Boxers face off for charity at the Rec

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The Freeport Recreation Center hosted a charity boxing event, organized by USA Boxing Metropolitan and featuring amateur boxers from around New York state competing in the National Golden Gloves Qualifier for the Ring Master’s Championships.

The event, on March 11, had Freeport PAL Boxing Gym’s coaches and students playing an integral part in the competition while generating funds for the Kids Need More Foundation.

The tournament was part of a series of 15 events arranged by the governing body of amateur boxing in New York State. USA Boxing Metropolitan is a nonprofit organization that supports young boxers in New York by providing opportunities to compete at the national and Olympic levels.

The organization is made up of approximately 4,000 members, including boxers, coaches, officials and doctors from about 90 member clubs. Teams travel locally and internationally to participate in competitive boxing, and some of the athletes may eventually fight professionally.

The Ring Masters Championships marked their fifth year, after getting its start in 2018.

“We love the Freeport Rec Center — we’ve done many shows there in the past,” USA Boxing Metropolitan Vice President Sonya Lamonakis said. “It was a great show, and it was well received, and they thanked me, and everyone was very happy with the show and very appreciative, so I think it was a successful day for everyone.” 

The event proceeds benefited the Kids Need More Foundation, a nonprofit with the objective to enhance the quality of life for children, families, and young adults facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

“The Freeport Rec Center was packed with folks who came out to enjoy the Ring Masters Championships and support Kids Need More helping local children coping with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses,” foundation Treasurer Johnny Ray said.

The event turnout featured many residents, visitors and Freeport officials coming out to support the cause and the camaraderie of the gym. 

The Freeport PAL Boxing Gym’s coaches and students dedicated considerable time to training for the event.

Coach Joe Higgins from the Freeport PAL Boxing Gym was thrilled seeing his boxers compete in the arena facing off against unfamiliar opponents.

“I’ve been at this for 30 years, this is probably my 5,000th corner,” Higgins said. “But it’s always a thrill when your boxers are ready to compete, and you know you are the difference between them winning and losing.”

Higgins said the trust between the boxer and their coach is crucial, especially in critical moments of a match. Having an experienced coach in the corner can help the boxer make necessary adjustments and get through tough moments.

The most anticipated fight of the night was the final match where Freeport boxer Khammal Dunkley qualified for the national Golden Gloves tournament joining several boxers advancing to the next stage of the competition.

Dunkley appreciated the support of the community and emphasized the significance of every charity event, which directly benefits children. He described the atmosphere as electrifying and compared the event to a homecoming, as it was a change of pace from their usual travels for fights.

“I felt so good, I felt accomplished, I felt like we really did it,” Dunkley said. “We did an amazing job with everybody coming out and I mean, words can’t really describe  being surrounded by friends and family like that. I hope to continue to put on some of these shows in the future.”

Dunkley aspires to remain actively involved in charity events and support upcoming young athletes in realizing their dreams. He is contemplating becoming a coach in the future, to be able to guide and mentor future competitors from their corners.

“Maybe one day I’ll be in the coach’s corner helping the next young kid to get them to the championship,” Dunkley said. 

Childhood cancer survivor Aiden Schaefer, and his brother, Mason, were awarded golden gloves by USA Boxing Metropolitan at the end of the event in support of Kids Need More. The event drew the presence of their parents, Patrick and Denise Schaefer, who expressed their gratitude and support for the organization.