Brunettes are having an amateur boxing show at their Gym on  Saturday, March 5th @7:00 PM.  Brunette’s  Gym is located at 1675 East 5th Street,
Saint Paul.  Admission is $15/$12 in advance/12 & under is $5.

Contact: Todd Webb 612.559.6587 about matches.

#11-30-011

It is the season to be grateful for many things as we enter the holidays, one of the things I am grateful for is that sixteen amateur boxers decided to work off their Thanksgiving dinner calories by competing on Brunette Boxing’s show on Saturday night. There was not a “Turkey” amongst the group as the standing room only crowd was delighted to see 8 competitive bouts.

#1. B.J. Bellanger   Sisseton SD      70         Francisco Escamilla  – Rochester

These guys wasted no time in getting the show started with both of them throwing both hands form the opening bell.  Bellanger was a little busier and that led him to victory.  Bellanger by dec.

#2. Matt Nikodyn – St. Cloud          170      Anthony Rose – Uppercut Gym

Two big and rangy boxers who can both hit. These guys landed meaningful blows on each other in bunches. Nikodyn pursuing and Rose countering, in the third round Rose landed several straight right hands which swung it in his favor. Rose by Dec.

#3. Ariel Shifren  – MN Top Team   120      Nate Burkhalter – Rochester

Shifren moved up in class of opposition for this one with Burkhalter widely recognized as one of the top boxers in his division.  Shifren came out to do some damage but was met with an onslaught of blows to the body and the head.  After his second standing eight-count referee Gary Mizwa called a halt to the action.  Burkhalter by RSC II

#4. Jesse Watts – Sisseton SD         140     Irvin Freeman III – Brunettes

If we handed out awards for the most improved boxer Freeman would be a candidate.  Watts was determined and tried to press the action but Freeman used both body and head blows to give Watts two standing eight counts, one in the first round and one in the second on the way to victory.  Freeman by Dec

#5. Jamal Morris – Rochester         120      Chiking Cha – Brunettes

Ckiking decided to move up his level of competition in meeting Morris and both met at center ring exchanging shots.  Morris landed solid jabs with Chiking landing some solid left hooks to the body.  At the end of the first Chiking’s nose was bleeding fairly badly.  In the second both went at it again with Morris landing several clean shots to the nose of Chiking, after the round coach Al Brunette did not like the way Chiking’s nose looked and wisely called a halt to the bout.  I have a feeling these guys will meet again some day.  Morris wins by Injury Retirement II.

#6. Travis Salava  – Peek a-Boo Boxing 140   Jonathan Solis – Brunettes

In one of the most exciting bouts of the evening, this one was a slug-fest from the get go.  Solis came on strong giving Salava an 8 count and then tried to capitalize using up a lot of the gas in the tank, when he tired Salava came on with both guys willing to trade which brought the crowd to it’s feet several times. In a very close, well fought bout Solis by Dec in 3.

#7. Brad Heroff – Brunettes            140     Elias Rubio – Brunettes

Two guys whose opponents could not make it so they decided to go at it with each other!  They obviously were familiar with each other from sparring in the gym so they did not get away with any surprises but did give a good account of each other.  Heroff’s experience and hand speed was the difference, Heroff by Dec in 3.

#8. Mike Bernier – White Bear Lake  201+  Ryan Watson  - Twin Ports

With Bernier being built like Ivan Drago and Watson being a National Champion the crowd was anxious as the boxers entered the ring and they were not disappointed.  Bernier pursued bobbing and weaving and throwing some thunderous hooks as Watson calmly but with precision landed straight jabs followed by solid straight right hands.  The crowd got going as these two guys let it all hang out with Watson’s height, reach and ring experience giving him the edge.  In a good solid bout for both guys Watson wins by Dec.

Matchmaker: Bobby Brunette.  Judges: Veid Muznicks, Arlye Wieshman, Vern Sweeny, Derek Delpino. Time Keeper: Lilly Coneberg. Physician at Ringside: Scott Benson. Referees: Gary Mizwa, Scott Erickson.

Todd Webb reporting live from ringside for livefromringside.com

Brunette Boxing Gym is hosting an amateur boxing show on November, 27th. There will be 8-10 bouts that will include Brad Heroff (Brunette’s) versus Zack Hill (South Dakota),  Ryan Watson (Duluth) versus Mike Bernier (White Bear Lake), Matt Nikodym (Boxer’s Workout) versus Anthony Rose ( Uppercut Gym), Irving Freeman III (Brunette’s) versus Mike German ( South Dakota) and more!!  Doors open at 6:00pm first bout will be at 7:00pm.  $15/Ringside, $10/Adults, 12 & Under FREE!

Brunette Gym

1675 East 5th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106

Contact: Bobby Brunette @ 651.341.8256

#10-30-043

Brunettes Boxing Show Results 10/02/10

Fall was in the air outside on Saturday night but inside Brunettes Gym on the East Side of St. Paul the temperature was rising due to 10 amateur boxers displaying their fistic skills.  With 6 boxing shows going on in and around the Twin-Cities in 6 weeks it was a challenge just finding boxers that were not committed to other shows or that were nursing bumps and bruises from the previous two weeks. Bobby Brunette did a good job of putting together 5 very competitive bouts, all of the boxers showed up in good condition and ready to box.  On to the action:
#1. Luke Schroeder Team Amos 100Lbs. Bryce Koenig Believers Boxing
Both guys were very busy and threw with both hands. They crowded each other and even though this one got a little sloppy at times both kids showed their “grittiness” repeatedly landing meaningful shots. Koenig showed a little more polish and kept his composure a little better which led him to a win. Koenig by Dec.
#2. Kody Nordstrom Horton’s Gym 140Lbs. Ervin Freeman III Brunettes Boxing
Both of these guys can punch and were willing to stand toe to toe and trade with each other.  I have watched Freeman box in the past and he showed improved skills and displayed some solid power banging his way to victory stopping Nordstrom. Freeman RSC 3.
#3. Nick Wasnnek Horton’s Gym 178Lbs. Antonio Salazar White Bear Lake
Both of these guys are strong punchers and what they both lack in experience they make up for with sheer strength. Salazar was landing some serious left hooks in the second round and referee Scott Erickson administered 8 counts on three separate occasions. The punching power by Salazar was the difference. Salazar wins by Dec.
#4. Dustin Van Guilder W.B.L. 140Lbs. Brad Heroff Brunettes Boxing
This one started fast and ended quickly. Van Guilder gave up a lot of experience and Heroff gave up weight but was still the harder puncher. Heroff landed a serious combination to the head and Scott Erickson administered an 8 count, Heroff immediately followed up with a vicious body assault which left Van Guilder folded over, Erickson rightly called a stop to the action this one. Heroff wins RSC 1.
# 5. Rondall Hubbert Fergus Falls 150Lbs. Jay Lee Brunettes Boxing
In this four round main event that brought the crowd to its feet on several occasions we got to see a classic southpaw counter puncher (Lee) against a two fisted banger (Hubbert) both are regional champions and they put on quite a show.  Lee gave up some size but showed a lot of heart against the harder punching Hubbert, Lee used some slick inside combinations in response to Hubbert’s two fisted attack with both boxers effectively scoring. This was a close 1 point decision. Lee by Dec 4.

The boxing on this show was crisp and every one of these boxers was ready to go which was nice to see. This one came off without a hitch. Referee: Scott Erickson, Time Keeper: Pete Bombach, Judges: Arlye Wieshman, Joe Lucio, Derel Delpino and Anna Phillips. Physician at Ringside: Sheldon Segal. Matchmaker: Bobby Brunette.

Brunette Boxing Gym is hosting an amateur boxing show on Oct. 2nd.  Doors open at 6pm first bout will be at 7pm.  $10/Adults, 12 & Under FREE!

Brunette Gym

1675 East 5th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106

Contact: Al Brunette @ 651.276.4437

#10-30-038

]]> http://www.livefromringside.com/amateur-boxing-at-brunette-boxing-gym/feed 0 http://www.livefromringside.com/boxer-profile-chiking-cha http://www.livefromringside.com/boxer-profile-chiking-cha#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:10:46 +0000 admin http://livefromringside.com/?p=2033 About a month ago I started a boxing profile on Chiking Cha (pictured left).  I decided, that instead of making a regular boxer profile that I’d try something different.  Hope you enjoy it!

Boxer Profile: Chiking Cha from Live From Ringside on Vimeo.

The east side of St. Paul was experiencing some warm May temperatures of close to 90 degrees. But that was nothing like the scorching heat inside the ring at Brunettes Gym at the East Side Rec Center. The show featured 10 exciting bouts with boxers from eleven gyms participating. Two gyms came from Wisconsin and their boxers as well as the others gyms boxers displayed the kind of heart and sportsmanship that we are accustomed to in the Golden Gloves.

All Photo's by: Joey Garcia

The show came off without a hitch and as usual most of the time I run into Al Brunette and his lovely and able bodied co-hart Jackie Camak there is bound to be fistic fury and again this show did not disappoint.

#1.  Thomas Grammond (River Falls WI) 142Lbs. Irvin Freeman III (Brunettes Gym)

It was the first time either of these boxers had competed and there was a feeling out period during the first round that quickly ended in the second round as Freeman applied pressure slipping Grammond’s jab and landing two significant combination’s. In the third round Grammond stormed back backing up Freeman which proved to be the difference. Grammond Wins by dec.

#2.  Bryce Koenig (Believers Boxing)  100Lbs. Tyler Zoromski (Community Boxing)

This was a classic battle between a tall boxer with a good jab (Zoromski) and a shorter boxer wading in and applying pressure (Koenig). As Zoromski scored repeatedly with straight long shots Koenig waded in and to the crowds delight would land effectively with both hands when ever able to get inside. In the end the reach made the difference with Zoromski effectively outscoring Koenig. Zoromski Wins by dec.

#3.   Zach Hamlin (MN Boxing)   100Lbs.   Haakon Deach (Upper Cut Gym)

These guys have crossed paths in the past so they were not unfamiliar with each other. I covered their last bout and this started off like it was round four instead of a new bout. These two are tough young guys who really come after each other and this one was no different with a very close first round. In the second round, Deach started to effectively land combinations and one of them bloodied Hamlin’s nose but it did not slow him down a bit. In the third, Deach came out strong backing up Hamlin and further blooding the nose but Hamlin dug in and got the crown going by digging in at the end of the round and landing his own combinations which always is an indicator of an individual’s character. Deach is a good boxer and his effective scoring gave him the nod. Deach wins by dec.

#4.   Katie Kaufman (Believers Boxing) 130Lbs. Brenda Kuechle (Gust Gym)

Prior to the bout starting and looking at the two of them I thought Kuechle not only looked bigger but physically stronger and in good condition. Do not judge a book by its cover, Kaufman looked smaller in stature but proved, as we see time and time again, heart and determination are the X factors in amateur boxing. Kuechle using a strong left jab trying to set up the right backed up Kaufman until Kaufman pulled a slick veteran boxing move sliding with the right hand of Kuechle and then snapping back with a counter right hand effectively landing some damaging blows. Kaufman then applied pressure with Kuechle throwing counters and the crowd engaging at the final bell. Kaufman was effective enough and Wins by 3.

#5.  Jacob Waltemate (Community Boxing) 125Lbs. Santiago Mendoza (Brunettes Gym)

This one started off like it was on a street corner on Payne Avenue with both guys throwing technique out the window with the intentions of doing damage with either hand. With Al Brunette imploring his boxer to “Box” neither guy wanted to give ground and the round ended as it began. In the second round they started off again banging away and then they settled down with Mendoza looking to land his big right hand and Waltemate being effective with the jab. In the third the tide turned as the early pace began to affect Mendoza and Waltemate was scoring effectively enough to score a standing eight count. That is what swung it with Waltemate winning by dec.

#6.   Rondale Hubbert (Fergus Falls)  150Lbs.  Jason Schaller (Rice Street Gym)

This was an interesting bout and not what I expected going in. Referee Dick Hannum let these guys work it out on the inside where even though there was some holding, low blows, elbows and head butt’s there was also an outside war going on with some very hard shots landed especially to the body by both men. Schaller the St. Paul Champion and Hubbert the Region 4 Champion engaged each other at close quarters for all three rounds in a rugged physical battle the difference being Hubbert’s cleaner inside combinations. Hubbert by 3.

#7. Cole Whitman  (Believers Boxing) 145Lbs. Dominic Suso (Community Boxing)

With both of these guys being somewhat inexperienced they made up for it with some good old fashioned grit. The crowd liked this one as both boxers displayed some discipline and some good fundamentals’ each effectively landing on the other one and the crowd responding with approval. By staying active and busy Suso was able to pull this one out.  Suso wins by dec.

#8.  Mark “El Majico” Pogorelskin (Horton’s) 119Lbs. Anthony Campillo (Brunettes Gym)

During the pre-fight announcements Pogorelskin  a former Upper-Midwest Champ gave a unique dance and looked like Prince Naseem Hamed and Campillo entering only his third bout was a cool as they come. When the bell rang it was Campillo doing the dancing and scoring with some incredible combination’s and with “Cat Like” reflexes capitalizing on Pogorelskin’s boring in and combination punching.  Pogorelskin came out in the second applying pressure and was met with a couple of devastating combination one capped off with a power jab that had the impact of a sledge-hammer sending Pogorelskin to the canvas.  Being in condition “Pogorelskin” arose only to be met with a couple of right hands.  In the third Campillo displayed skill and ring generalship closing strong, I have been around this game for over 30 years; I know a star when I see one this kid has the speed, the power and the finesse to be a great one.  Campillo wins by dec.

#9. Trevor Marmon (Horton’s )      145Lbs.  Elias Rubio  (Brunettes Gym)

This was a rematch of a bout a year earlier won by Marmon in a close decision. They had both been in the gym and had boxed since and this one had the makings of a battle. From the opening bell these guys both of which can bang with either hand, had toe to toe exchanges in the middle of the ring, had the crowd going crazy. Both landed meaningful punches. In the second round more of the same with Marmon starting to get the edge by landing more effectively in the exchanges. Then came the third and both men at center ring firing away when “BOOM” a thunderous left hook by Rubio separated Marmon from his faculties momentarily and he crumbled to the canvas. To his credit and his conditioning he rose under his own power with the referee wisely ending this one. Rubio wins RSC3.

#10. Nate Rubin (Brainerd Boxing)  135Lbs.  Jay Lee (Brunettes Boxing)

I have watched a lot of boxing in my day as well as boxed and coached but Rubin’s style is one of the most difficult I have ever seen. Coming out and literally switching equally as effective from southpaw to right handed Rubin throws hard straight punches while Lee who can either attack or counter was effectively scoring through-out and is a very capable infighter. The first was close with both men landing and maybe Rubin getting the edge, the second round was Lee again very close and very hard to score. Rubin seems to hold and hit but maybe not, he did not receive a warning and Lee will crouch real low sometimes with Rubin’s assistance, this was a very difficult bout to score and I found myself wondering who was ahead. The third saw Rubin land, the fourth saw Lee land very good inside punches. In the end the decision was Rubin’s with this being difficult to score and many in the crowd thinking it should have went to Lee. Rubin wins by 4.

Promoters A and Bobby Brunette. Matchmaker Bobby Brunette. Ringside Physician was Dr. Scott Benson. Judges & Referees: Dick Hannum WI, Scott Erickson, Dan Joyce, TC Lavelle and time keeper Bobby Brunette.

Reporting Live From Ringside, for livefromringside.com

Todd “Tbone” Webb

Photographers: Joey Garcia and Phillip Vega/Contact:st.wisegraphicz@yahoo.com

Contact: Bobby Brunette

651.341.8256

#10-30-030

By Todd Webb

Sometimes the cliché, “this is a family affair” gets over used, in the case of Brunette’s Boxing Gym it is dead on! The Brunette family has been one of the mainstays in Minnesota boxing for the past 30 years. The gyms new location is 1675 East 5th Street in St. Paul. In order to to appreciate the new gym to its fullest, it is necessary to take a walk through St. Paul boxing history and some of the most successful programs in the State of Minnesota.

In the late 1970’s Papa Brunette started the Rice Street Gym with a couple of other fathers in the neighborhood.  That began the journey of four brothers and one sister: Tommy, Brian, Bobby, Albert and Tammy.  Soon after the Rice Street Gym opened the clan would move its already successful operation to the Civic Center Gym and Del Bravo.  This is where I was first introduced to the Brunette’s.  Bobby was boxing one of my gym mates, “Scrap Williams,” with Brian set to face  off against, Waymon Glasgow.  The St. Bernard’s (a catholic high school on Rice Street) crowd broke out into a full-scale riot and Brian’s bout never did come off!

Then Brian, Bobby and Tommy turned professional and they opened the Como Park Gym in 1980.  Brian was training there when he fought for the WBA Junior Welterweight title in Italy.  The gym was around until 1986. Then the gym moved to Richards Meats in Maplewood and launched a new amateur program.  The entire Brunette family and a cast of characters from every nook and cranny of Rice Street and the East Side got behind this gym,  which went on to produce multiple Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champions,  St. Paul City Golden Gloves Champions and several team titles.

When the Hopkins gym closed,  Otis Gage (3 times Upper Midwest Champion) and myself were fortunate enough to be part of this team and these are some of my fondest memories regarding amateur boxing.

The list of boxers is almost too long to go into but boxers like Tory Scales, Too Erickson, Will Grigsby, Matt Vanda, Teddy Solheid, Miguel Ramos, Wayne Martell, Terry Mossburger, Boyd Davis, the Zombrano’s, Mike Gibbs, Troy Lowry and so many others I cannot not mention but one of my teammates I will mention is “Jumpin Johnny Montantez,” gone but not forgotten.

In 2000, the Brunette Gym moved to Arcade Street, below the legion. Now the facility was large and the amateurs turned professional which attracted more boxers and shows were promoted in the gym. My son’s boxed out of this gym and won amateur state titles. When you run a gym long enough even your former boxer’s kid’s box out of the gym!  With the passing of the oldest brother, Tommy Brunette, and the deterioration of the building, the gym was forced to close in 2008.

Jay Lee on the Right

With the painstaking work of Coach Al Brunette and his fearless co-pilot Bobby Brunette, these men found a way!!! Even Tammy got involved again.  She helped financially and by providing exercise and boxing equipment for the gym. Through some very creative maneuvering, that involved their non-profit status, the closing of several East Side Neighborhood recreation centers and a unique partnership with Twin-City Barbell, they re-opened this year and the new gym is a site to behold. Ron Peterson helped with a ring, the bags hang from a specially designed pipe structure, the old speed bag platforms are back up double ended bags are strewn about and the “Brunette Style” is on display 5 nights a week Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM. They are funded through a very reasonable membership dues and their shows and are currently seeking sponsorship and donations….hint..hint. Last Thursday I had the pleasure of working out in the gym and it was bustling with activity. Jay Lee who is one of the carry over’s from Arcade was sparring with Irvin Freeman both getting ready for the show at the gym on Saturday May 22^nd. Paul Henschell was sweating and working his weight down to 201lbs, The Campillo’s another boxing family was working hard sparring and on the bags. Their father Jeff said he like the new gym it was bright and the equipment is good, I looked up to notice the gym has sky-lighting…we definitely did not have that below Richards or on Arcade! Steven and Jeff Campillo are preparing for the 22^nd as well as was Elias Rubio. There was a young man sparring and I asked him his name and he said Santiago Mendoza, he was 14, when I asked what he liked about the gym and boxing he said the discipline and his coach!

What is not to like, persistence, dedication and determination are all traits of successful people and the Brunette’s possess these traits. When I was at the last show I walked in and Brian was taking the tickets, Bobby was refereeing and Al was in the corner, just as it has been for 30 years.

We sometimes do not give enough credit to the countless hours these coaches spend in the gym, the effort these kids put themselves through to compete and socio economic melting pot that a boxing gym truly is….it is an amazing place to be in, a gym. There is a big show scheduled for Saturday May 22^nd at 7:00PM at the gym on 5^th Street 1675 the former East Side Recreation Center with the proceeds going to the gym.  Several new and exciting boxers will be displaying their talents for the first time. They now will benefit from the rich tradition and become a part of a very special family. For more information call 651-341-8256 or go to www.brunetteboxingclub.com

As Bobby finished up registrations, shook hands and left, I watched Al coach, clean up, counsel kids, pat hem on the back after a good workout and one word came to my mind…”Thanks.”

From Live From Ringside for Livefromringside.com,

Todd “Tbone” Webb

Photo by: Liz Kaupen

Region II Golden Gloves Tournament Results 03/20 & 21/2010

Some people like spring because of the smell of the flowers in the air, the sound of the birds singing and the melting of the snow. While others, the ones who know amateur boxing like spring because it is tournament time and we love the smell of leather and the sound of a thunderous left hook followed by the roar of the crowd. The Region II tournament took place last Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Brunette Boxing Gym at the Eastside Rec Center. You see the Brunettes have their own form of “March Madness” and it takes place inside a squared circle!

At the door I was greeted by  Al Brunette and his lovely other half Jackie Camack proprietors of this bombs away event , why is it whenever I see these two I am in store for  some top flight boxing action?

The tournament’s first night was refereed by Mark Nelson, Joe Lucio and Scott Erickson the second day they were joined by Bobby Brunette. Physician in attendance was Sheldon Siegel. Long-time Golden Gloves board member, coach, director and President Joel Marsh presiding.  Chief of officials Veid Muiznieks.  Time Keeper Pete Bombach, Judges: Arlye Weisheim, Duane Bobick, Scott Moe, Dan Joyce, Tim Keane, Derek Delpino, Jake Benson, TC Leveille, Don Lathrop.

On to the tournament action:

Saturday March 20^th,

#1. Connor Linderholm (Anoka)        90lbs.           Bryce Koeing (Believers Boxing)

Linderholm came out fast throwing both hands and Keoing answered with his own right hands which he seemed to hurt in the second round. Linderholm wins a decision in 3 rounds.

#2. Nate Burkhalter (Rochester)         105lbs.          Jesus Rivera (White Bear Lake)

Burkhalter used his height and reach combined with a solid left jab to keep Rivera at bay. Rivera was effective especially in close by going to the body with both hands but could not stay ahead of Burkhalter on the cards. Burkhalter by decision in 3.

#3. Cord Vansickle (Savage)                  165lbs.           Billy Kapaun (Rice Street Gym)

I knew going in that Kapaun was heavy handed but after having three bouts he is showing what the payoff is for hard work in the gym. His coach Johnny Johnson told me he was going to be ready for this one and he was. He came out firing meaningful punches with both hands catching Vansickle repeatedly to the body and the head. Late in the first Vansickle started to rush Kapaun landing a couple of his own meaningful punches but Kapaun caught him and a standing 8 count was issued. In the second Vansikle came out hard rushing Kapaun and was met with a vicious onslaught by Kapaun including two big right hands which ended the bout. Kapaun RSC round 2.

#4. Jamal Morris (Rochester)             105lbs.           Damon Lochman (White Bear Lake)

Morris had shown in the past that he is a force to be reckoned with and this night he was taking on a veteran in Lochman. Lochman continually put pressure on Morris but his aggression was met with combination punching from Morris who started controlling the bout and repeatedly landed quick and crisp combination’s. Morris by decision in 3.

#5. Mike Monchamp (Duluth)            123lbs.            Nick Christiansen (Hastings)

This semi-final at 123lbs was an action filled affair with both boxers landing to the body and the head and several center ring exchanges which had the crowd on their feet!  Monchamp landed several solid right hands to the head throughout the first two rounds and Christiansen would fire rapid combination’s to the body and then upstairs as the crowd went wild.  In the third after expending all that energy these two met again at center ring  exchanging wildly, both were tired and Christiansen was able to land several key combination’s down the stretch.  Christiansen by close decision in 3.

#6. Zach Hill (Sisseton SD)                   141Lbs.             Joe Suchy   (White Bear Lake)

This semi-final at 141lbs pitted two southpaws against each other.  Hill is a counter puncher and Suchy a sharpshooter and has Hill tried to come over the top with counter left hands and right hooks, Suchy would use a solid jab followed by quick left hands to the body and head with striking accuracy.  Suchy by decision in 3 rounds.

#7.  Will Mathews   (Duluth)                141lbs.           Jason Shaller (Rice Street Gym)

Shaller came out fast in this one slipping in and out landing some stiff left hooks early with Mathews responding and trying to utilize lateral movement which played right into Shaller’s game, he came in backing up Mathews.  In the second round Shaller began landing several combination’s, while Mathews backed up resulting in a couple of very hard shots.  Finding the mark, Mathews could not evade these and the referee called a halt to it.  Shaller wins this Semi final RSC2.

#8. Abdi Gelle  (Rochester)                     152Lbs.               Gavin Quinn  (Anoka)

Looking amazingly like his dad boxing from his southpaw stance trying to set up the straight left but Gelle had other ideas.  Landing several hard shots to the mid-section Quinn was getting backed up and losing ground on the score cards.  Quinn came out strong in the third but was met with some furious combination’s which backed up Quinn.  Gelle wins this qtr final  by decision in 3.

#9.  Joe Claus (White Bear Lake)            152Lbs.                  Ben Musha (White Bear Lake)

Claus is a veteran and has seen a lot of action under the tutelage of Larry Goodman but Musha learned about midway through the second round that his conditioning was going to be the key to this Qtr final at 152.  Musha was finding the mark and Claus was skilled but lacked wind in the sails as Musha pushed him giving Claus a standing 8 count in the third and cruising ahead on the cards.  Musha wins by decision in 3 rounds.

#10. Trevor Marmon (Duluth)                152Lbs.                  Oscar Soto (Rice Street Gym)

This quater final was pitting two tough guys in a bout early in the tournament.  Looking every bit like this was going to be his show Soto came out using his amazing leverage against a strong and formidable opponent and was able to land a devastating right uppercut in the first minute dropping Marmon on all fours.  Marmon rose and looked like he wanted revenge and came after Soto which proved to be a big mistake as Soto landed several serious blows ending this one before it even really got started. Soto RSC1.

#11. Richard Kern  (Rochester)               165Lbs.                   Manny Contreras  (Rice Street Gym)

This final at middle-weight was pitting two rugged competitors against each other and two different styles as well. Kern walked Contreras down but in the process was repeatedly met with volleys of blows from Contreras. Kern became frustrated and was controlling the bout at times but Manny displayed the skills that have made him difficult to beat in the past and again tonight. Contreras by decision in 3.

#12. Jared Guerrerro  (Duluth)                 S-Hvy Weight        Joe Struss  (Rice Street Gym)

Struss grew up two blocks away from the Eastside Rec Center and had a huge fan base in attendance.  Guerrero came in looking half the size of Struss and having seen Struss dismantle people quickly in the past it looked like this was going to go the same way.  Struss came out fast moving forward to a wild fan base going crazy!!  Guerrero threw a combination that grazed Struss and I said to Liz Kapaun this kid can hit!!  Struss came in to force the issue and found out Guerrero can hit with a beautifully timed right hand.  Guerrero caught Struss flush on the chin coming in and collapsed him like a building.  The crowd went absolutely silent in one second.  WOW what a way to close.  Guerrero RSC1.

Sunday 3/21-

The action picked up right where it left off the night before with all the usual suspects in attendance.  They had to draw at 152Lbs to see who would box and who would have a bye until April 1^st.  Ben Musha drew the bye and would meet the winner of Gelle and Soto.  Gizzy Hobbs won by walk over for Minneapolis at 141lbs when Jamal Brown was a no show.

#1. Dawson Wrazidlo   (Duluth)                 90Lbs.                  Jose Salazar (White Bear Lake)

Wrazidlo had some long straight punches and utilized some solid lateral movement to outlast Salazar’s body shots and pull ahead winning this one.  Wrazidlo by decision in 3.

#2. Juan Ramirez (White Bear Lake)         100Lbs.                 Dennis Ashton (White Bear Lake)

Teammates from the same gym decided to lay in on the line with each other in what was a very competitive bout. Ramirez scoring a standing 8 count in the second and later a victory.  Ramirez by decision in 3.

#3. Mark Pogorelskin (Duluth)                   112Lbs.                Thomas Yang  (White Bear Lake)

Both of these gentlemen are Regional Champs at different weights and decided to take on each other for the fourth time!!!  Pogorelskin is a southpaw with quick straight punches and Yang likes to come in from the outside throwing combination’s.  This was an exciting bout with both landing in several exchanges which got the crowd going!  Yang pulled this one out in a very close bout.  Yang by decision 3.

#4. Jason Shaller (Rice Street Gym)           141Lbs.                  Joe Suchy  (White Bear Lake)

This was a good action final at 141Lbs pitting two vastly different styles against each other.  Suchy, a tall southpaw who sharp shoots and Shaller a straight ahead Joe Fraiser type.   Suchy landed several punches early with great accuracy and as the bout wore on Shaller came on with relentless pressure, backing up Suchy while the crowd got into it.  Even the coaches were into it with referee Bobby Brunette having to stop the action momentarily to have words with Johnny Johnson who was imploring his boxer to get inside and was very animated about it!!  In the end Johnsons encouragement may have inspired Shaller  who drove Suchy back to the ropes landing a couple of big punches and it was the difference.  Shaller advances by decision in 3.

#5.  Oscar Soto (Rice Street Gym)              152Lbs.                    Abdie Gelle  (Rochester)

Talk about tough! These guys are rugged and after this one the winner advanced from this semi-final bout to take on Ben Musha on April 1^st. Soto has amazing leverage on his punches and do not let his slim build fool you he packs a punch! During the first two rounds I wondered what a heart on this Gelle kid to be able to withstand the shots that Soto landed.  And in the third it was Gelle who poured it on as blood poured from his nose and mouth he went after Soto landing some great left hooks while Soto countered like a warrior and the crowd applauded! Soto advances to the finals with a rough and tumble decision win over a tough Gelle.

# 6.  Nick Christiansen (Hastings Boxing)  123Lbs.                 Brad Heroff (Brunettes Boxing)

I knew this one would be tough with both boxers throwing caution to the wind from the get go! Brad throwing hard right hands down the pipe with Nick going to the body and hooking to the head. Both guys throwing meaningful exchanges and Christiansen landed a good hook that shook Heroff and seemed to wake him up as he landed two devastating right hands at the end of the first round the second one in this scribes opinion broke the nose of Christiansen.  In the second, Christiansen came out swinging for the fences and ran into a buzz saw right hand left hook combination that sent him sprawling to the canvas clutching his nose.  The referee Mark Nelson called it the end. Herofff advances at 123 to the Upper-Midwest RSC2.

All of the open division winner advance to the Upper-Midwest Tournament in Walker Minnesota on April 9^th and 10^th in Walker MN.  Region II is coming in with a strong team and 152Lbs will still be decided.  The Region II Team:

108 – Thomas Yang

114 – Mark Pogorelskin

125- Brad Heroff

132 – Jay Lee (un-opposed)

141 – Jason Shaller

152 – Oscar Soto or Ben Musha

165 – Manny Conterous

178 – Robert Brandt (Un-opposed)

201 – Al Sands (un –opposed)

Shvy – Jared Guerrero

This was a great event and would not be possible without all of the hard work of everyone involved.  I thought the boxers for this tournament were very well prepared which is a credit to all of the coaches, their tireless efforts to work with these kids does not go un-noticed.  There were some very competitive bouts and some very close decisions, with a raucous standing room only crowd, the sound of hand pads and the rhythmic thumping of the bouts going on, two things came to my mind. One, yes it must be spring because it is tournament time.  And the other was that I could feel Tommy Brunette smiling down at all of us, you will never be forgotten brother and I know you are proud!

Reporting live from ringside for “Live From Ringside”

Todd “Tbone” Webb

Photographers: Liz Kapaun and Sean Donovan.