The annual
Guns n’ Hoses boxing event has become a traditional part of the
holidays for local first responders and their families. When Marine
Week in St. Louis kicks off on Monday, June 20, the Scottrade
Center will host the “First to Fight” amateur boxing
tournament.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Instead of facing each other for bragging rights, local police and firefighters will square off against members of the U.S. Marines on a card that will include several unique touches.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>I visited the St. Louis County Police and Fire Training Center recently to check in on some of the fighters as they trained for their tests.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The main event will feature Officer Ronald Freeman from Pagedale against Micah Bagby, a Marine formerly based at Camp Lejeune. The former member of the 2nd Battallion, 8th Infantry Unit told me how excited he is to make his boxing debut.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Bagby said, “I’ve always wanted to represent the Marines in an athletic way. I used to see the boxing team at my base. It’s an honor and it feels like a dream come true. When my trainer told me about the event, there was no doubt I’d be a part of it.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Another man making his first ring appearance will be Antonio Valentine, a member of St. Louis County’s special Metrolink Unit. He told me that his athletic experience up until now included spots on the wrestling teams at Beaumont High School and Lindenwood University.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“It’s for a good cause,” he said. “I was in the Army, and it’s always good to support the armed forces.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Proceeds from the evening will go to the Backstoppers and the Semper Fi Society, an organization that assists injured Marines and their families.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The night will begin with an Olympic style ceremony including a procession of generals, a gift exchange and a presentation of the colors with bagpipers. A special female bout on the card will include a pair of local first responders who can’t wait until autumn to face each other.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Two of the key organizers are promoter Steve Holley and tournament director Jack Martorelli, both long-time fixtures in St. Louis’ boxing scene and driving forces behind Guns n’ Hoses.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Steve Holley told me, “St. Louis once again has the opportunity to have a showcase boxing event where the whole community benefits and folks have a great time. Prices are right, the fighters will be ready and the leather will fly – all for charity.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Jack Martorelli added, “This is Guns n’ Hoses with an added attraction:
“_GoBack”> taking on St. Louis’ finest first responders. And the best part is that all proceeds go to the Backstoppers and the Semper Fi organization assisting wounded and handicapped Marines. Get a group together and come on down to support these great charities.”
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Reserved seats for the “First to Fight” charity show at Scottrade Center are priced at $20, with ringside tables of ten available for $500. Tickets and more information are available by calling 314-495-0820 or 314-540-7306.
