K.O. Drugs event back for its 29th year in May

The 29th annual K.O. Drugs High School Boxing Tournament will take place each Wednesday in May with opening round action set for May 4 at the Old School Market Place, 11836 South Avenue, North Lima.

The former South Range High School will also play host to quarter-final action on May 11 with the semifinals slated for May 18 and championship bouts scheduled for May 25.

“Over 100 students entered last year’s competition and we were able to crown 25 champions,” said Chuck Nelson, tournament founder and director. “This year, we hope to eclipse both of those totals.”

The event, which has played host to over 2,500 participants since its inception in 1987, is expected to attract triple-digit entries once again and is open to all high school boys and girls in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in Ohio, and Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania.

Nelson, now 77, maintains 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, K.O. Drugs Boxing has provided an opportunity for many young men and women to build confidence while committing to a meaningful program,” he said. “Every participant agrees in writing to refrain from drug or alcohol use during the month-long 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 will be comprised of two divisions (boys and girls) this year and consists of 20 different weight classes.

Preliminary bouts consist of three, 45 second rounds with a one minute break between rounds.

Championship bouts are extended to one minute in duration.

Nelson added that the tournament is designed for beginners with safety its highest priority.

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

Those interested in participating will have 10 dates in April and two locations from which to choose in order to sign-up and weigh-in for the competition.

Sign-ups can also take place on-line at www.kodrugstourney.com.

Registration will be held at the old South Range School on Mondays during April (11, 18 and 25) and Wednesdays as well (April 13, 20, and 27) between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Boxers can sign up on Saturdays (April 16, 23 and 30) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the old South Range high school gymnasium.

Dick’s Sporting Goods in Niles, located at 5809 Youngstown-Warren Road, will also host registration on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Students under 18 years of age require parental consent while a $29 registration fee is required in order to cover the cost of a physical exams and health insurance for all entrants.

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

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout hitting the bell at 7 p.m.

“Many former entrants have gone on to further their boxing careers in the amateur Golden Gloves while some also moved on to the professional ranks,” Nelson said. “Many others have become successful in their professional lives as well.”

Further information can be obtained by calling Chuck Nelson at 330-423-2203, by text at 330-727-0932 or by e-mail at kodrugstourney@gmail.com.

Write Vindicator correspondent Greg Gulas at sports@viudy.com.