The Neutral Corner

The Greater Astoria Historical Society will present a lecture and panel discussion on the history of Sunnyside Garden, one of New York City's last great fight clubs. The event takes place on Monday, February 2 at the Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor of the Quinn Memorial Building, Long Island City. It starts at 7:00 p.m.

Scheduled to appear are former fighters Vito Antuofermo, Henny Wallitsch and -- Neutral Corner patriarch -- Irish Bobby Cassidy. They each fought at Sunnyside. The arena was in operation from 1926 to 1977 and hosted boxing, wrestling and roller derby. It was also the site where John F. Kennedy spoke to an overflow crowd during a campaign swing through New York. The arena stood at 44-16 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside. -- CASSIDY