Hand Commits to Carrying Forward 40-Year Legacy of Youth Boxing Development in Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (October 14, 2026) – Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, one of the state’s most storied amateur boxing organizations, today announced that Joe Hand Jr. of Joe Hand Promotions (JHP) has been named interim franchise holder. Hand will oversee the franchise on an interim basis as the organization continues its mission of developing young athletes across the Commonwealth.
For 40 years, the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves has provided young men and women across the state with a platform to develop their skills, build confidence, and grow as leaders through the sport of boxing. As an affiliate of the Golden Gloves of America organization — a network of nonprofits spanning the country — the PA Golden Gloves has championed an Olympic Development program that empowers youth athletes to become role models in their communities, instilling values of discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Under Hand’s interim leadership, the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves is entering a new era with a unified statewide structure, modernized 501(c)(3) governance, and a clear competitive pathway to the 2027 Tournament of Champions. The franchise operates through three regional hubs—Western (Pittsburgh), led by Jack Mook and Teddy Mrkonja; Central (Harrisburg/Lancaster/Scranton), led by Doug Long and Claudie Kenion; and Eastern, led by Monty Sherrick Farley—with proven local leadership and prospective statewide broadcast coverage.
“The Pennsylvania Golden Gloves has been a cornerstone of amateur boxing in this state for 40 years. Stepping in as interim franchise holder is an honor, and I’m committed to making sure this program continues to serve the young athletes who depend on it,” said Joe Hand Jr., President of Joe Hand Promotions.
The appointment reflects the longstanding ties between Joe Hand Promotions and the broader boxing community. Founded in 1971, JHP has spent more than five decades at the intersection of combat sports and community, distributing world-class programming to commercial establishments nationwide while maintaining a deep commitment to the sport at every level — from grassroots amateur competition to the sport’s biggest stages.
About Pennsylvania Golden Gloves: The Pennsylvania Golden Gloves is a nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Golden Gloves, dedicated to developing young athletes through the sport of boxing. For 40 years, the organization has provided male and female boxers across the Commonwealth with opportunities to compete, grow, and become leaders in their communities. For more information, visit pagoldengloves.org.
About Joe Hand Promotions: Founded in 1971, Joe Hand Promotions is the nation’s premier distributor of premium sports content to commercial establishments, including bars, restaurants, and casinos. JHP has been a trusted partner for decades to brands such as ESPN+ for Business, the UFC, WWE, DAZN, Premier Boxing Champions, and others, delivering premium viewing experiences to fans while creating value for venue owners across the country. Through innovative distribution solutions and industry-leading customer service, Joe Hand Promotions continues to connect businesses with the world’s biggest live events.
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Press Contacts:
DBC Communications
Nicole Taylor: nicolet@bzapr.com
Joe Hand Promotions
Brandi Grumm: b.grumm@joehandpromotions.com