Wednesday, August 25, 2010
325 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles
By Greg Gulas
NILES
The United City Boxing Club was formed last November so that local trainers could get together and train, under one roof, the many area hopefuls who aspired to go on to the next level.
Located on the corner of Jackson and Himrod Avenue in the city’s Second Ward, in the building that the Public Library formerly occupied, the U.C.B.C. was founded by Sam Calderon who for the most part, has kept it afloat financially with very little outside help.
His good friend, local promoter Chuck Nelson, has watched Calderon endure growing pains over the past nine months so Nelson has taken it upon himself to put together a 19-bout card at McMenamy’s Banquet Center tonight to raise funds for the club.
“Sam is always one of the first to be there for a friend in need and his idea of bringing together area trainers to help train our area youth with the boxing game is a great one,” said Nelson.
“He needs help, however, and it is our hope to help him raise some much needed funds.”
Nineteen bouts are scheduled, including one female fight, pitting Samantha Griffith of Philly A.C. against Autumn Hall of Warren A.C.
“Owning a gym has is advantages and disadvantages and expenses are a big part of the gym’s overall operation,” said Calderon.
“I cannot thank Chuck enough for his willingness to help with this effort and our councilman, DeMaine Kitchen, for his willingness to be there for us as well.”
Other trainers using the facility are Randy Richardson, Reggie Revere, Walter Perez, Ken Sigurani and Robert West.
“It is also our hope to increase the participation of inner-city youths,” Calderon said.
Jack Loew’s Southside Boxing Club will be well-represented with six entries, including Richie Chicone (132 pounds), Marco Hall (132), Cody Lucky (141), Ronnie Haymel (142), Vic Toney (163) and Wesley Triplett (199).
The Downtown Boxing Club is sending four fighters — Lucian Clinkscale (143), Aaron DeFoor (180), Darrian Rivera (184) and Conner Young (189) while the Salem Boxing Club has three fighters on the card.
The U.C.B.C. will enter five fighters, including Julius Thomas (144), John Gregory (152), Evan Amos (178), Frank Donadio (187) and Danny Infante (189).
The card also includes fighters from Akron, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
Cost is $15 for general admission; $250 for a table of 10 and $125 for a half table.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets can be obtained by calling Nelson at 330-757-7273 or Calderon at 330-330-5713.