REMEMBERING BOB ROTH

July 8, 2012 at 12:09a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The Bob Roth Memorial Boxing Tournament has grown exponentially since its inception in 2008.

Jack Loew, tournament director, is hoping that this year’s showcase will surpass the success his tournament enjoyed a year ago at Campbell’s St. Lucy Banquet Center.

Twelve bouts are slated on Saturday at the Saxon Club with boxers representing Akron, Cleveland and Columbus. Fourteen local amateurs also will mix it up at the site of four of Loew’s five tourneys.

“The reason I do this is to keep Bob Roth’s name in the business,” Loew said. “Bob did so much for me when I was just starting out, I don’t know of a better or more appropriate way of showing my appreciation.”

Roth was a long-time correspondent for The Vindicator who died in 2006.

“He was there to help promote both our in-town and out-of-town fights and because of that our gym became easily recognized,” Loew said. “We were located on Erie Street back then and it took between 10-15 years before people finally realized where we were located.

“After the Golden Gloves died, it was tough to get back on the map. With only three or four gyms now self-supported locally, having Bob Roth back then blowing the horn for us was a godsend,” Loew said.

Loew’s South Side Boxing Club will have 12 boxers represented on the card. Burnside A.C. and the Downtown Boxing Club also will supply boxers.

The co-main feature will pit Alejandro “Popo” Salinas of South Side against Lucian Clinkscale of Downtown in a 135-pound battle, and Lavelle Hadley (South Side) and Miguel Acevedo (Downtown), a native of Puerto Rico, ready for a 152-pound scrap.

“I’m not a talking fighter,” Salinas said. “I’m just appreciative to be able to be fighting in front of family, friends and fans.

“Lucian and I are good friends, but that means nothing once you step into the ring,” Salinas said. “He’s a tough fighter so I cannot underestimate him.”

Also on the card will be Vic Toney of Youngstown, son of former local pugilist Leslie Toney.

Toney will take on Cleveland’s Karon Sims at 170 pounds while Derrick Eggleston of Warren will meet Lavelle Sharp of Burnside in a pairing of 180-pound hopefuls.

“I feel like I am in great shape and ready to go,” Eggleston said. “Jack [Loew] has pushed and worked me to the point that I feel like I am stronger and more confident than I have ever been.

“Sparring with some of the professional boxers and amateur’s just getting ready to turn pro has also kept me honest and humbled,” Eggleston said. “Grasping onto Jack’s knowledge of the fight game and taking direction from him will only help me.”

Loew said, “With the funds that we raise we’ll be sending three boxers to the upcoming Ringside World Amateur Tournament in Kansas City while Popo [Salinas] will once again go to the National Police Athletic League Tournament, which will be held this year in Toledo and where Popo hopes to defend his title.

“Going 4-0 and winning that tourney last year helped him to a number-one ranking at 132 pounds. It’s one loss and you’re out so he will definitely have to be at the top of his game if he expects to repeat as champion,” Loew said.

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

Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $300 for a table of eight. Further information may be obtained by calling 330-501-5713.