Inside Women's Boxing:

CLAMPITT MOURNS DEATH OF TRAINER & HOPES FOR REMATCH!

By Bill Luppert

Just 48 hours following the toughest loss of her career, Jaime Clampitt sat in the Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home in Providence,RI mourning the death of her trainer, Robert "Tiny" Ricci. Ricci passed away two days prior to her June 12th fight against four-time world champion Jane Couch, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Ledyard, CT. One of Ricci's death-bed wished was to postpone all ceremonies until after her fight, and realizing how important that wish was, his family obliged and Jaime was able to attend the funeral.

Another of Ricci's wishes was for Jaime to win her bout on June 12th. This wish was made known 4 days before the fight, according to her new trainer Chuck Sullivan, who also happens to be Ricci's nephew. In the fight (which she was advised by many to postpone), it was obvious from her expression entering the ring, that Ricci's death was weighing heavily upon her. During the fight, the two females engaged in an all-out war with Clampitt having a decided edge in power shots and Couch having the edge in overall punch out-put. Fightnews.com scored the fight 96-94 for Clampitt, as many in press row had it. However the judges final tally were for Couch, 96-94 twice and 96-95 giving Couch the win and further adding to Clampitt's troubles.

"I thought I won, but what I think does not change the result nor discount what myself and Jane did inside the ring, so its a waste of time to talk about it. The official decision had Jane winning so I congratulate her," said Jaime, who refused to offer any excuses. "I will say that Jane and I gave a great effort and it was a tremendous fight. It was surely a great fight for womens boxing. I take my hat off to her for a great effort and I think we should both be proud because we made for an exciting TV fight, and we both fought our hearts out. I will just be patient and hope for a rematch and hope that we can make it as exciting for the fans once again."

The hardest part for Jaime was the fact that she felt she let Ricci down by not winning, something which was made even harder on wake and funeral, when Jaime had to face all of Ricci's family & friends.

"After the fight I just wanted to hide and on Monday it was still so hard to see everyone," said Clampitt. "I just have to be patient and hope to get a shot at getting the belts back for Tiny. He was so proud of those belts, even in his last days he would love it when strangers would come in to his room and he could introduce me as his world champion. It made him smile."

According to those who knew him, Tiny has been a very influential part of New England boxing, both amateur and professional, and his services was a who's who of the area. Some of those to attend the services were Josh Beeman, the 2000 Eastern Olympic Trials Gold Medallist, whom Tiny considered a son, and NABF & IBU super middleweight titlest Scott Pemberton, who trained with Tiny for a short period of time a few years ago. Probably the most notable fighter was two-time world champion Vinny Paz, who has called Tiny's R.I. Boxing Gym home for the past 7 years. Tiny could also be seen working the corner for most of Paz' fights at super middleweight.

Besides those mentioned, Ricci had a hand in the career of many top professionals. He started the career of former USBA & NABF titlest Brian "The Bull" Barbosa and former WBO #1 super middleweight Tom Galipeau, Others to work under Ricci were "Happy" Harold Ouimette, Benny "The Boss" Costantino, Danny "TNT" Costantino, Arthur Saribekian, Olivia Escobar, Kathy Rivers, Liz Mueller and many more.

"I miss him," said Jaime. "I just hope I can make him proud once again and get back those titles for him and for Chuckie. It's not going to be easy as Jane can really fight, and like me has a great will to win, I will just do my best and hope that it is enough to get the job done."

Ricci was buried June 15th in Pawtucket, RI. He was laid to rest with three things in his casket, a photo of Jaime and Ted on their wedding day, signed Everlast fight gloves from Vinny Paz & Jimmy Burchfield and his powder blue "Team Clampitt" corner jacket that he wore the day Jaime won her championship over Eliza Olson.

May you rest in peace.