KO Drugs tournament sets registration for 20th year

YOUNGSTOWN — The K.O. Drugs High School Boxing tournament is scheduled for its 20th year, beginning May 7 at the ITAM Banquet Center, 115 S. Meridian Road, beginning at 7 p.m.

The tournament will run four consecutive Wednesdays with the championships scheduled for May 30.

The event is open to all high school boys and girls with no prior amateur boxing experience. Participants are divided into three divisions: Upperclass (11th-12th graders), Underclass (9th-10th graders), and a Female Division. Also, the K.O. Drugs Boxing Tourney uses a round-robin and double-elimination format.

“Since the tournament’s inception in 1988, we can proudly say that not a single serious injury has occurred,” said tournament founder and director Chuck Nelson. “The beginner boxers are equipped with 18-ounce gloves, extra-padded headgear as well as a groin protector and boxing trunks.”

Bouts are limited to three rounds which are only 45 seconds in duration to help ensure the safety of all participants. The event is also regulated by the Ohio Athletic Commission which requires a safety inspector, a ringside physician and emergency personnel present at all times during the matches.

Sign-ups for will be held at Dick’s Sporting Goods on April 19 and 26 with late registration May 3. The Dick’s store in Niles (5809 Youngstown-Warren Rd., i.e., U.S. route 422) will hold weigh-ins from noon to 3 p.m., while at the Dick’s store in Boardman (1280 Doral Dr.) will hold weigh-ins from 4-7 p.m.

Furthermore, all entries under the age of 18 must have parental consent. A $25 registration fee is required to cover the cost of insurance and pre-fight physical examinations.

For sponsorship or registration information, contact Chuck Nelson at (330) 757-7273 or Pat Nelson at (330) 727-0932.