KO Drugs has 20 bouts on tap

May 16, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

Semifinals will be fought in N. Lima

NORTH LIMA

The semifinals of the 29th annual K.O. Drugs High School Boxing Tournament are set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. with 20 bouts on tap at the Old School Marketplace, 11836 South Ave.

The tournament for high school boys and girls in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties in Ohio, and Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania, has attracted more than 2,500 competitors over the years.

“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,” said Chuck Nelson, tournament founder and director. “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.”

Finals are set for May 25.

“A multitude of former participants have gone on to further their boxing careers in the amateur Golden Gloves and some have even advanced to the professional ranks,” Nelson said.

Twenty-six schools will be represented in the semifinals. Boardman, Greenville and Mathews each have three boxers. Schools with two boxers are Austintown Fitch, Brookfield, Canfield, Crestview, Girard, Lakeview and Sharon, Pa.

Twenty weight classes comprise the double-elimination tournament. Preliminary bouts are comprised of three 45-second rounds with a one-minute break between rounds.

Notable pairings include super heavyweights Coaltin Barcey of Leetonia going up against Chavion Young of Alliance, and Crestview’s Daniel Sinclair taking on Steve Fitzgerald of Mineral Ridge.

Heavyweight clashes feature Terrell Neely (Home School) versus Dylan Glancy (Mathews), and Sean Perseghetti (Greenville) versus Roger Shaffer (Struthers).

Welterweight Ryan Housteau of Canfield will meet Broc Eakle of Indian Creek. Clinton Ewing of Howland will fight Lakeview’s Maxim McLeod in a junior middleweight clash.

Boardman’s three hopefuls are lightweight Ivan Bosnjak, light heavyweight Evan Collins and cruiserweight Andrew O’Nesti.

“Short rounds, extra-padded headgear and 18-ounce gloves help to ensure the safety of each participant,” Nelson said.

Tickets cost $9 for students and $15 for adults and will be available at the door.

Further information may be obtained by calling Nelson at 330-423-2203, by text at 330-727-0932 or by email at kodrugstourney@gmail.com.