Kristian thrilled to stay near ring

By Greg Gulas

YOUNGSTOWN — In its 21st year, the K.O. Drugs high school boxing tournament has witnessed very little change. Its many workers and volunteers are a key component to its overall success.

The month-long event has featured its share of up and coming hopefuls; several who later earned the opportunity to take their ring prowess to the next level.

There’s a break in the action this week but 35 bouts are scheduled for May 15 at the I.T.A.M. Banquet Center, South Meridian Road.

Founded by Curbstone Coaches hall of famer Chuck Nelson, the one staple at ringside almost all those years has been former Youngtown Golden Gloves champion Tommy Kristian.

The Campbell native and Woodrow Wilson High graduate is working his 19th consecutive tournament, missing out on just the first two cards.

It’s the one event that Kristian looks forward to each year because it never fails to get his boxing batteries energized while reinforcing his love for the game.

“I started fighting at the age of 15 so this game has been in my blood for quite some time,” Kristian said. ”I became a referee for about 10 years when my fighting days were over, working both the amateurs and pros.

“I got away from the sport for a while, but remained active in Sal Marino’s Legends of Leather organization so when Chuck [Nelson] called Sal looking for a judge that third year of the event, I told them that I would gladly serve as a judge.

“I’ve been there ever since,” he said.

Kristian posted a 38-10 amateur record while winning five Youngstown Golden Gloves titles. He won at 118 pounds, 126 twice and 135 twice.

He fought in two Nationals, advancing to the semifinals in Toledo in 1965 and the quarterfinals in North Carolina in 1967.

“I was managed and trained by Joey Carkido and because it was around Olympic time, he kept me in the amateurs a few more years,” he said.

Fighting as a lightweight, Kristian turned pro on Dec. 6, 1967 and in his debut, a scheduled four-rounder, defeated Cleveland’s Joey Mack in McKeesport, Pa.

He won his first three fights and fought professionally for three years, posting a 5-5-2 mark.

He lost his last ever fight to Gil King (Nov. 19, 1969) and admitted that it wasn’t as tough as he thought it would be when announcing his retirement.

“They were fun times back then and I had a lot of fun. Fans couldn’t wait for the Golden Gloves because they knew they were going to get a good show from everyone on the card.

“Kids are safer today than we were back then,” Kristian said. “If we lost a mouthpiece, the referees just kicked it out of the ring and we got it at the end of the round.

Nelson, who in addition to the K.O. Drugs has promoted other area cards, calls Kristian one of the sports’ stand-up guys.

“Tommy’s experience as both a professional fighter and referee has contributed to his vast knowledge of the boxing game. That made him a logical selection as a judge.

“More importantly than that, however, is the fact that he is dependable,” Nelson said.

Boxers still interested in entering may call Nelson at (330) 423-2203, or his son, Pat, at (330) 727-0932.