Michigan vs Texas Boxing Show

Holly Holmes is organizing this fundraiser.

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Holly Holmes has been a boxing instructor for over 24 years in the Austin community. If you’ve ever been to the iconic Richard Lord’s Boxing gym, then you have certainly met Holly. Her upbeat demeanor and optimism is hard to miss, and her desire to constantly help others is apparent the moment she says, “Howdy y’all!”.

So when Holly told us that she was truly inspired by this gym and their coach in Detroit, we were all ears. Here’s the story straight from Coach Holly:

“In the spring of 2017 I came across the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit, MI and was WOWED by their work. I was so moved that I decided to visit the DBG in December. It is MORE than a boxing gym, it is an afterschool program for at risk youth. Their Books Before Boxing program has had a 100% high school graduation rate since 2007!

While I was there I was lucky to spend some time with its founder/coach Khali Sweeney. He’s kind of a big deal. At the time he was in the nominated for CNN's Hero of the Year 2017. He was doing a lot interviews, but was kind enough to some make time for fellow pugilist. He shared with me that he was supposed to take his team to Puerto Rico for a boxing show but due to the devastation of Hurricane Maria that was canceled. We got to talking and he then asked if I could put on a show in Austin and without hesitation, I said YES!

So here were are. On June 9, 2018 at South Austin Gym the Texas vs Michigan Boxing Show benefiting Books Before Boxing is happening!

I’ll start by saying WOW, there’s a lot that goes into putting on an event, and this type of event costs money. If you’re curious as to what goes into a Charitable Boxing Event here are a few items: sanctioning fee, event space, ring, doctors, officials, audio, lighting, chairs, staff, advertising, belts, medals, trophies, bout cards, tshirts...is your head spinning?! I got this all on a spreadsheet and timeline!

I am kindly requesting TWO things from y’all. First, any financial support through this GoFundMe campaign, AND second, your presence on June 9th at this awesome event! I want these kids to go back to Michigan and talk about how awesome Texas and Texans are!

I’ve never put on an event but the sport of Boxing and helping the Books Before Boxing program is truly bigger than me and I knew I’d have yall behind me!””