Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JULY 21-27, 2021 UCW 15 EVENT Local boxers set to compete in Christy Martin Title Belt Tournament by AUDREY HOGUE Boxing is a sport that takes a lot of prac- tice, determination and heart. Amateur box- ing is a lot like checkers - you never know who you will be competing against, says lo- cal boxing coach Juan Verdejo. Professional boxing is like chess because the boxers have time to plan and strategize for their com- petitors. When he trains young boxers at Burgess Boxing & Fitness in Spring Lake, Verdejo said he focuses on speed and endurance. With growth and experience comes control. Verdejo said that speed and control are im- portant because throwing random punches might not land any hits. But endurance helps carry you through the fight. "row a combo and get out, don't stick around for the other guy to learn your moves and get hits in," Verdejo said. is is a training focus Coach Verdejo uses when preparing boxers for bouts, like the upcoming Christy Martin Title Belt Tournament scheduled for July 23-25. Burgess Boxing & Fitness owner Tony Burgess said he only likes his fighters to fight twice a month because the sport takes a toll on the body. He wants to make sure that his boxers get plenty of rest and recovery. COVID restricted several boxing tourna- ments and training schedules in the last year, and some gyms shut down. Burgess and Verdejo are glad to see competitions restarting as more pandemic restrictions are being lifted. "My favorite fights to see are little kids and the girls because they really get in there and fight. ere isn't a lot of dancing around," said Burgess. His gym offers training to all interested in learning the sport of boxing. Participating in tournaments in not required, but many do. Verdejo said he enjoys helping young boxers learn and participate. For many, boxing is an outlet that gives them purpose and a positive outlet. e Christy Martin Title Belt Tournament will take place July 23-25 at Freedom Courts Sportsplex located at 3126 Gillespie St. in Fayetteville. Local boxers will have the opportunity to compete against other amateur boxers from across the state. e public is invited to attend the tournament. For more information call 910-890-5534. e tournament is named for Christy Martin, a worldwide sensation in the boxing ring. Martin is often credited with legitimizing women's boxing. Martin had 49 wins (31 by knockout) when her then- husband and trainer, Jim, put her in the fight of her life. In 2010, he attacked Christy in their home when she tried to leave him. Jim stabbed Christy several times and shot her. Christy was able to get out of the house and flag down a passing motorist who took her to the hospital. Christy survived and was able to testify against Jim, helping to convict him. Jim remains in prison in Florida. Christy Martin will be in Fayetteville this week and is scheduled to speak at Rape Crisis of Cumberland County. e public is invited to hear her story of sur- vival at 6 p.m. on July 22. Rape Crisis of Cumberland County is located at 519 Ramsey St. AUDREY HOGUE, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com 910-484-6200. (Left) Gym owner Tony Burgess, far right, poses with a f ighter and trai- ning team after a bout. (Right) Coach Juan Verdejo, on right, trains boxers of all ages to compete in the ring. For the last 20 years, Express has been widely known for supplying temporary laborers. About half of our jobs are long term! They are for: • Skilled Labor • Administrative • Professional Express is here for you! Call us today! (910) 437-5959 (910) 437-5959 • 894 Elm Street • Fayetteville, NC 28303 www.fayettevillenc.expresspros.com We are so much more