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Boxing show in Campbell to pit Youngstown vs. Cincy
By Greg Gulas
CAMPBELL
It will be Team Youngstown versus Team Cincinnati on Dec. 8 when Lights Out Management presents its ”Turn on the Christmas Lights for Area Families and Children,” an amateur holiday boxing show at St. Lucy’s Palermo Center.
The 15-bout card also will showcase boxers from Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The event will feature guest ticket takers and celebrities with proceeds earmarked for Youngstown’s Sojourner House and Warren’s Someplace Safe. Both are protected shelters for battered mothers and children.
“This is our way of assisting those in need from the area at this very special time of the year,” Mike Cefalde, co-promoter said. “No one should go without during the holidays, especially at Christmas-time. “Lights Out Productions wants to help in some small way with the hopes of making the holidays just a little bit nicer for the area needy.”
Team Youngstown will feature boxers from Tom Kordell and Larry Filer’s Downtown Gym, Sam Calderone’s United City Boxing Club and Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club.
Team Cincinnati will announce its lineup next week.
Miguel Acevedo of Downtown Gym and Soriano Clay, Clement Franklin and Angel Rojas of the United City Boxing Club are four local boxers committed to the show.
Tom Matisse, the Cleveland Golden Gloves champion who represents the Cleveland Salvation Army Gym, will participate.
Matisse is no stranger to the area as he improved to 52-10 on Nov. 17 when he defeated Mike Goins of Columbus in a 141-pound pairing at trainer Jack Loew’s Annual Thanksgiving Feast, a card that was also staged at the Palermo Center.
“I was able to catch him [Goins] as he leaned forward, using my jab and combinations along with my movement so that I could gain an advantage,” Mattice said. “I just stayed in the pocket with him and felt that my experience worked in my favor.”
Tom Yankala, trainer for Pittsburgh’s World Class Gym also will have representation.
Celebrity and guest ticket takers include WBU lightweight champion Jake “The Bull” Giuriceo (16-1-1, 3 KO’s) and junior welterweight contender Paul “The Pittsburgh Kid” Spadafora (16-0-1, 19 KO’s).
Mahoning County commissioners Carol Rimedio-Righetti and Anthony Traficanti and Austintown trustee and Jim Davis will participate.
Proceeds from single ticket sales, a 50-50 raffle and auction items will benefit the area’s needy.
Tickets cost $15 with tables available for $400 and $250.
Ticket outlets include Clemens Wine Cellar, Banner Supply, Groover Roofing, Patsy’s Bar, ITAM 30 and Jensen Lock & Alarm
Further information can be obtained by calling Cefalde (330-787-4228) or Kordell (330-717-4201).