KO Drugs tournament set for first round

March 24, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

NORTH LIMA

The 27th annual K.O. Drugs high school boxing tournament will begin Thursday with first-round action set to take place at Shops at the North Lima Business Complex, 11836 South Avenue, North Lima.

Opening night will feature 35 bouts with semifinals slated for April 3 and championships for April 10.

The event is open to high school boys and girls in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Lawrence and Mercer counties is expected to once again attract triple-digit participation with 40 area schools represented during its early sign-up period.

The double-elimination tournament is comprised of three divisions with 10 weight classes in each division.

Its underclass division plays host to ninth and 10th grade participants while upperclass matchups consist of 11th and 12th grade entries.

Both groups also include a female division.

Preliminary bouts are comprised of three, 45-second rounds with a one minute break between rounds. Championship bouts are extended to one-minute rounds. Doctors are on site.

Participants agree in writing to refrain from drug or alcohol use during the three-week tournament.

“Since the tournament began, K.O. Drugs Boxing has provided an opportunity for many young men and women to build confidence while committing to a meaningful program,” Nelson said. “The young men and women who enter gain confidence, self-esteem and mutual respect while competing as beginners in the ring.”

More than 2,500 boys and girls have participated in the tournament.

Tickets are $9 for students and $15 for adults. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 7 p.m.

For details, call Nelson at 330-423-2203 or his son, Pat at 330-727-0932.