The ROUND13 Youth Boxing Club in Palm Bay will host the Mayor's Cup Boxing Invitational Championships on Saturday, August 29, at the Tony Rosa Community Center. The event, sanctioned by USA Boxing, will feature amateur boxers from Florida, Canada, Spain, and neighboring states. Johnny Hernandez, president of the club, said the tournament aims to highlight the role of youth athletics in shaping responsible community members. 'This event is about more than boxing,' Hernandez said. 'It's about teaching young people respect, teamwork, and perseverance.'
The tournament will take place in the community center's main hall, which has hosted similar events in the past. Boxers aged 12 to 17 will compete in weight classes determined by USA Boxing rules. Admission is $25 for general seating and $45 for ringside seats, with tickets available through Eventbrite or by contacting Hernandez directly at 321-403-2595. 'We expect a full house,' Hernandez said. 'Tickets are selling fast.'
ROUND13 Youth Boxing Club has operated in Palm Bay for over a decade, offering free training to local youth. The club's programs focus on discipline and life skills, with Hernandez emphasizing that boxing is a tool for positive change. 'We’ve seen kids who struggled in school find focus through boxing,' he said. 'It’s not just about winning matches.'
The Mayor's Cup will include a medal ceremony and awards for top performers. Local officials have pledged support, with Palm Bay Mayor Lisa Nguyen expected to attend. 'This tournament shows what our community can achieve when we invest in young people,' Nguyen said in a statement. The event is part of a broader effort to promote youth sports in Brevard County.