Midlothian, VA – River City Fight Night continued its mission of supporting youth boxing and honoring local heroes on , at Great American Ranch. The event, a monthly charity boxing series, featured a compelling night of fights alongside the presentation of the Guardian of the Gloves scholarship to Emonie Athey.
Athey, a young boxer who has been training at Vintage Boxing Gym for approximately a year with her father, was awarded the scholarship on . The Guardian of the Gloves scholarship provides comprehensive support for aspiring young boxers, including a year-long membership to Vintage Boxing Gym, coverage of tournament expenses, travel costs, and essential boxing gear. Liz Cane, General Manager of Vintage Boxing Gym, described Athey as “a tough little girl with the biggest smile, and she’s tough.”
The event wasn’t solely focused on competition and scholarships. River City Fight Night also took a moment to recognize first responders who participated in a previous event held on . This acknowledgement underscores the series’ commitment to community engagement and appreciation for those who serve.
The boxing card itself showcased a blend of seasoned professionals and rising talent, featuring 4-5 bouts with WBC title fighters and local boxers. A key matchup of the evening pitted Andrew Kim against Roberto Cantos. Kim, a product of Vintage Boxing Gym, has not only excelled as a boxer for six years but has also transitioned into a coaching and mentoring role at the facility, demonstrating a dedication to fostering the next generation of fighters.
Vintage Boxing Gym was well-represented throughout the night, with three fights featuring its members. These bouts served a dual purpose: providing exciting entertainment for the crowd and raising funds for the Guardian of the Gloves scholarship program. The series, which rotates between Great American Ranch in Midlothian and River City Roll in Richmond, consistently draws enthusiastic crowds and generates significant support for its charitable cause.
River City Fight Night’s impact extends beyond the ring. Proceeds from the events directly benefit Guardian of the Gloves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making boxing accessible to all children, regardless of their financial circumstances. This commitment to inclusivity is a core tenet of the series, ensuring that talent and passion, rather than economic barriers, determine who gets to pursue their boxing dreams.
The event on builds on the foundation established by River City Promotions and co-promoter PonyTail Promotions. The series has quickly become a prominent fixture in the Richmond, Virginia boxing scene, attracting both local enthusiasts and fighters from further afield, including those from the Ashenelli Boxing Stable. The popularity of River City Fight Night is evidenced by consistently sold-out crowds and a growing online viewership.
While details of the specific bouts beyond the Kim vs. Cantos matchup were not immediately available, the event’s consistent format promises a competitive and entertaining evening. The series’ commitment to featuring both established WBC title fighters and emerging local professionals creates a dynamic and appealing spectacle for boxing fans.
The success of River City Fight Night is also a testament to the growing boxing community in the region. Vintage Boxing Gym, in particular, plays a crucial role, not only in developing talented fighters like Andrew Kim and Emonie Athey but also in providing a supportive and inclusive training environment. The gym’s involvement in the Guardian of the Gloves program further solidifies its commitment to giving back to the community.
Looking ahead, River City Fight Night is poised to continue its growth and impact. The series’ unique blend of competitive boxing, charitable giving, and community engagement has resonated with audiences in Richmond and beyond. With a dedicated promotional team and a strong base of support, River City Fight Night is well-positioned to remain a premier monthly charity boxing event for years to come.
The event at Great American Ranch, featuring Sonya Dreiling’s unanimous decision victory over Carmen Gulliksen, served as a precursor to the continued success of the series. Dreiling’s win highlighted the level of competition consistently showcased by River City Promotions. The event featured two bouts, setting the stage for the expanded cards that have become a hallmark of the series.
