Knockout Hunger event set May 31

A 14-bout amateur boxing card is slated for May 31 at the Assumption Social Center at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 356 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown.

The “Knockout Hunger” event is co-sponsored by Lights Out Management and St. Vincent de Paul Society and held in conjunction with Groover Roofing and Siding. It will feature boxers from Youngstown as well as Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus.

Six area gyms will have representation while other amateur pugilists from the tri-county area also are committed for the event.

“Lights Out Management has helped area charities raise more than $20,000 the past three years and we continue to identify noteworthy causes, both in and around the area that we want to assist,” said Mike Cefalde, Jr., Lights Out Management staffer. “The Mahoning Valley has a rich, boxing tradition and our love for the sport has been the avenue that has enabled us to give back the best way that we know how; through quality, amateur boxing events.”

Local fighters include: Tyler Smith, Alex Smith, Mike Fasline and Clemente Franklin from Downtown Boxing Club; Angel Rojas of Sam Calderone’s Boxing Club; Anthony Alexander and Mike Walters from Campbell’s Mixed Martial Arts; and Drew Smith, Mardell Halas and Wade Morrow from Salem Boxing Club.

Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club also will be represented, sending Isaac Chapman and Damajha Robinson to the bell. Keith Burnside’s Boxing Club is expected to enter Chris Young, Lavelle Sharpe and Danny Rosenberger.

For Loew, he feels the timing is right for the area to get a good look at his new corps of fighters.

“Last week, Popo Salinas fought in the National Golden Gloves in Las Vegas and I have some other fighters taking a much needed break,” Loew said. “This is just a perfect opportunity for some of our newer boxers to now get some exposure.

“They are the new breed of fighters in our gym; young, aggressive, hard-working, eager and ready to step into get into the ring,” Loew said. “It will be a great learning experience for not only our fighters, but the other fighters on the card as well.”

St. Vincent De Paul Society of the Mahoning Valley helped provide in excess of 100,000 meals to area needy last year.

Mike Cefalde, Sr. noted that his management team is committed to assist in raising operational funds, all the while making sure that those from the area are aware of their overall mission.

“President Brian Antal and the many volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul Society do so much good for the underprivileged, we just want be a small part of how they continue to knock out hunger in the Mahoning Valley,” Cefalde said.

The group also will present local artist Aaron Chine with its “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Local official and longtime referee John Mang will be honored as the “Man of the Year” while local statistician and media member Bob Gugliotti will be the recipient of its “Spirit of the Valley” award.

Ringside seats cost $50, general admission tickets sell for $15, and tables of eight range in price from $300-$400.

For tickets or more information, contact Tom Cordell (330-717-4201) or the Wine Cellar (330-792-7176).

Greg Gulas covers combat sports for The Vindicator. Email him at sports@vindy.com