It was standing room only at the Marco Island Boxing Club's annual Frank Garvin Memorial Boxing Tournament held at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort on Saturday, April 6th. “Up North” boxers from New Jersey and Connecticut took to the ring to compete against local fighters from Marco, Naples and Fort North. Myers.
“It was a great atmosphere,” said event organizer and Marco Island Boxing Club president Richie Stoltenborg. “And Hilton has done a phenomenal job.”
Kelly Dolestil of Marco Island Boxing Club defeated Jordan Kent of Assassin Fight Club in Fort Martin. Myers.
The event began with Mary Jo O'Regan singing the national anthem. Boxers ranged in age from 9 to 23 years old, and a total of 16 matches took place. Ring announcer Gary Donabed facilitated the match, and Marco Island Academy cheerleaders served as ring girls to count down the rounds in true MIA spirit. In addition to food and drinks, T-shirts commemorating the event were also available for purchase. The local boxing commission provided referees and judges.
Odell Corey stabs Vladimir Sanchez in the gut.
Willis Boxing's Vladimir Sanchez defeated Connecticut's Odell Corey.
Marco Island Boxing Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children Olympic-style boxing techniques. There is no membership fee for children who wish to participate. It's always free. “This tournament was very successful for the club,” said Soltenborg. “Every penny goes to the boxing club.'' The tournament was first held at Marco's Veterans Park in 2011 and has continued ever since, with only a one-year hiatus due to the coronavirus. Ta. Check out Marco Island Boxing Club's Facebook page to see over 20 event sponsors, including Carmen Construction's F. His Team and Peter Donaghy, who have supported the club since the beginning. “It's always an exciting night,” Stoltenborg said. “It takes a lot of work. We couldn't do this without community support, volunteers and sponsors.”
Last October, the building in which the club was housed was sold and the club began relocating. They were able to secure a temporary location on Jarl Street in Naples, as Inferno MMA was kind enough to give them space, but now they will soon be moving to a new location on the Tamiami Trail/Route It's planned. 41st Street in East Naples, between Affordable Cart and Capital Pawn. Check out the Marco Island Boxing Club Facebook page for updates.
