One of the premier amateur boxing tournaments is returning to the Acadiana area later this month.
Coming off of the successful qualifier tournament held in Punta Gorda, Fla. on Aug. 29, 2020, amateur boxers from across the United States will get another chance to test their skills in the ring, thanks to the Sugar Bert Boxing National Qualifier WBC Green Belt Challenge tournament. The qualifier tournament takes place on Saturday, Nov. 13 – 15, 2020 at Youngsville Sports Complex located at 801 Savoy Rd. Youngsville, La. 70592.
The three-day tournament, sanctioned by USA Boxing and its Back to Boxing program, is expected to draw over 300 competitors. The event will adhere to CDC guidelines for gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limiting spectator seating, conducting temperature checks at the door, and wearing face masks.
“CDC guidelines will be strictly enforced,” says Bert “Sugar Bert” Wells, president of Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions (SBBP). “We are going to have a safe tournament that will promote the skills and training many of these boxers have sharpened since the reopening of our country. They are ready.”
Special guests at the event include undefeated professional boxer Evan “Young Holy” Holyfield, son of boxing titan Evander Holyfield; former middleweight champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson; Nelson Lopez, Jr.; Backstreet Boxing Club President Shelton Leblanc; USA Boxing Events & Operations Manager Mike Campbell; and City of Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter.
“This is the second year SBBP comes to Lafayette” says Sugar Bert. “This event has grown year after year, even with Covid-19 temporarily changing things. We love the area and are scheduled to return in 2021.”
General admission tickets for the championship event are $25 per person; children ages 4 and under get in free. Log on to sugarbertboxingpromotions.com for registration and event information or call (770) 833-7888.