Irish Eyes Were Smiling

It was back in 2011 when the first Frank Gervin Memorial International Boxing Show was held at Veterans Park. On Saturday, March 18th, the event went back to its roots, but instead of a ring on the grass, it was on display on the Unity stage. Teams from Ireland and New Jersey took on team Florida in seventeen exciting matches. Coach Paul Johnson had Team Ireland ready – they came out on top, winning all four of their bouts. Representing Florida were boxers from Ft. Myers, Miami, Fort Pierce, Tampa and of course, Marco Island Boxing Club’s own Declyn Felix, Kely Dorestil, Valin Cophy and Mikey Paredes. Ireland’s Daryl Clarke was named boxer of the night and Joey Reyes from Dover, New Jersey, was named most courageous for enduring a tough fight but never giving up.

Event organizer, coach and President of Marco Island Boxing Club, Richie Stoltenborg, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Local Boxing Commission along with Larry Willis from Ft. Myers and Ken Wilson from Fort Pierce.

The popular Jewban Food Truck was on-site and a hit with event goers, selling out everything by the end of the night.

A shoutout goes to all the sponsors of the event: FTROP, Sand Bar, Sunset Grill, Attorney Jacob Huy, Guy Reardon, Marco Island Brewery and the Dolphin Explorer.