By Dana Williams
Many boxers and trainers who will be participating in the Third Annual Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships next month said, however, that the sport teaches people so much more.
"The sport of boxing helps boxers to channel their energy in a constructive way," explained West Hempstead resident Michael Carryl, the director of the tournament. "It teaches self-discipline, community responsibility, respect for others and really builds the self-esteem they need to be productive citizens."
"After stepping into the gym, hitting the bags and working out, you feel more confident about yourself," added 16-year-old boxer Paul Rello, who is training to compete in the light welterweight class at the tournament. "Boxing is more than a sport to me because it’s teaching me about patience, and how to handle situations better, and those are skills that I can use in any part of my life."
Boxing enthusiasts will get to see dozens of people who share Carryl's and Rello's sentiments about the sport throughout the amateur tournament. The event will be held at the Five Towns Community Center from Aug. 14-16, and will feature bouts between amateur pugilists from all over the country. The tournament is sanctioned by the USA Boxing, Metropolitan Association.
"One of the exciting parts about this tournament is that it's going to be in the New York area," said Joe Higgins, president of the association, who is also the boxing director at the Freeport Police Activity League. "This tournament shows local pride to its fullest, and boxing fans will see some great competition because our boxers are really working hard to prepare for these fights."
For the past six months, Carryl, also a former boxer, has worked with representatives from Nassau County to organize the tournament, with hopes that he will help the aspiring pro boxers to get exposure and build their experience. The three-day tournament will feature men and women fights in weight class divisions ranging from flyweight to super heavyweight. "We have boxers as young as 8 and some who are over 40 who have already entered the tournament," Carryl said. "The fans are really going to see some great and exciting competition."
Some of the participants workout at least four times a week at the Westbury Police Activity League's boxing gym, where they undergo rigorous training sessions with coach and trainer Pete Brodsky. Elmont resident, Nathanile King, is one of them.
After spending time as a track and field athlete, King, 20, said he tried boxing and immediately took a liking to the sport. He is now an aspiring professional. "Boxing is a tough sport, but every time I workout with Pete, I learn more about executing in the ring," King said, who graduated from Sewanhaka High School last year. "This is going to be my first tournament and I'm looking forward to competing in it and facing the competition."
Carryl said the proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships Charities' scholarship fund, which was established last year to help young student athletes.
The tournament will start each day at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults when purchased in advanced and $25 at the door. Children are $10.
For more information, visit usaboxingmetro.com or call Michael Carryl at (917) 945-3480 or Ewart Chance at (347) 661-6911.
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
