BOXING K.O. Drugs tourney slated at Struthers

A record number of boxers will be competing beginning Thursday.
STRUTHERS -- The 2006 K.O. Drugs Boxing Tournament begins Thursday at the Struthers Fieldhouse with the first of 38 bouts hitting the bell at 7 p.m.
A record 162 students, representing 36 high schools and five counties, will compete for 35 championships.
The tournament will be held every Thursday in May with the championships scheduled for June 1-2.
"With our biggest turnout to date, K.O. Drugs Boxing is excited to bring this year's tourney to the mecca of boxing in the Mahoning Valley -- the Struthers Fieldhouse," said tournament founder and director Chuck Nelson.
Started by Nelson
Started by Nelson in 1987, the tournament is designed to give young men and women an opportunity to compete for boxing championships on their own level.
The tournament is open to all high school students with participants being divided into three divisions: upper classmen, underclassmen and female.
Bouts consist of three rounds. The tournament has a "round robin" and double elimination format with the Ohio Athletic Commission regulating the competition.
All participants are provided with 18-ounce gloves, extra-padded head-gears and trunks.
Rounds will be 45 seconds long for the male boxers and 35 seconds for the female bouts. All divisions have a one minute rest period between rounds.
No experience permitted
No prior amateur experience is permitted. The tournament is designed for true beginners. Parental consent is required, and a ringside physician and paramedics are on hand throughout the event.
"The sport of boxing has been a large part of the heritage of the Mahoning Valley," Nelson said. "The K.O. Drugs High School Boxing Tournament contributes to the future of our rich boxing history. Students get a taste of the sport and some go on to accomplish great things in the ring on many levels."
Some professional fighters who got their start in the K.O. Drugs tournament include Chris Koval (Fitch), Billy Lyell (Niles), Ken Sigurani (Boardman), Craig Kitka (Fitch) and E.T. Whitaker (Warren Harding).
Winners of the tournament receive championship belts while runners-up receive trophies.
Ticket prices are $6 for students and $10 for adults and are available at the door starting at 6 p.m.
Concerning any late registration or sponsorship information, call Nelson at (330) 757-7273 or (330) 727-0932.