YOUNGSTOWN — For an impressive 34 years, Jack Loew’s renowned South Side Boxing Club has become a staple in the community, consistently hosting highly anticipated amateur, professional, and pro-am boxing events that herald the beginning of the holiday season for local boxing enthusiasts.
This year’s exciting 12-bout, all-amateur ‘Thanksgiving Feast’ card is set to take place this Saturday at Penguin City Brewery, located at 460 E. Federal Street in Youngstown. The event will showcase a range of local boxers, ensuring representation from Loew’s gym, Burnside A.C., and the Golden String Boxing Club’s Zulu Boxing Gym from Warren.
“We have two co-features with a bevy of local talent set for display in most every fight,” Loew said, underscoring the event’s significance for aspiring boxers. “The bouts are evenly matched, competitive and I cannot wait to see which fight will be deemed the fight of the night.”
Keith Burnside, Jr., a promising talent from Burnside A.C. and son of respected trainer Keith Burnside, Sr., is set to feature prominently as he faces off against hard-hitting veteran Kris Benjamin in an exhilarating 150-pound matchup.
The other co-main event will highlight Cardinal Mooney freshman Chris Vass from South Side Boxing Club as he challenges Pittsburgh’s Maddox Smith in a competitive 132-pound pairing.
“Keith Burnside will have his hands full with Kris Benjamin because both have risen through the ranks and are looking to take the next step in their fight careers,” Loew explained, emphasizing the stakes of the match. “Chris Vass is just chomping at the bit to show what he can do. He is coming off his freshman football season at Cardinal Mooney High School and is an extremely popular, young boxer. He has a huge following due to his come-forward approach, while both local boxers are extremely exciting to watch because of their respective styles in the ring.”
In addition to Burnside and Vass, a host of local talent will be featured on the card, including the promising 14-year-old Omari Garner of SSBC (115 pounds), 16-year-old Isaiah Christian of SSBC (140 pounds), Will Perez from Golden String (145 pounds), Mallick Bennett of Zulu B.C. (95 pounds), Dontrail Burkes from SSBC (115 pounds), Shaleek Cook from SSBC (160 pounds), Youseff Hajjawi of Golden String (160 pounds), Kingsley Wade from SSBC (70 pounds), and Austin Gibson of Burnside A.C. (141 pounds).
The event will also see participation from boxers hailing from Akron, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and even a team from Massachusetts, contributing to the diverse array of talent. All winners will receive a coveted championship belt to recognize their achievements.
General Admission is priced at $25, with premium ringside seats available for $50. Tables accommodating eight attendees are offered for $400, providing great options for fans looking to enjoy the excitement together.
For more information, interested attendees can reach out by calling Loew at 330-501-5713.
What can fans expect from the matchup between Chris Vass and Tyrese Miller in the upcoming Thanksgiving Feast card?
Faces seasoned opponent Tyrese Miller, a noteworthy competitor hailing from the Golden String Boxing Club. This card promises to deliver excitement and showcase the vibrant boxing scene in Youngstown.
**Interview with Jack Loew, Owner of South Side Boxing Club**
**Editor:** Jack, thank you for joining us today. You’ve been a significant figure in the boxing community for over three decades. What does hosting this year’s Thanksgiving Feast card mean to you?
**Jack Loew:** Thank you for having me! This event is very special to me and my club. It’s not just about showcasing talent; it’s about bringing the community together. Boxing has a rich history here in Youngstown, and each Thanksgiving Feast event feels like a family reunion for fans and fighters alike.
**Editor:** You have a lineup packed with local talent. Can you tell us more about some standout fighters in this card?
**Jack Loew:** Absolutely! We have some exciting matchups planned. For instance, Keith Burnside, Jr. is a fighter to watch. He’s a highly skilled young talent who’s bringing a lot of energy. Facing off against a veteran like Kris Benjamin will test him in many ways. We also have Chris Vass stepping into the ring against Tyrese Miller, and that should be a thrilling bout. The community can expect lots of competitive action!
**Editor:** It’s great to see such local representation. How do events like this impact the boxers and the community?
**Jack Loew:** These events are crucial for our boxers. They provide a platform for young fighters to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. For the community, it keeps the spirit of boxing alive. People come out to support their favorites, and it fosters a sense of pride in our local talent. Plus, it kicks off the holiday festivities on a high note!
**Editor:** As the event approaches, what are you most looking forward to this Saturday?
**Jack Loew:** I’m looking forward to the energy in the building. There’s nothing quite like a live boxing match, especially when the fighters are local heroes. I can’t wait to see how the crowd reacts and, of course, to witness some unforgettable moments in the ring. I have no doubt we will have a ‘fight of the night’ contender that everyone will be talking about!
**Editor:** Thank you, Jack, for your insights and for your continuous contributions to the boxing community. We wish you and the athletes the best of luck this Saturday!
**Jack Loew:** Thank you! We hope everyone comes out to enjoy a great night of boxing.