Swanson memorial is Saturday

By Joe Scalzo

Johnny Swanson’s boxing career was cut short, but he’s still having an impact on the sport.

The second annual John Swanson memorial fundraiser will be held Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Austintown.

Proceeds benefit Swanson’s former gym, the Southside Boxing Club.

Money from last year’s benefit helped send several amateur fighters to national tournaments.

It also covered the cost of gym equipment and other necessities.

“Everything goes back to the kids,” said trainer Jack Loew, who owns the gym and used to train Swanson. “I don’t need the money, so it’s all about helping them.”

Swanson died suddenly in September of 2006 at age 26 due to complications from asthma.

His family started the benefit as a way to keep his name alive.

Last year, Kelly Pavlik was given the first “Johnny Swanson Heart of a Champion” award, rewarding the hardest-working boxer in the gym.

This year’s finalists are amateurs Richie Chicone, Juan Salinas and Alejandro “Popo” Salinas, who is the No. 2-ranked fighter in his age bracket.

“Johnny wasn’t the best boxer in the gym but he definitely worked the hardest,” said Loew. “This is a good way of keeping his memory alive.”

Pavlik, who used to train with Swanson, will attend Saturday’s dinner, as will former IBF lightweight champion Harry Arroyo.

General admission tickets are $25 and are available at the door.

There will also be a DJ, entertainment, a raffle and a Chinese auction.

Doors open at 6 p.m.