
It’s been thirteen years since local boxing superstar Felika Correa (15-6-1) has fought in the ring, but on Saturday night, he will make his return at Armer Boxing and Calkins Sports Productions Present: Fiesta de Boxeo at the Danceland Ballroom in Davenport, IA.
Along with this being Correa’s coming out of retirement fight, more importantly, it is a dedication fight to his mother whom he lost to cancer exactly one year ago and being so close to Mother’s Day, the timing couldn’t have been better.
“I knew this was cancer awareness month,” said Correa. “So I said why not and I would do this in honor of my Mom.”
Since retiring in 1999, Correa has kept very busy in his personal and boxing life. In 2007, along with Jesse Gomez, he started The Freedom Fighters boxing club. “I try to work out with those kids and keep in shape,” said Correa. He also got married and has two sons, Hector and Oscar, named after boxing legends, Hector “Macho” Camacho and Oscar de la Hoya. “They will both be at my fight,” said Correa. “This is something special to me because they have never seen me fight before and they can see something that their Dad used to do.”
Having looked up to local boxing legend Lonnie Horn many years ago, Correa now sees himself in that role as a mentor to the up-and-coming young talent in the Quad Cities. “I don’t want to steal the spotlight on Saturday night,” explained Correa. “I just want to show my support for all the young fighters because I used to be them.”
Specific to his fight on Saturday night, Correa stresses that even though it’s been awhile you never forget how to fight. “I don’t watch tapes on my opponents,” said Correa. “I just go out and fight. Once you have done it enough, you never forget how to fight.”
As boxing continues its rise again in the Quad Cities, Correa couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. “I want people to know that I’m still here,” said Correa. “Age is just a number, and it’s what’s inside that counts.”
Armer Boxing and Calkins Sports Productions Present: Fiesta de Boxeo at Danceland Ballroom in downtown Davenport, IA. For more ticket information call 563-579-7499. Tickets are $25 and can be bought at the door as well. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the fights starting at 7 p.m.