The head of parks and recreation in Elmwood Park said to really appreciate the amateur boxing night the village holds, you have to be there. And that’s what local families did on a recent Friday night, packing out the Parks and Recreation Center to witness boxers from light flyweight class to middleweight at “Fight Night.”
“It’s one of those events where, in order to see the true magnitude of it, you have to attend,” said Michael Neri, the Elmwood Park special events director.
The all-age event has been a part of the village for nearly a decade, and serves as a night for individuals, local and beyond to gather and rumble, with amateur boxers from local organizations in Elmwood Park and from across Chicagoland participating.
The event Friday featured eight pairs of opponents, weighing 104 pounds to 165 pounds, participating in bouts that were scheduled to last 2 minutes to 3 minutes each.
Also in attendance were some current and former political heavyweights: Clayton Harris III, a Democratic candidate for Cook County state’s attorney – seeking to replace Kim Foxx who decided not seek reelection. Disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who served eight years of a 14-year federal prison sentence, was also in attendance.
Both men addressed the crowd. Blagojevich is a familiar face at Elmwood Park community events.
Admission was $50 per person, and food, beverages, and valet parking was made available for purchase.
“It’s been a sold-out event since day one that we’ve been hosting the event. The crowd is a great crowd for all people who participate. There’s been a few Chicagoland boxers who have come out to enjoy the event and partake in the event, and it gives great recognition to the village of Elmwood Park,” said Neri.
Neri has helped organize the event since its inception.
“We created it about 10 years ago for the 100th anniversary of the village of Elmwood Park. It was an idea that you get residents [and area] locals to come out of the house, enjoy the community and see what the village can host in cold winter months.”
He said Fight Night has gained popularity by being advertised through sponsor partnerships, word of mouth and social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
As the event has become a staple in the community throughout the years, organizers recognize the amount of teamwork and effort it takes to make it happen.
Neri said without help from various village departments, “this event can’t be in the magnitude that it is.”
Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelancer.
