Battle of Brians heads ‘Housteau’ fight card

September 27, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Brian Sims of Downtown Boxing Club will meet Akron’s Brian McElrath in the main event of Saturday’s Lights Out Management amateur boxing card at St.’s Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Banquet Center, 1025 North Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown.

Titled “Housteau Nation, United We Stand” and presented in conjunction with both Banner Supply and City Printing, the 15-bout card will generate funds for The Vindicator sports correspondent Gary Housteau during his battle with Stage IV liver cancer.

Area boxers will go up against fighters from Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Ellwood City, Pittsburgh and Ontario, Canada.

“This is an outstanding card with the pairings very competitive,” matchmaker Tom Cordell said. “We have a strong contingent coming down from Ontario, Canada and they are also excited to be a part of this card, simply because it is for such a great cause. Local gyms are well-represented and cannot wait to for the bell to ring in order to get everything underway.”

Two female bouts are set with Cleveland’s Asia Smith taking on Maria Antunez of Ellwood City in a 125 pound pairing, and Courtenei Harriston of Cleveland set to meet Melanie Richter of Ontario in a 140 pound scrap.

Syd Vanderpool, Ontario boxing group trainer and manager, will oversee six fighters on the card.

“I am very excited to bring down a team of Canadian boxers as they test their skills against American boxing team members,” Vanderpool said. “Keep your eyes on our heavyweight Haider Ali Khan, who is a Golden Gloves champion that can stick and move. On the female side, ‘Mighty Melanie’ Richter is exciting and brings the action from the opening bell. It’s going to be a competitive night of high level amateur boxing.”

Sims and McElrath aren’t strangers to a Lights Out Management card, both having taken part at previous events.

They’ll meet in a 155 pound match-up.

“Several fighters have fought on past cards and the addition of a Canadian contingent makes this one very attractive show. All of the fighters will have a chance to put their skills on display and I am looking forward to seeing how each one fares,” Mike Cefalde , Lights Out Management organizer added. “Having done nearly a dozen shows and raising over $70,000 for area organizations and non-profit groups, we’re hoping that this show does as well, if not better than previous shows as we lend a helping hand to Gary Housteau, one of the area’s great sports guys.

“Former Warren Harding, Ohio State and NFL standout Daniel ‘Boom’ Herron has been a great friend to Gary over the years and is expected to attend. That should give you an indication of the support that friends and acquaintances have for Gary as he continues this daily battle.”

Ali Khan goes up against Devon Seigfried of Ellwood City while at 170 pounds, Keonte Irving of Pittsburgh looks to dispose of Chavon Stillwell of Columbus.

Two 130-pound scraps will pit locals have Ryan Williams of Downtown Boxing Club and Kevin Philomena of Burnside A.C. with Cleveland’s Shakbel Torres squaring off against Daemien Van Leur of Ontario.

At 135 pounds, Frank Brown of Cleveland is scheduled to meet Ontario’s Blake Loxton, Caleb Roderick of Pittsburgh will take on Brandon McCollon of Cleveland with Isaac Chatman of Downtown B.C. going up against Akron’s Zi Stalnacker.

A 140 pound scrap will send Nate Cordova of Burnside A.C. up against Brian Torres of Cleveland while at 145 pounds, Drew Smith of Burnside A.C. takes on Charlie Boulston of Ellwood City.

The final two bouts, both 152-pound matchups, will feature Daniel Elliott of Pittsburgh meeting Matthew Tyler of Cleveland and Akron’s Eric Lann taking on Devon Ruttinger of Ontario.

Housteau remains appreciative of everyone’s generosity and efforts.

“I don’t look to be in the spotlight because there are so many out there fighting cancer on a daily basis. I truly am humbled, however, by these great people who have been so very, very gracious,” Housteau said.

General admission tickets are $15 with VIP tickets $25.

Tables of eight range from $300-$400.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first fight at 7 p.m.

Further information can be obtained by calling either Cefalde at 330-787-4228 or Cordell at 330-717-4201.