PHILLY BOXING HISTORY - August 01, 2024 |
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The Philadelphia boxing community deeply mourns the passing of Joe Hand Sr., who passed away at the age of 87 on August 1, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family. Joe Hand Sr. was renowned as the founder of Joe Hand Promotions, the global leader in providing boxing, UFC, and wrestling pay-per-view events to commercial establishments worldwide. He played a pivotal role in advancing the career of Philadelphia’s legendary Smokin’ Joe Frazier through his position at the Cloverlay Corporation. Hand also served as a Philadelphia police officer for 18 years, working in the Intelligence Unit under Mayor Frank Rizzo. Among his proudest accomplishments were founding the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Joe Hand Wellness Center.
In the 1990s and early 2000s The Joe Hand
Boxing Gym located in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia
served as a community safe haven, offering youth the opportunity to
learn boxing, engage in fitness activities, and study in a computer
lab. After moving headquarters from Philadelphia to Feasterville,
the gym was re-opened along with Joe Hand Wellness, which includes
programs for adults with Parkinson’s, autism, and breast cancer
survivors—causes close to Hand’s heart.
He promoted the careers of many Philadelphia boxers, including Joe Frazier, Willie “The Worm” Monroe, and James Shuler. From humble beginnings in the Lawncrest neighborhood of Philadelphia, Joe Hand Sr. grew up quickly after the tragic loss of his father at age 12, feeling a responsibility to support his mother and two sisters. His determination was evident in his perfect attendance record at Northeast Catholic High School. After graduation, Joe went into the car-selling business. Joe started in the shop and was promoted to a service manager. While at the shop, he fell in love with the telephone operator of the dealership, Margaret Joyce, leading to a marriage of 66 years. Two years later, Joe became a Philadelphia Police officer. His wife Margaret followed Joe, and she also became a Police officer two years later. Joe Sr. loved being a policeman, which led to a decorated career as a detective within the intelligence unit, and as a member of Mayor Rizzo’s personal Protective Unit totaling 18 years of service to the Philadelphia Police department. Hand's career in boxing began with an investment in the Cloverlay Corporation, supporting Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Frazier. It started with writing a letter to Bruce Baldwin, a founder of Cloverlay after reading a newspaper article. Joe Sr. asked to buy one share of the company supporting Frazier. Baldwin offered to sell Hand one of his own shares, and the rest was history. Joe attended the Cloverlay meetings, worked celebrity security details, and managed closed-circuit fights for Cloverlay. After about five years, Joe Hand was the Chief Operating Officer of the Cloverlay Corporation. Balancing his career as a Police officer, and his position at Cloverlay, at 38 years old Joe suffered a massive heart attack. Luckily, Hand was revived, but that put an end to his illustrious career as a Philadelphia Police officer and opened the door to build his beloved company alongside his family.
He founded Joe Hand Promotions from the trunk of his car, and his Northeast Philadelphia home on Jackson Street, with help from his sister and co-founder Patricia (“Aunt Pat”) Hand and children Joe Jr and Margaret. The family business led the closed-circuit boxing industry, holding viewing locations at arenas such as the Spectrum for championship matches, starting with “The Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden - Ali vs Frazier. Today, Joe Hand Promotions, led by Joe Hand Jr. as President, thrives as the global leader in commercial pay-per-view distribution. Through innovation of technology, and resilience, Joe Hand Promotions is at the top and under the leadership and guidance of the Hand Family. Including Patricia “Aunt Pat” Hand, and Vice President of the company Jason Joyce, the nephew of Joe Hand Sr. The company has been a key partner of the UFC for over 25 years and holds commercial rights to nearly every major boxing pay-per-view. The company has been in operation now for roughly 53 years. Joe Hand Sr.'s legacy as an ambassador for pay-per-view and closed-circuit boxing parallels the impact of the first broadcast of the NFL/AFL Super Bowl, earning him the title "Godfather of PPV Boxing."
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Joe Hand Sr. was known for his vibrant personality and deep love for people. Even at 87, he came to work every day at the Joe Hand Promotions office, making each employee feel valued, and sharing stories. His legacy of dedication, innovation, and kindness will never be forgotten.
Joe Hand Jr. and his nephew Jason Joyce recently shared stories about Joe Hand Sr., sharing the depth of his character and his unwavering loyalty to his friends. Reflecting on Joe Sr.’s friendships with notable figures such as Joe Frazier, Steve Carlton, and Mayor Frank Rizzo, they highlighted his commitment to those he cared about. Joe Hand Sr. maintained a strong friendship with Mayor Frank Rizzo. As a token of this friendship, Joe Sr. always ensured that two tickets were reserved for Rizzo at every event he promoted. This gesture was a testament to his loyalty and appreciation for their relationship. In his later years, Joe Hand Sr. also remained a close friend to Joe Frazier, playing an instrumental role in the creation of the Joe Frazier statue in Philadelphia at Xfinity Live. Hand felt responsible for honoring and building up his friends. Another memorable story involved Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton, who once asked Joe Hand Sr. to be his agent. Joe Sr. initially expressed displeasure, telling Carlton that his friendship was genuine. This response showed Joe Hand Sr.’s integrity and the value he placed on true friendship.
The Hand’s commitment to the business can be shown through the sacrifices that were made, along with his sister and co-founder Patricia. Joe Hand Jr. shared some insights on the commitment to the company: “Oftentimes to secure the rights for fights, either my father or Aunt Pat would put up their house.” When an opportunity came for Hand, he as well as his family had the courage to step up and take it. “The courage to step up to the task, get a seat at the table, and figure out the details when you get there.” Hand certainly had the courage, and built a legacy for the Hand Family. The legendary Joe Hand Sr. was “all in on life and generosity,” and his impact will live on forever through his family, friends, and his company, Joe Hand Promotions. Joe Hand will be remembered as a “pioneer” and the “Godfather of PPV Boxing,” a decorated Philadelphia Police Officer, and most importantly a man who loved his family and friends deeply. Joe Hand Sr. was married to the love of his life, Margaret Mary Hand (Joyce), for 66 years. He was a dedicated father to his son, Joseph Hand III, also known as Joe Hand Jr., and daughter, Margaret Hand Cicalese (served as Vice President of Joe Hand Promotions, retiring in 2022), and a loving brother to Patricia (“Aunt Pat”) and the late Elizabeth Voss, as well as an uncle to Jason Joyce (Vice President of Joe Hand Promotions) and Mike Joyce (Operations Manager for Joe Hand Promotions). Joe Hand Sr. also was a proud grandfather to his four grandchildren Joey Hand, Peter Hand, Elizabeth Cicalese Beck, and Vincent Cicalese.
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