Hundreds of amateur boxers from the United States and the Caribbean will converge on Punta Gorda to compete for a chance to advance to the Third Annual Sugar Bert Boxing Title Belt National Championship.

 

The three-day event kicks off Friday, June 1, with registration and general weigh-ins. Amateur pugilists of all ages will compete in double elimination tournaments for various weight divisions (bantam, intermediate, junior, senior, women, open men, novice and master). Winners in each division secure title belts, rankings and a place in the Sugar Bert Title Belt National Championship Series, a USA Boxing-sanctioned competition.

 

“This is a unique opportunity for Southwest Florida boxing enthusiasts and sports fans to see some of the best amateur boxers in the nation, all in one event,” said promoter Bert “Sugar Bert” Wells, a former Golden Gloves boxer and Fort Lauderdale native. “This includes seeing Florida homegrown No.1-ranked fighters Xander ‘X-man’ Zayas, Darrion Henry and Kevin Myers, just to name a few.”

 

Mr. Wells now coaches at his gym, the legendary Paul Murphy Boxing Club outside of Atlanta. His boxers include Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield, son of four-time World Champion heavyweight Evander Holyfield.