Episode 47 : “Bobby Stewart: The Local Legend Who Shaped Mike Tyson”

EPISODE 47

September 30, 2025

OVERVIEW:

“From the Ring to the Record Books: The Bobby Stewart Story” 🥊🏆 He trained with champs, mentored Mike Tyson, and never took a shortcut—this is the untold story of Montgomery County’s own boxing legend, Bobby Stewart. In this powerful comeback episode of Montgomery County Now, Sheriff Jeff Smith shares recent community highlights before sitting down with one of the county’s most fascinating icons. From bootleg fights in the YMCA boiler room to shaping one of the greatest fighters in history, Bobby’s story is one of grit, purpose, and hometown pride.

OLD NEWS: Stay current on our Facebook Page

• 🎥 Video Series Recap:

  • Farm to Table Tour

  • FMCC College Feature

  • Fonda Fair 2025 Behind the Scenes

  • Sheriff’s Open House – over 100 people toured the correctional facility

• 🎨 Coloring station, equipment displays, AI demos by Chris Dancy, and full 911 center tours

• ☕ Coffee with a Cop continues this week at Stewart’s in Fonda & Palatine Bridge

• 🎉 Senior Picnic Success – Sheriff Jeff tried his hand at being a Bingo caller

• 🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts on Sale – Proceeds benefit local residents

• ✂️ Public Defender’s Office Ribbon Cutting – Newly renovated office at the Old Courthouse

• 🎖️ Sheriff’s Week Celebrated – Honoring our 911, civil, EMS, and corrections teams

• 🚜 Fall Driving Reminders – Watch for wet leaves, farm traffic, and school buses

• 🐄 Sunday on the Farm at Bellinger's – County presence and happy attendees

• 🎖️ Honor Guard at Public Defender Ribbon Cutting, Fonda 200 Parade, and 9/11 Memorial

GUESTS:

Bobby Stewart Boxing Champion, Tryon Instructor, Tyson Mentor

Highlights:

• Grew up in Amsterdam, started boxing secretly at the YMCA

• Won the 1974 National Golden Gloves title – the highest honor in amateur boxing at the time

• Turned pro and amassed a 13-3 record (with 10 knockouts)

• Later became a staff member at Tryon Juvenile Center, where he met Mike Tyson

• Mentored Tyson, trained with him, and eventually introduced him to Cus D’Amato

• Helped shape Tyson’s early discipline, work ethic, and foundational skills

• Recalls sparring with Tyson at 13: “That jab was the hardest I’ve ever been hit.”

• Still in touch with Tyson and was recently featured in a Netflix docuseries

Sheriff’s Reflection:

“There’s no Tyson without Stewart. A local hero who made a national impact.”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

🔗 Events Calendar

• 🚒 October 5 – Glenn Fire Department Open House & Engine Wet-Down Ceremony

• 🎃 October Events – Trunk or Treats, parades, fall festivals

• 🍎 Apple Picking Season – Visit Bellinger’s, Sand Flats Orchard, and more

• 🍁 Leaf Peeping – Explore the country roads for peak fall color

• 🎓 Homecoming Weeks

  • Canajoharie & Fonda-Fultonville – This week

  • Amsterdam – October 11 (Parade + Game)

• 🚤 October 12–13 – Seneca Chief Bicentennial Erie Canal Voyage

  • Dignitaries on board, escorted by our Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit

RESOURCES:

• 📲 Get Real-Time Updates: Download Our App

• 🚨 Emergency? Dial 911

• 📞 Non-Emergency? Call [phone]