Murphy’s Gloves is ready to fight for youth
The community of Niagara is coming together to give youth a fighting chance.
The third annual Murphy’s Gloves Boxing Fight for the Kids will take place Friday, Nov. 3 at Merritton Community Centre in St. Catharines.
Money raised during the charity boxing event provides funds for youth to take boxing classes and attend trips. St. Catharines Boxing Club president Joe Carrigan said the more than $13,000 raised last year paid for youth ages 13 to about 20 to compete in boxing competitions.
Boxing club members who qualified for competitions, but might not be able to afford to travel to Quebec or the United States were given the chance to compete.
Carrigan said it’s important to support youth and get them involved in sports so they can learn discipline and build their confidence. He said boxing isn’t like any other sport, and it teaches youth that if you train hard you can succeed.
Anne Marie Crocco and her friend Sheila Tryhorn are the first women to participate in Murphy’s Gloves. Crocco said when she joined the ladies boxercise class last year she never imaged getting in a ring and boxing.
But for the St, Alexander Catholic Elementary School principal getting in the ring is the right thing to do.
“It’s such a great cause and it gives young people the opportunity to develop skills ,,. it teaches them to do their best in and outside the ring,” Crocco said.
Although Crocco is nervous about possibly getting a few hits to the face, she said it’s all worth it and she’s looking forward to the event. “I’m in the ring with a friend, so it should be good. We are both excited for it.”
Lakeshore Catholic High School vice-principal Andrew Boon will participate for the second year. In an email Boon said he is also looking forward to the event.
Participants include teachers, principals, police officers to name a few. There will be 12 matches, including amateur boxing matches.
Advance tickets are $10 or $15 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and boxing starts at 7 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets call 905-9881244 or email j.corrigen@hotmail.com