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Charity is big winner at Fighting for Hope bouts
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
Lou Schiavoni, 60, longs for the days when he trained for the Youngstown Golden Gloves.
A champion in 1972 and runner-up the following year, Schiavoni later watched proudly when his four sons followed in his footsteps. His son Joe (a state senator) fought in the last local Golden Gloves tournament. Sons Mark and Nick won KO Drugs titles while son Dan was a runner-up.
A local attorney who is passionate about causes that help those in need, Schiavoni jumped at the opportunity to serve as guest referee for Saturday’s ”Fighting for Hope” amateur card at the California Palms Hotel.
“I fell in love with the sport as a kid, felt strongly about the late Muhammad Ali and what he stood for and absolutely believe in the mission of the Hope Foundation,” Schiavoni said. “It’s a great organization, a great cause and since I can no longer box, the next best way for me to take part and help out is to referee.”
Craig Kikta, former IBC welterweight champion, joined Schiavoni as a guest referee.
“I’ve known Mike Cefalde and his family since forever and really believe in what the Hope Foundation is doing for area children,” Kikta said. “When they asked me to take part, I didn’t even hesitate and just wanted to be a part of a very special evening.
“I miss the walk to the ring and the actual fight, but not the training and dieting,” Kitka said. “I turn 40 on June 22 and loved every minute of my boxing career, but those days are over and with a sore shoulder, refereeing isn’t such a bad assignment.”
Local podiatrist John “Doc” Flauto, a sixth degree black belt, squared off against training partner and third degree black belt Jeremy Byers.
“I’ve done martial arts since I was 8 years old and have always been a fight enthusiast,” Flauto said. “Jeremy is another fight enthusiast and we train together at Golden Dragon Martial Arts Academy.”
Byers said, “Doc and I started out in karate and later moved to jiu-jitsu so when they told him to find an opponent, he approached me and I jumped at the opportunity.”
Ray Housteau, who participated in the CBS show “Amazing Race” in 2005 and Louie Stravato, a retired Providence, R.I., police office and 2010 “Amazing Race” participant, participated.
“I came here because of my friendship with Ray,” Stravato said. “I am also representing Bullies Reality, my sponsor as we try to stop bullying and cancer.”
Housteau said he’s part of an organization in Orlando, Fla., called “Give Kids the World.”
“This is very similar,” Housteau said. “With a daughter and two sons, events like this hit home with me and I am honored to be a part of the festivities.”
In amateur action, Isaac Chatman (Downtown Boxing Club) scored a decision over Salem’s Drew Smith in a 140-pound pairing.
“I love the outdoors so this was a fight that I really enjoyed training for,” Chatman said.
Nate Cordova and Austin Gibson, both of Burnside Athletic Club, also notched decisions in 140-pound pairings.
WYTV Channel 33 weatherman Jim Loboy went up against Hope Foundation executive director Tony Spano.
“When it is children [who are ill], that’s when I lace up my shoes and put on the gloves,” Loboy said. “I am blessed to be the father of a healthy 4-year-old daughter and I just want all children everywhere to be healthy.”
Spano was appreciative of the outpouring of support from Lights Out Management, their sponsors and those that came out for the event.
“The night was fun and the experience enjoyable,” Spano said.
In the night’s two female bouts, Ally Bates (Pittsburgh) scored a decision over Kayla Savage of Cleveland at 125 pounds with Jordan Helgert of Pittsburgh defeated Erica Bayer of Burnside A.C.