There is no denying that Kansas City is a boxing town.
We’re the proud home to a multitude of nationally ranked boxers – both male and female – and host to numerous boxing competitions each year, including the longest-running sporting event in the city, the KC Golden Gloves Regional Championships. Oh, and we also boast a history-making powerhouse of boxers in the 2017 National Golden Gloves Team Champions.
The secret of all of these successes is hidden in the many gyms located in our metro area. Is it the work ethic of all of the history-making, nationally ranked boxers? Absolutely, that is part of it. But the insurance that Kansas City will remain a boxing town far into the future is the young blood in our gyms – the infantry of boxers who aren’t yet old enough to compete, but are present in virtually every one of Kansas City’s boxing gyms.
These boxers, aged 7-years-old and under, show up for training religiously and put in as much time on the heavy bags and in the sparring ring as their older counterparts. They do this without the prospect of an upcoming fight. They do it by virtue of the pure, unconditional love they have for the sport.
“I’m proud of these kids,” said John Brown, head coach of Turner Boxing Academy and vice president of KC Golden Gloves. “They have made a choice to not be attached to video games or involved in activities that aren’t good for them. They come to the gym to workout, sweat, and be productive human beings.”
Brown recognized the sheer devotion of these miniature champs and wanted to give them a goal to strive for – an outlet to showcase their determination and dedication. Thus, the Tiny Tigers Sparring Event was born.
The Tiny Tiger event is truly one of Kansas City boxing’s hidden treasures. Although it is a sparring event, it has all of the energy and excitement of a national tournament. The “show” has all of the bells and whistles of the “big time,” including an announcer, music and fighter nicknames.
The first Tiny Tiger event at Turner Boxing Academy featured a handful of Turner’s mighty mites sparring with each other in front of family members. The latest event was hosted Oct. 7 and included approximately 50 young boxers from several gyms in the metro area. Some of the pint-sized boxers traveled from as far as Topeka and Wichita to get their first taste of boxing fame.
Turner Boxing Academy hosts four Tiny Tiger’s Sparring Events a year; and it has become a highly-anticipated opportunity. The events are open to anyone wanting to cheer on our city’s youngest boxers.
Who knows…you might just get the opportunity to see future Olympian’s make their “debut.”
For more information on the Tiny Tiger’s Sparring Events, please visit Turner Boxing Academy’s Facebook page or call 913-287-2111.