Hitz Boxing hit the SeatGeek Dome Saturday, August 1st, marking their second summer showcase at the stadium. Drawing a passionate crowd of boxing fans, the dome echoed with chatter before the 8-fight extravaganza even began. Along with great hype music, there was no question the night would be an exciting one. The first half of the matches were fast-paced and impossible to look away from. Boxers brought quick moves, and dominant performances early into the afternoon.
Many boxers were accompanied by dedicated fans, notably Anthony Mancilla of Gold Star Gym hailing from Kankakee. Mancilla, the winner of the second fight, was cheered on by enthusiastic onlookers in matching green shirts. With many other boxers gathering similarly committed crowds, it showcased the strong Hitz Boxing following. It was clear the audience was not just there for the fights, but also for the devoted community.
As the event rounded its second half, the matches intensified. More experienced boxers came into the ring with complex strategies, making for longer methodical fights. The highlight of the night came during fight 7, when the undefeated “Handsome Heavyweight,” Deontae Pettigrew knocked out DJ “The Black Matador” Stephenson with a crushing blow to the head leaving Stephenson motionless on the floor as medics scurried to wake him leaving the crowd stunned.
The final fight of the night brought out Ukrainian boxer Mykola Paianok to face Chicago’s Alex Martin of the Chi-Town Heat. The international match put Paianok’s record of 8-1 to the test against Martin’s 19-13 record. In the end after going the distance, Paianok came out on top by unanimous decision, closing off the electric fight night.
