‘Fighting Hunger’ card set for Saturday

March 19, 2015 at 12:06a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Eight local boxers representing four local gyms highlight Saturday’s 20-bout amateur boxing card at St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church Banquet Hall, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave.

Sponsored by Lights Out Management and in conjunction with Banner Supply, Comfort Keepers and Groover Roofing and Siding, the event will also feature the boxing debut of two fighters from Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club.

Entitled “Fighting Hunger,” the card includes Ardreal Holmes (Flint, Mich.), USA Boxing’s #2 ranked Elite welterweight with David Rodriguez (Akron), Leon Lawson (Lansing, Mich.) and Brandon Vargas (Cleveland) ranked boxers also set to appear.

“By far, this is one of the very best amateur cards we’ve been able to put together,” Tom Kordell, Lights Out Management’s matchmaker said. “Each fighter is set and ready to go and there’s a lot on the line as they move forward in their careers.”

Four local gyms are represented with Mike Fasline (130 pounds) and heavyweight Chris Young of Downtown Boxing Club slated for action, and Austin Gibson of Burnside A.C. taking on Brandon Bixler of Salem Boxing Club in an all-local, 135-pound pairing.

“Mike and Chris are both chomping at the bit. It’s will only be the second day of spring, but both are ready to spring into action this Saturday night,” Kordell said.

Mardell Halas, also of Salem B.C. will meet Cleveland’s Tommy Ellis in a 160-pound bout while Loew’s three fighters include Isaac Chapman (132 pounds), and stablemates Nate Dukes (60 pounds) and Jackson Behun (90 pounds), both Junior Olympic hopefuls who will be making their fighting debuts.

“Isaac has the potential to be a very good boxer. He can punch, box, is quick and has all of the goods,” Loew noted. “Jackson is just 10 years old, is a natural righty but boxes as a southpaw. It’s his first fight and he also has plenty of talent, so we’ll see how he does in front of a crowd.

“As for Nate, he’s an eight year-old and one of those rare kids who comes to the gym and just catches your eye. There are a lot of little gems out there, but I firmly believe that I have one of those little gems in Nate.”

Chapman will take on Akeem Bolden of Farrell at 132 pounds; Dukes goes up against Jaer Rodriguez of Lorain in a 60 pound pairing while Behun and Alex Rodriguez of Ashtabula hook-up in a 90 pound match-up.

Holmes (152 pounds) and Lawson (139 pounds) are both products of Joe Bermudez’s Lansing-based Gallo Gym with Holmes meeting Akron’s David Rodriguez and Lawson taking on Vargas; one of 16 boxers on the card with a Cleveland connection.

Three all-Cleveland match-ups will pit Dawaun Roseberry against Matt Davis at 152 pounds; Marty Adams and William Selony in a 135 pound scrap and Melvin Thomas, who will go up against Terrance Ross in a 160 pound pairing.

“Our previous shows have raised over $32,000 and those monies have been earmarked for charitable organizations and foundations, both in and around the Mahoning Valley,” Mike Cefalde, fight organizer stated. “We’re hoping to add to their efforts with this weekend’s show.”

The event will also honor Chuck Housteau Sr., Chuck Housteau Jr., Milan Zordich, Jack Kenney, Wally Ford Sr., Wally Ford Jr., Mahoning County commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti and Austintown Township trustee Jim Davis for their contributions to area boxing with a 10-round bell, honoring local weatherman Don Guthrie who recently passed away, also set to take place.

VIP ringside seats are $50, general admission tickets sell for $15 with tables of eight ranging from $300-$400. Ticket outlets include Banner Supply (330-782-0341), Captain’s Cove (330-788-1616), 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).

For more information call Kordell at 330-717-4201, or Cefalde, 330-787-4228.