Fighting for funds

Ivan Pavich is taking part in YMCA Hamilton's boxing event tomorrow night. Photo / Sarah Brook, The Image Workshop

Amateur and corporate boxers will glove up tomorrow night to raise money for youth who use Hamilton's YMCA.

The smoke- and alcohol-free charity event ran last year and centre manager Graeme Mead said that because of its success they decided to hold it again.

The event aims to fundraise for the youth who use the centre; the money will be put towards onsite sport and recreation activities.

"In most cases, it is to pay for the out of school care for children who are unable to join our programmes because of the difficulties their families face. We use the money to pay for the bus trips and excursions we do, so they fit into the normal routine," said Mr Mead.

Some of the funds raised will also assist the YMCA's Fighting Fit Boxing Club members attend the Nationals in Invercargill this year.

Head coach Jeff Stutt said the charity boxing event they ran last year was the first time Hamilton's YMCA had done anything like it.

"We had a couple of classes for boxing for fitness at the YMCA and Graeme Mead was one of the guys who took that class.

"Afterward he was really keen to hold an event," said Mr Stutt.

"We are planning on having two events this year because the first one was a success and brought a lot of money in for the club," said Mr Stutt.

"We are expecting a dozen amateur fights and possibly four corporate bouts."

YMCA has a youth program called Rise Up and members of that get involved on the day. They keep the place tidy, take the money at the door, and help run the event on the night.

Mr Stutt believes the smoke- and alcohol-free message is a good one to align with the YMCA - as well as with boxing.

"I have a love for boxing and really enjoy teaching kids to box and if I'm going to take my time to do something like that, a big reward for me is to actually make a difference in young people's lives... unfortunately some kids head down the wrong track," said Mr Stutt.

"Boxing clubs for young people can be quite a positive thing and if you're going to compete in something as physically demanding as boxing you can't be out on the piss or smoking drugs, so it's a really important message that I like to promote with my role as a coach."

The event is at the YMCA on Pembroke St, tomorrow night from 6.30pm. Tickets available at the door: adults $15, children $5, family passes $40.

For more information phone 838 2529.