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Donations From “SLUGFEST 2009” Event Help Doors Open For First Time Since Flood
May 13 (Merrillville, In) – The Gary P.A.L. Program was the starting point for some of the world’s greatest fighters including former world champion Angel Manfredy and the current WBC International Super Lightweight and NABC Lightweight Champion “Merciless” Mary McGee. Both of whom were in attendance along with another 100 fight fans to watch an amateur fight card dubbed “The Comeback.” This event could have never happened if it wasn’t for the hard work of Coach John Taylor and donations from Octavius James’ One In A Million Inc. The gym has boxing posters clattered all over the walls showcasing some of the sport’s biggest fight cards, but not too long ago the walls were covered in water that was as high as the ring and mold that had built up from the flooding that stunned the region destroying most of the furniture that once sat inside the gym. “It was a shame to see such a legendary place on the verge of disappearing, that gym and coach (John) Taylor are the heart of boxing in Gary,” said Octavius James, C.E.O. of One In A Million Inc. Taylor presented McGee with a plaque that gave thanks to James and One In A Million Inc. for the funds they donated from their fight card “SLUGFEST 2009.” “I was so sorry that I couldn’t be there to accept that plaque, because that means more to me than any award I could ever receive,” said James. “To give kids from the city I was raised in a chance to do better with their lives is such a special honor for me.” “With Octavius and One In A Million helping us rebuild our gym and their donations, it really helped make this a success,” said Taylor. “I’m so excited about this card, because people came out and the fights have been great; it’s just been amazing.” One of the future stars of boxing given a chance to step into the recently refurbished ring was Portage 15 year-old Alexis Carrasco. Carrasco was making his amateur debut and ended it with a bang and a 1st round TKO. “I was training at One In A Million before coming here and to know that this is where Mary and Angel got their starts means a lot and it was coach Taylor that helped them get to where they are now,” said Carrasco. Octavius James’ One In A Million Inc. gets back to business with the “Tinley Park Rumble”. Tickets can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50, and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (800) 745-3000, (866) 438-7372 or www.TicketMaster.com. The Holiday Inn/Tinley Park Convention
Center, which is just 25 minutes from Northwest Indiana, will
open doors at 7 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.
Contact:
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