ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Boxing Day is not until December 26 but in Rockford it will also be on Saturday.
This is because the Rockford Boxing Classic returns to the City Market Pavilion for its fifth straight year and organizers say this will be its best lineup to date.
32 of the best amateur male and female boxers from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin are scheduled to fight. 16 competitors represent the Rockford Patriots Boxing Club, including Julian Lugo; a veteran on the event’s lineup card.
“Just the butterflies and the feeling and the excitement all builds up and I finally just get to go out and perform. So I’m very excited,” said Lugo.
Lugo is a four-time Illinois Golden Gloves Champion and National Golden Gloves Bronze Medalist. He says his goal is to be a professional boxer.
“I take from it is how great our community is when we really come together and how you can show out for people,” said Lugo.
“You just don’t know who you’re going to see next,” said Rockford Boxing Club Head Coach Jimmy Goodman. “We got some of the best guys in the country boxing and some of the best prospects that have be the best in the country at one day, guarantee it.”
George Harker and Brian Nicholson will fight in the classic for the first time.
“It feels pretty exciting, honestly,” said Nicholson.
“Exciting. Pretty anxious, but excited, you know, just ready to get that belt,” said Harker.
From bronze medalist Kenny Gould to current standouts like Lugo and Angel Martinez, Goodman says Rockford has a strong boxing history
“When I step back and realize the growth that these young kids make. They go from kids to young adults. It’s fulfilling for myself and the rest of the coaches that that are here,” said Goodman.
The classic starts at 5 p.m. Saturday at Rockford City Market’s Outdoor Pavilion. Gates open at 4 p.m. and admission is free.
The event’s drawn in 4,500 in its first four years and raised more than $20,000 for the Rockford Boxing Club.
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