By The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region
BAY CITY – Boxers from across the state of Michigan will travel back to the Bay City Boys & Girls Club on Feb. 17 for the 50 Years of Boxing Exhibition. For many, this was where they first discovered their love of the sport.
The event will feature a dozen bouts between some of the region’s most talented fighters and is open to the public. According to event organizer Coach Ron Earl of American Athletic Association Bay City Boxing, the Boys & Girls Club was an obvious choice for their venue. A former member of what was then the Boys Club, Earl attended the site from 1970 to 1978, where he joined its boxing team.
“My time at the Boys Club taught me brotherhood, camaraderie, and respect,” Earl said.
Earl went on to distinguish himself as the Saginaw Regional Golden Gloves champion. While serving, he boxed for the US Air Force Team and eventually claimed the title of Utah Heavyweight Boxing Champion from 1993 to 1995. However, Earl was not the only “Club kid” to find notoriety in the ring. Accomplished fighters “Big Cat” Monte Oswald, Sam Maza, and Scott Peterson will likewise return to the Club for the exhibition.
Though independent boxing gyms were eventually established in the Bay Region, Boys & Girls Club site director Gib Garcia, a former member himself, explained that he wants the alumni to always feel connected to their Club.
“For many of us, this was our second home,” Garcia said. “The club provided stability outside of our homes. We all took away skills that helped us through our lives. I believe all alumni deserve the opportunity to reconnect and give back to the Club that gave us so much.”
As for Earl, though it has been 46 years, he can still recite his membership number: 676.
Weigh-ins for the event will take place at 1:00 p.m. with bouts beginning at 5:00. Tickets are available for purchase at the door for $20 (cash only). For more information about the event, or to become a sponsor, call (989) 980-7055.
