BOXING INSIDER New early-round site for Golden Gloves

BOXING INSIDER
New early-round site for Golden Gloves
Monday, March 03, 2008
Joe Maxse
Plain Dealer Reporter

The Cleveland Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament is just around the corner, and a few wrinkles have been added.

There will be a new site for this year's preliminary rounds as it moves from the Erieview Galleria to the West Side Masonic Temple, 2831 Franklin Blvd., in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood. Cleveland Amateur Golden Gloves President Vic Collova said the first three rounds will be held there on April 5, 12 and 19 at 6 p.m.

The finals, which drew a turn-away crowd of nearly 1,300 last year, will again be in the North Hall at Cleveland Browns Stadium on April 26, also at 6 p.m.

All first-time boxers, up to age 34, will compete in the sub-novice division. Before that rule was implemented a year ago, many first-timers were forced to box in the open division for experienced fighters.

The tournament also is restricting entries for those with experience in Tough Man and mixed martial arts competition. Depending on MMA experience, competitors will have to enter either the novice or open divisions.

Tickets will cost $15 and $25 for adults, with 12-and-under tickets at $8 and $13. Table seating and sponsorships are available. For entry and ticket information, contact the GG office at 216-662-7445.

Nice going:

Collova reported that fund-raising efforts to send the parents of Cleveland's Raynell Williams to Beijing to watch their son compete at the Summer Olympics have gathered $10,615. Collova said an anonymous donor has promised to help with further funds if needed after a travel package is received from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

"Credit needs to go to Pat O'Malley and Tom Roche," said Collova, referring to the Cuyahoga County recorder and local lawyer who spearheaded the effort.

Williams, 18, is training with the 11-member U.S. Olympic Team in Colorado Springs, Colo.