He has been called Elmont’s “Haitian Sensation,” “The Hit Man” and “Vicious Vey,” but the most important name that Elmont resident Herve Duroseau cherishes is the name “Dad.”
Herve “Haitian Sensation” Duroseau was honored by State Senator Jack M. Martins for capturing the NY Daily News Golden Gloves boxing match in Madison Square Garden this past April. Duroseau was invited to the State Capitol where he was honored on the floor of the New York State Senate with a legislative resolution sponsored by Senator Martins and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
“This is a great day for Herve, Nathalie and Elmont,” said Senator Martins. “I join the entire Elmont community in congratulating my friend Herve, who has not only brought home the golden gloves, but has shown everybody in New York that Elmont has one of the greatest young men to ever step in ring!”
Senator Dean Skelos spoke during the Senate session noting, “Herve, Elmont’s proud of you; Jack and I are proud of you, and know that you will continue to be a positive, active part of our greater Elmont community.”
Duroseau’s boxing career has truly been sensational. He fought in 70 bouts and won 60. He took the Gold Medal in the Empire State Games, won the Metropolitan Boxing Matches 3 times, captured the Long Island Championship and now the Daily News Golden Gloves. Duroseau was introduced to boxing by local resident Kevin Collins, who kindled Herve’s love for battling in the ring.
“From then on I was trained by Frank Daily. He really helped me with my skills. Unfortunately, he moved to Arizona. ‘Uncle' Rob Richardson referred me to Freeport PAL and I trained with Joe Higgins, the former President of USA Boxing,” Duroseau said. “Joe runs one of the most organized and competitive gyms I’ve ever seen.”
Senator Martins noted that hundreds of Elmont and North Valley Stream residents went to the match at Madison Square Garden to root on Elmont’s favorite son. “There was incredible excitement in the community when this match happened. It seemed like everyone in Elmont was either at the match or following the action on Twitter or Facebook,” said Senator Martins.
Locally, Duroseau attended Alden Terrace School, Elmont Memorial High School and now works full time while going to Nassau Community College. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Nathalie. She is also an Elmont Memorial graduate who attended Dutch Broadway School.
The Senate ceremony, sponsored by Senator Martins, was held in the historic New York State Senate Chamber in Albany. Duroseau and his wife Nathalie were guests of the chamber and sat on the floor of the Senate during legislative session. Senators Martins and Skelos sponsored the Senate resolution and spoke during the session about Herve’s bouts, his community service and leadership in the greater Elmont community.
During the presentation and comments, Senator Martins noted that the Madison Square Garden bout for the Golden Gloves was the only time when Herve’s mother attended one of his boxing matches. When asked about the feeling of knowing his mother was in the audience, Duroseau remarked, “I have been asked by a lot of my friends and the press about that. There really is no feeling to describe what it felt like to have my mom there. I’m just really blessed,” said Duroseau.
“Herve is not just an athlete who goes to the gym and works out. He is active at St. Boniface Church, causes for Haiti, was a football coach, volunteers at the 3-on-3 tournament and is a very proud Dad of Briana,” said Senator Martins. During an interview after the Senate resolution was passed, Duroseau talked about his daughter and how much she has enriched his life and his wife Nathalie. “She can bring life to someone who is lifeless. She is my heart,” said Duroseau.
During the ceremony, Senator Martins and Herve’s wife Nathalie discussed the matches. “I was always ringside,” said Nathalie Duroseau. “I think everybody could hear me cheering during those fights,” she said.
“I know today is a day for celebration for Herve, but it’s also bittersweet as it is the official capstone to his boxing career. Over the past year, I have gotten to know Herve and know how much he enjoys being a father and loves Elmont. This day is a fitting tribute to the 'Haitian Sensation,'” Senator Martins said.
The Senate voted on the resolution during the televised live proceedings. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Duroseau said, “This is such an incredible experience for Nathalie and me. I can’t thank Senator Martins and Senator Skelos enough for this special day for my family. This is something we will never forget.”
