Lights Out sets 15 amateur boxing bouts Saturday
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
A 15-bout amateur boxing card is slated for Saturday at the St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church Banquet Hall, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave.
Co-sponsored by Lights Out Management and held in conjunction with Banner Supply and Groover Roofing and Siding, the event will feature boxers from the tri-county area, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Lancaster and Detroit.
Entitled “Fighting Hunger,” previous cards have raised in excess of $32,000 for such organizations as “Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Sojourner House, No Stone Unturned and the St. Vincent De Paul Society of the Mahoning Valley.
Local fighters set for action include Michael Fasline (130 pounds) and heavyweight Chris Young of Downtown Boxing Club; Isaac Chapman (135 pounds), Jackson Behun (90 pounds), Damajha Robinson (70 pounds) and Nate Dukes (60 pounds) of Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club; Austin Gibson (135 pounds) of Burnside A.C.; Mardell Halas (160 pounds) and Brandon Bixler (135 pounds) of Salem Boxing Club; and Farrell’s Akeem Bolden (135 pounds).
“This is a fun time of the year for boxing and Lights Out Management is happy to once again team up with local charities to raise much needed funds in order to combat hunger,” Mike Cefalde of Lights Out Management said. “We have been able to raise over $32,000 thus far and only hope to continue our efforts as we identify noteworthy causes; both in and around the Mahoning Valley.”
Set to be honored for their contributions to the area boxing scene will be Chuck Housteau, Sr.; late Vindicator sports correspondent Chuck Housteau, Jr.; Milan Zordich; former Austintown Fitch football coach Jack Kenney; Wally Ford, Sr.; Fitch baseball coach Wally Ford, Jr.; Mahoning County commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti; and Austintown Township trustee Jim Davis. A 10-round bell honoring the late WKBN weatherman Don Guthrie also will take place.
“We’re proud of the rich boxing tradition in our valley and happy to honor those individuals who have helped the sport along the way,” Tom Kordell, Downtown B.C. trainer said. “The pairings are being finalized, but the boxers that have already committed are excited and ready to go.
“This group of local boxers is a hard-hitting group.”
The night will feature music from Stacie K (Stacie Kello) and Deana Girardi.
VIP ringside seats cost $50 while general admission tickets sell for $15 with tables of eight ranging from $300-$400.
Ticket outlets include Banner Supply (330-782-0341), City Printing (330-747-5691), Patsy’s Bar and Grill (330-747-2178), Clemens Wine Cellar (330-792-7176) and Groover Roofing and Siding (330-759-1970).
Further information can be obtained by calling either Kordell at (330-717-4201) or Cefalde at (330-787-4228).