Boxers deal blow to cancer
A group of amateur boxers banded together to knock the lights out of cancer, raising more than $63,000 in the process.
They came, they fought, and they raised money for two charities — the Canadian Cancer Society and Ronald McDonald House.
According to event organizers, professional boxers Mike Strange and Billy Irwin helped the competitors through months of vigorous training for the June 16 event.
“For the majority of the competitors this was the first time they stepped into a boxing ring and competed,” said Strange in a media release.
“It took a lot of guts. In the end, we raised a lot of money for two great causes.”
Tony Filice, a Niagara Falls resident who went by the stage name Latino Bambino, took home the title of first place, with only a year and a half of boxing experience under his belt.
He says it feels “absolutely invigorating ” to have won his first tournament, all stemming from a goal to shed some pounds.
“I started training to lose weight,” said Filice.
“That’s when Strange asked me about boxing.”
He said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to box at first — the thought of it made him slightly nervous since he’d never fought before.
In the end, he made the decision to fight for his late father who he used to watch boxing with as a child.
“He would be happy,” said Filice.
He plans to defend his title of champion next year.
The announcement of how much money was raised was made to sponsors and participants Tuesday at the Scotiabank Centre.
Two cheques were presented to the recipient charities, each for $31,963.92.
“When we ask, Niagarans answer,” said Kim Rossi, development officer for the Canadian Cancer Society and KO Cancer committee co-chair in the release.
She said the society is overwhelmed by the amount raised in the first year of the event.
The event was sanctioned by Boxing Ontario and held at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.
In total, there were 11 matches ranging in various weight classes, skill levels and divisions.
To stay updated on next year’s matches — already scheduled for June 15 — you can follow the event page on Twitter at @ KOKidsCancer.
Registration is available to those 19 or older.