Ageless Amateur Boxers to compete in Coconut Creek Florida for Ringside’s StrikeGym Masters Championships

Bernard Hopkins will not be the only 45+ year old boxer competing on November 8th. Fight sporting goods company Ringside/Combat Brands from Lenexa Kansas has joined forces with StrikeGym in Coconut Creek Florida to bring a new segment to their Ringside Boxing Tournament Series, exclusively for the ageless fighters. Amateur boxers from the ages of 35-78 will take part in technique clinics led by the sport’s top trainers and former world Champions throughout the week that will lead up to a very competitive two day boxing tournament.

A 68 year old Fort Lauderdale attorney, a 155 pound six foot 48 year old female attorney from Atlanta, a 44 year old college professor from Texas, a 58 year old pilot and former Olympian from the middle of nowhere, a very unique 45 year old musician and many more brave men and woman will compete in this fully sanctioned AIBA and USA Boxing tournament. “This will be the biggest sporting event Coconut Creek has seen in years if not ever” said StrikeGym owner huge masters boxing supporter and serial entrepreneur Chris Holloway.

While most work in the white collar world, all the masters have embraced the champions heart and have prepared themselves for the world’s toughest sport, boxing. They have put themselves through weeks and months of rigorous training to climb into the ropes and fight for honor and the 1st Annual Ringside StrikeGym Masters Championship belt. “We are excited to work with Ringside who is the best in boxing and together we have arranged an excellent week of technical clinics, training sessions and social gatherings for all these brave athletes” said Holloway.

Former 5 time world champion Cory Spinks will be one of the trainers for the event. Spinks, who was at one time the undisputed welterweight champion of the world and is bound for Boxing’s Hall of Fame is excited to work with these older warriors. “I am really looking forward to working with these boxers, who are always eager and open to learning.” Said the former champion.

Anthony Hamm who once trained world champions Arturo Gatti, Ray Mercer, Spinks and many others will also be a guest trainer for a clinic session. Hamm has been training world champions for nearly 30 years and will bring excellent technical lessons for the masters. “Most of these boxers are novice and new to the sport, the bucket-listers we call them, and they are so eager and determined to give three hundred percent I don’t see myself having to push them at all, I just have to teach them, and I like that!”

Johnny Schulz who is one of the “open” or experienced boxers in the masters division works closely with Holloway at StrikeGym promoting USA boxing. “We have boxers from all over the world coming to this tournament, in our first year there is already a great turnout with over 40 boxers having registered for the tournament.” Schulz was hoping to compete at the tournament however due to his experience and weight class (141) there were no opponents to face the former 5 time Ringside Masters World Champion.

Ringside’s’ tournament director Barbara Yoksh had this to say. “Masters boxers are a rare breed of athlete. Their participation in the sport represents a pure love for amateur boxing, and this will clearly be evident in the enthusiasm and passion that will be demonstrated at the StrikeGym Masters Tournament. Although numerous safety rules are adhered to in masters boxing, it is the athletes themselves and their respect for and camaraderie with fellow masters, that results in safe but thoroughly exciting bouts. On behalf of Ringside, I am proud to be a part of what will be a memorable weekend of competition!” Ringside who is well known for hosting the world’s largest amateur boxing tournaments is excited for this excellent destination style tournament.

Former USA Olympian Albert Guardado, and product manager for Ringside/Combat Sports has been very instrumental in organizing this inaugural tournament and technical clinics.

?The event kicks off on Wednesday November 5th with a meet and greet social, followed by a couple days of beach runs great technical boxing training and workouts at StrikeGym. Round one of the tournament will begin on Friday November 7th at 6PM and the Ringside StrikeGym Masters Champions will be determined and crowned on Saturday November 8th with the first bell at 6pm.

The great tournament will end just in time for the boxers to watch 49 year old Bernard Hopkins defend his world title on HBO, unless of course its past their bedtime. The local boxing commission, Florida Gold Coast Boxing, will be on hand officiating the event. Event Tickets and additional information can be found at www.ringsidemasters.com. Tickets are now on sale for both evenings.