By Melvin Lane
LocalSportsJournal.com

Boxing has a rather storied history in Muskegon thoughout the years.

The area also has seen its fair share of amateurs climb up the pro ranks.

Now it’s time to add to that history with the first-ever Kenny Lane Boxing Classic, hosted by the Muskegon Boxing Club.

On Saturday, the club is putting together a free event in hopes of educating the community on the impact boxing has had on the area. It’s also a chance to showcase some quality boxers.

The event will be at outdoors at the club’s location at Smith-Ryerson Park in the Jackson Hill neighborhood. The venue opens at 4 p.m. with the first bout set for 5 p.m.

The event is named after Kenny Lane, the most accomplished pro boxer in area history. His successful career in the ring was followed by his willingness to train and worked with young people for the next four decades until his passing in 2008.

Boxers will be competing for a coveted trophy on Saturday at first annual Kenny Lane Boxing Classic.

“Kenny was kind of one of the world’s best boxers and a local hero,” said Tony Stone. “This gym was basically him so it only seemed right we try and get a tradition going. The idea is for this to be an annual event right here at Smith-Ryerson Park on top of Jackson Hill where the gym has been located about the last 18 years.”

Stone has a crew of coaches at the club including Bill Schaefer, Eddie Tice and Troy Watson, all of whom have had various levels of success whether in Tough Man competitions, professional boxing title holder or being a part of the legacy of being trained inside of the gym.

The Muskegon Boxing Club has helped troubled youth and at-risk youth by instilling discipline, accountability and doing what it takes to overcome obstacles in daily life. The sport of boxing has been that type of avenue for many kids.

“I think it’s important that the community sees we just aren’t your ordinary boxing gym,” said Stone. “Our focus is the kids and will continue to be about the kids. We’re making our relationship with the city much stronger than it’s ever been and it’s been mutually beneficial.”

The event is free, however, donations will be accepted to help fund the operations of the club in the future. 

There will be concessions available and t-shirt merchandise for purchase.

“This event is about honoring Kenny, but at the same time, it’s about showing how things survive throughout time,” said Stone.“This gym has been around for a long time in many different forms.”

Shirts are available for purchase at the fund raising event.