Chris Hazimahalis, Jake Jericio are amateur card co-features

By Greg Gulas

Chris Trippi, a recent Mixed Martial Arts titlist, goes up against Brandon A.C.’s Jamil Wilkins in a 170-lb. battle.

NILES — There will be a very Campbell and Southside Boxing Club flavor to Friday’s amateur boxing card at McMenamy’s Banquet Center.

With 20 bouts on tap, boxers taking part in the Boxing Bash hail from not only the Mahoning Valley, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Toledo, but Canada as well.

“With all of the excitement of late surrounding the sport of boxing in the Valley, this show promises to be very exciting,” said promoter Chuck Nelson. “It’s an event that will be well worth your while to attend.

“I am positive that the caliber of fighter on this card is as competitive as any in amateur boxing. In my estimation, many of the fighters are headed for prosperous professional careers.”

Campbell natives Chris Hazimahalis and Jake Jericio will each fight four-round co-main attractions.

Hazimahalis (20-4), a member of Jack Loew’s Southside Boxing Club, will take on Ira “Tiger” McDowell of Akron in a 140-lb. co-feature. Jericio (16-2), who is trained by Keith Burnside and Sammy Calderon, will meet undefeated Rico Henderson (12-0) in a 152-lb. battle.

Also fighting and under Loew’s tutelage will be the Salinas brothers (PoPo, Juan and Julian) and Chris Trippi.

PoPo is set to take on Jeremiah Woodward of Columbus in a 90-lb. battle, Juan will meet Pittsburgh’s Ben Main in a 160-lb. encounter while brother Julian is scheduled to square-off against Steven Hernandez, also of Columbus, in an 80-lb. scrap.

Trippi, a recent M.M.A. titlist, goes up against Brandon A.C.’s Jamil Wilkins in a 170-lb. battle.

Two bouts of special interest will feature John Gregory of the Downtown Boxing Club and Columbus native Dominick Falls.

Gregory will meet Pittsburgh’s Jack Main Jr. in a 155-lb. open-class event while Falls, unscathed in 12 bouts thus far, goes up against Andras Kameryou (18-3), also of Pittsburgh, in a 165-lb. bout.

General admission tickets are $15 and $10 for ages 12 and under.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with fights starting at 7.

For details, call 330-757-7273 or 724-699-1725, or the McMenamy’s box office at 330-544-1732.