KO Drugs tournament returns for 28th year

The Old School Marketplace, 11836 South Ave., North Lima, will once again serve as host site of the KO Drugs High School Boxing Tournament, scheduled for three consecutive Wednesdays beginning June 10.

The 28th annual event, which attracted more than 100 students last year and has played host more than 2,500 boys and girls since its inception, is open to all high school boys and girls in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in Ohio, and Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania.

This year’s event is expected to attract triple-digit participation once again with the former South Range High School hosting opening round action June 10, semifinal pairings June 17 and all championship bouts on June 24.

“With over 100 students entered in last year’s competition, we were able to crown 30 champions. This year, we hope to eclipse both of those totals,” tournament founder and director Chuck Nelson said.

At 76, Nelson retains an enthusiasm for the sport that belies its many participants while sharing his lifelong passion for amateur boxing with the community.

“Since the tournament began, KO Drugs Boxing has provided an opportunity for a myriad of young men and women to build confidence while committing to a meaningful program,” Nelson said. “Every participant agrees in writing to refrain from drug or alcohol use during the three-week competition and that is something of which we are most proud. The young men and women who enter gain confidence, self-esteem and mutual respect while competing as beginners in the ring.”

The double-elimination tournament is comprised of three divisions and consists of 10 different weight classes.

Its underclass division plays host to ninth- and 10th-grade boxers, its upperclass division consists of 11th- and 12th-grade entries while both groups include a female division.

Preliminary bouts are made up of three, 45-second rounds with a one-minute break between rounds.

Championship bouts are extended to one-minute rounds.

Safety remains a top priority and is designed for beginners, Nelson said.

“Short rounds, extra-padded headgear and 18-ounce gloves help to ensure the safety of each participant. Competent referees and corner men, as well as a physician on-site also play an integral role with roughly 30 fights scheduled each night,” Nelson said.

In the past, the KO Drugs event has served as a launching pad for many of its entrants.

“Many former participants have gone on to further their boxing careers in both the amateur Golden Gloves and some within the professional ranks,” Nelson said. “Others have become very successful in their professional lives.”

Those interested in participating will have six dates and two locations from which to choose in order to sign up and weigh in for this year’s competition.

Mahoning and Columbiana county entries will take place on May 16, 23 and 30 from noon to 3 p.m. with late registration set for 12 noon to 3 p.m. on June 6 at the old South Range High School gymnasium.

Sign-ups for Trumbull, Mercer and Lawrence county students will be held at the Eastwood Mall’s Center Court, located near Auntie Anne’s, on May 14 and May 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Late registration is set for May 30 from 9 a.m. top 11 a.m.

Students under 18 years of age must have parental consent with a $25 registration fee required in order to cover the cost of a physical exam and health insurance for all entrants.

Last year’s underclass winners include bantamweight Portez Smith (Farrell); Emily Schneider (Leetonia, female junior lightweight); Jonathan Swoboda (South Range, featherweight); Terrance Holloway (Farrell, lightweight); Austin Gibson (Home School, lightweight); David Scyoc (Leetonia, welterweight); Richard Palmer (Niles McKinley, super welterweight); Haley Hall (East Palestine, female flyweight); Mike Zarbaugh (McDonald, junior middleweight); Marcus Brunelle (New Castle, middleweight); Kimonie Bryant (Youngstown Christian, super middleweight); Kody Kolarik (South Range, light heavyweight); Darrick Alvarez (Youngstown Christian, cruiserweight) and Andrew Cree (LaBrae, heavyweight).

The upperclass winners of a season ago were Colbie Tryon (Mathews, featherweight); Tori Ward (East Palestine, female featherweight); Addison Richards (Youngstown Christian, lightweight); Riquan Jones (Farrell, welterweight); John Prebonick (Champion, junior middleweight); Mike Sullivan (Struthers, middleweight); Eric Liston (South Range, super middleweight); Kevin Carbone (Howland, light heavyweight); Zane Henricksen (Home School, cruiserweight); Amy Scarnecchia (Howland, female welterweight); Dominic Martucci (Neshannock, heavyweight) and Tyreek Daniels (Hubbard, super heavyweight).

Tickets are $9 for students and $15 for adults and will be made available at the door the night of each event.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 7. For more information call Nelson at 330-423-2203, or his son Pat at 330-727-0932.