Silent Voices United Inc. and Harlem House of Champions presented The Battle For Hope 2: Uniting Harlem Against Gun Violence on August 17, 2025.
The community boxing event took place at 3 p.m. on the Plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building as part of Harlem Week’s “Celebrate Our Magic” festivities.
The event, sanctioned by USA Boxing Metro, honored the career of Veronica “Vicious” Simmons, one of the most accomplished and respected figures in women’s boxing history. Simmons, who retired undefeated with a 15-0 professional record (11 KOs), also won four New York Golden Gloves titles and three National Championships. Her legacy as a trailblazer included being regarded as one of the most avoided fighters in her division, even by notable contemporaries like Laila Ali and Jacqueline Frazier-Lyde…