One! Two! Three! Four Knockout Boxing Events Take Place in Chicago Parks on Thursdays this August

Citywide Boxing Shows Feature Athletes ages 8 to 25 who Train at 22 Public Boxing Gyms Citywide

Citywide Boxing Shows are free, live, outdoor events that feature Chicago Park District Boxing Program participants in 8 to 10 bouts each night. Park staff members assemble an outdoor boxing ring and bleachers for family and neighbors to view the contests. Each match is monitored by Park District staff. Boxers compete for three 60-second rounds, or until a knockout decision is made by the presiding official. Three judges sit at tables adjacent to the boxing ring to score each bout. After they confer their scorecards, a decision is made, and the victor receives a medal. The fighter of the day is named at the conclusion of each night and receives a championship belt.

The Chicago Park District Boxing program accepts participants ages 8 and older. Participants ages 8 to 25 are invited to participate in Citywide Boxing Shows at the discretion of their coach. Chicago Park District coaches offer instruction at 22 park fieldhouses, and they are present in the corners of the ring with their pupils during a bout.

Boxing instruction provides participants with an aerobic workout, while teaching essential skills of self-control, self-defense, and sportsmanship. Each Citywide Boxing Show demonstrates the richness of supportive neighbors, families, and friends. The program is available to both men and women and has garnered over 3,000 enrollees ages 8 and up to date in 2024. The Program & Event Coordinator for Boxing, Angel Ocasio began his boxing career at age 8 at Eckhart Park, and now oversees 22 boxing gyms, countless coaches, and over 100 boxing instructional periods. Patrons interested in training may sign up here for the fall program session.

WHERE:

• Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St., August 15, 2024, Pilsen
• Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave, August 22, 2024, Rogers Park
• Portage Park, 2400 N. Long Ave., August 29, 2024, Portage Park

Each Citywide Boxing Show runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings.