The North Country vs. the Bronx at Brawl in the Mall 3!

MASSENA, NY—(March 6, 2012)—Standing Rock Boxing Club presents Brawl in the Mall 3 on Saturday, March 17 at 4:00 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Centre Mall Arena located at 6100 St. Lawrence Centre, Massena, NY.   Doors open at 3:00 pm.  First bell is at 4:00 pm with men’s amateur boxing (North Country VS the Bronx with 12 plus matches), and continues with women’s amateur boxing (5 matches) starting at 7:00 pm.

Women’s boxing first appeared in the Olympic Games as a demonstration bout in 1902. For most of the 20th century, however, it was banned in most nations. Its revival was pioneered by the Swedish Amateur Boxing Association, which sanctioned events for women in 1988. Compared to men’s boxing, however, it lacked popularity and exposure, which has changed immensely today.  As a matter of fact, the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board (EB) had approved the inclusion of women’s boxing for the Games in London in the 2012 Olympics. 

The women’s fight card includes the return of New York State Women’s Champion Michelle Cook (Standing Rock Boxing Club) and the debut fight of Kim Cook (Standing Rock Boxing Club).  Ottawa’s Beaver Boxing Club opponent Erica Adjec, who won Best Female Boxer of the night at the Bully Beat Down, which was held on January 28, 2012, will square off against Albany opponent Jen Woodward, who has won her last two fights by knockout.

Also representing Standing Rock Boxing club is 17-year-old Lightweight female contender Robbi Cook who will go up against Niagara Falls opponent Mikiah Kreps in a rubber match.  This will be the third time that these two talented female boxers have squared off.  Kreps won their first encounter, however Cook was victorious at the Bully Beat Down. 

Highlights for the men’s fight card include 16-year-old welterweight open class boxer Ronnie Robidoux (Standing Rock Boxing Club) VS 26-year-old super welterweight fighter Murray Contrua (Bronx).  Robidoux’s record consists of five knockouts in seven wins including winning one of those fights within 30 seconds via a knockout.  He also won Best Male Boxer of the Night at the Bully Beat Down.

Also representing Standing Rock Boxing Club is 14-year-old Lightweight open class boxer Rorohronhakies (aka Lolo).  Lolo will box 15-year-old Keatos Jeffs from Kingston, Ontario.  At the mere age of 11, Lolo won his second fight at the New York State Fair when he knocked out his 15-year-old opponent. He has also won the New York State Championship for two consecutive years.

Brawl in the Mall 3 features the best amateur boxers from Standing Rock Boxing Club (Massena, NY); Bronx Boxing Club (NYC); East Side Champs Boxing Club (Cornwall); Watertown Boxing Club, Black River Boxing Academy; Final Round (Ottawa); Sweeny’s Boxing Club (Albany); Schenectady Boxing Club, Gale Kerwin (Ottawa); Beaver Boxing Club (Ottawa); and Gladiator (Ottawa).  WBC Continental Americas World Lightweight Champion Tony Luis from Champs East Side Boxing Club will also be a special guest at the Brawl in the Mall 3 and available to sign autographs. 

So what is amateur boxing and is it safe? Amateur boxing is a very positive sport, a terrific way to combat juvenile delinquency, an excellent source of conditioning for the high school athlete during the off-season, and also provides an option for somebody who does not desire to participate in team sports.  When properly coached and supervised, amateur boxing can be an extremely fulfilling and beneficial experience for young people. It can be used as a vehicle to instruct sportsmanship, the value of conditioning and a positive release of frustrations and energies, in addition to building self-confidence and character.

Amateur boxing is completely different from professional boxing in its goals, objectives, scoring and equipment.  The 1998 National Safety Council ranked boxing 71st in sports injuries, well below mainstream sports like wrestling, football, baseball, soccer and even bowling. No other amateur sport takes more precautions, in regard to safety, than amateur boxing. Amateur boxers must receive a physical examination before and after each competition. Special protective equipment is mandatory for each competition. The primary directive of all amateur referees is the safety of the boxers. In addition, all competition gloves and headgear contain exact combinations of shock-absorbing foams to reduce the impact of a blow.

Brawl in the Mall 3 tickets are on sale now at Standing Rock Boxing Club (Massena, NY) and will also available at the door on the day of the event.  General Admission is $15; floor seats $20; children 10 and under are free.  All admission prices include a program book and access to both the men’s and women’s bouts.  Standing Rock Boxing t-shirts will also be available for sale at the event.

Standing Rock Boxing Club is open Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m. Call Standing Rock Boxing Club at (315) 769-2552 for more information.