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Chico Boxing For Fitness was the scene of the action entailing eight knockouts, several bloody noses and a plethora of action.
Saturday's Fight Night was filled with almost two-dozen boxing matches featuring Chico State students fighting against each other, as well as many men and women from the community. Several of the fighters were virtually off the street and had not yet entered the official amateur category in boxing.
These bouts are held once each spring and fall at
707 Wall St. They create interest in boxing and help the gym with its operating costs. Anyone who has the desire to duke it out with another boxer of similar age and experience can get in the ring, as long as he or she is willing to train for a month at the popular gym.
The training is completely free, said Boxing For Fitness owner Lou Rodriguez.
A packed house of 300 saw the contestants, ranging in age from 14 to 30, battle it out for three and a half hours of virtually non-stop action.
Perhaps the worst damage was a hyper-extended elbow suffered by Chico State student Paul Thackeray - it caused his arm to go limp in the middle of the match, resulting in a forfeit.
Wildcat senior Tyler Ikeda scored his fifth Fight Night win when he blasted his opponent into submission with a technical knockout in the second round. This brought the 26-year-old nursing major's record to 5-0.
"I train with some of the best here, and in between them bloodying and beating me up, they give me some pretty good preparation," said an exhausted Ikeda after his match.
He would like to fight on the amateur circuit, but his studies for school and a future nursing career prevent it, Ikeda said.
"Fighting in official competition is something I'd love to do, but that's a whole other world," Ikeda said.
Head referee Danny Russom, who is a mixed martial arts fighter himself, was impressed.
"They were good fighters with a lot of heart out there," Russom said. "They have to learn to keep their hands up and not lead with their head."
The lone women's match saw Chico State's Katherine Ketterer beat fellow Wildcat Stephanie Fields. Ketterer, the 30-year-old geology major won in a split decision.
Ketterer spars with other men from the gym and also with North American IFBA bantamweight champion Ava Knight, she said.
"Getting hit in the face is interesting, as you can hear your brain moving around in your head a little," Ketterer said. "It was my first fight, but I loved it and definitely want to do it again."
The fight that generated perhaps the most excitement featured Chico resident Levi Pope win a TKO against Jose Ayon. Dozens in the crowd stood and screamed through two action-packed rounds - both fighters knocked each other down in the course of the match.
Those interested in training for this event can stop by the gym or call them at
530-343-0952.
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