The Moline Community Center was packed with people on Saturday, Oct. 13 but in this
reception the only dancing going on was happening inside the ring with a combination of punches and moves from boxers from throughout our region.
A total of 16 amateur boxing matches took place from eight different boxing clubs representing different cities across Ill. and Iowa. The event brought families out to cheer the boxers as young as eight years old in weight classes that ranged from 50 lbs. to the heaviest man at 260 lbs.
The boxing clubs that participated include Peñas Boxing Club, Cedar Valley Boxing Club and Cedar River Boxing Club from Iowa. From Ill. came Visconi Boxing Club, Russell Boxing Club, Patriot Boxing Club, Dallas City Boxing Club, Torres Boxing Club and the hosts Alley Cat Boxing Club.
The event is a fundraiser that was organized by Alley Cat founder Jeff Perez who has been putting on the event for eight years. It helps the gym buy new punching bags and other equipment and helps cover transportation expenses to tournaments throughout the Midwest.
All boxers received awards but only half came out with a win on their record. A special award was given to Alley Cat assistant coach Mike Wilcher. Jeff says he is very grateful to all those that helped and contributed to the event and including Dr. Mike Cullen and his wife who offer their services at theses events and Bill Sangster who helped him with the first six years of starting his club.
Some of the bouts provided for some action packed rounds. Perez says that sometimes people have a negative perception of what a boxing show is like, but these amateur fights show what is really about, good sportsmanship.
“It was a great crowd, no problems. The sportsmanship on the coaches and fighters, they were not running their mouths, the fans didn’t boo the fighters, everybody showed a lot of class,” Perez said. “When you come to an event like this you see what it really is about, not like the pros.”
To see more pictures from this event log on to www.Hola-America.com and click on our Photo Gallery. You may leave comments on the pictures when you become a registered user.
Facebook Comments
