Anthony Mullin
Susan and Ron Silverberg unveiled the belt with Mayor David Cassetti in August.
ANSONIA – The 96-year old world championship belt that legendary Ansonia boxer Pinky Silverberg won in 1927 has found a new home at the Ansonia Library.
Silverberg’s son, Ron, along with his wife Susan, joined Mayor David Cassetti at the library in late August to unveil the historic artifact.
Pinky Silverberg, a member of Connecticut’s Boxing Hall of Fame, won the National Boxing Association World Flyweight Division title in 1927 at the Bridgeport Armory. Born in the Bronx, he called Ansonia home from 1920 until his death in 1964 at age 60.
“No matter where he fought, he always came back to his hometown of Ansonia, Connecticut,” Ron Silverberg said. “He was a man of few words. And if he was here today with this unveiling of his belt … he would say ‘thanks,’ that’s all. I want to thank the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen for allowing this display. I’m very happy his accomplishment will be seen by the citizens of Ansonia, the Valley and all over the country if they want to come look at his belt.”
The Board of Aldermen in May 2022 unanimously approved Ron Silverberg’s request to house his dad’s championship belt at the library. Ron Silverberg said the belt lived in his father’s sock drawer for years. After his dad died in 1964, Ron Silverberg said the family moved the belt into a safe deposit box. Last year, Ron Silverberg found the key to the safe deposit box and looked inside at the beloved family heirloom.
“Why am I keeping this belt in a dark, dingy safe deposit box?” Ron Silverberg said. “Now all these kids, especially those in the mayor’s youth boxing club, can see my dad’s belt, the belt of a world champion.”
Ron Silverberg told the Aldermen last year the belt deserved to see the light of day. And now more than a year after the Aldermen agreed with that sentiment, the belt has found its forever home.
The belt is housed inside a dark oak and glass curio cabinet that Cassetti said the city picked up the $1,200 tab for. For safe-keeping, Cassetti said it will be under lock and key.
Anthony Mullin
Cassetti said he ordered the display case last year, but COVID-19 related shipping issues caused some delays with its arrival.
Pinky Silverberg won the Connecticut Flyweight Boxing Championship in 1925 at a match that took place in the former Ansonia Opera House downtown. Then just two years later, he took the NBA World Flyweight title in 1927 in a fight with Ruby Bradley in Bridgeport, during which Bradley was disqualified for a low blow.
Pinky Silverberg had the distinction of only being knocked out once in his career.
“He was Ansonia’s champion, and his belt deserves to be displayed in his hometown,” Ron Silverberg said.
Cassetti, a former boxer, said having the belt on permanent loan at the public library is a total knockout.
“This man has inspired many here in Ansonia, including myself,” said Cassetti. “Having started my own boxing career in 1979, I was always impressed we had a world champion in our midst right here in Ansonia.”
Cassetti was so inspired by Pinky Silverberg he created a youth boxing academy at the Ansonia Armory in 2016 in his honor. Hundreds of Ansonia and Valley kids participate each year and learn various fundamental skills, while building self-confidence at the same time, Cassetti said.
“I formed the Pinky Silverberg club for children – not to teach them how to beat somebody up – that’s not what it’s about. It’s to teach them self-esteem and courage and to stand up for themselves,” Cassetti said.
Honoring Pinky Silverberg is nothing new for Ansonia. The city, back in 2017, named the corner of Father Salemi Drive and Main Street on his behalf with a street sign. Before the Flood of 1955, the Silverberg family lived in an apartment building at that intersection.
