jr.. In 1993 Thomas won Rookie of the Year in the National Horseshoe League.