KO Drugs boxing tourney starts today at ITAM Center

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

With over 100 entries representing 5 counties and over 40 schools, the 2010 K.O. Drugs High School Boxing Tournament kicks off tonight with 27 bouts at the ITAM Banquet Center, at 115 S. Meridian Rd.

The tournament will be conducted every Friday of the month with champions being crowned on April 30.

Tournament founder and director Chuck Nelson said, “This year will mark the 22nd year that K.O. Drugs Boxing has helped develop students through goal setting, participation and, most importantly, mutual respect.”

Thirteen bouts are scheduled in the underclass division (9th and 10th graders), while 14 fights are on tap in the upperclass (11th and 12th graders) and female divisions.

“This year’s tourney will showcase dozens of multi-sport athletes primarily from Mahoning and Trumbull counties in with several rival school matchups this Friday,” said Nelson.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first fight hitting the bell at 7.

Tickets for the event are $10 and available at the door.

For more information, call Chuck or Pat Nelson at (330)727-0932.