BUFFALO, N.Y. — We are celebrating Western New York as the City of Good Neighbors has rolled out the welcome mat for a group of visitors from the Emerald Isle. A team of 12 boxers and 4 coaches is in town for the Battle of Buffalo, a goodwill gesture in the form of a night of boxing tonight at Buffalo Riverworks.
Organizer Paddy Gorman, a former MMA fighter and Marine, says it is great to see the day finally get here. "It's a relief. It's been 6 months of no sleep. So just seeing them here and seeing how happy they are, how excited they are to actually be here in Buffalo and compete. It's just gratifying."
Call it a pugalistic exchange program operating under the name Bridges Beyond Boxing, they visited Boston and now Buffalo, competing in the ring against local fighters. Much like the old Belfast Summer Relief Program, local hosts have welcomed the boxers into their homes.
Gorman adds that it is not only a chance for the athletes to see other parts of the world, but also get to know other people across Ireland. "A lot of these kids just met on the trip. these kids didn't even know each other. They're from all walks of life in Ireland and the Bridges Beyond Boxing Ireland is giving them an opportunity to travel and to experience life, giving them direction, which is what we want to fo for our kids here in Buffalo."
While they are getting ready for the ring, and taking in the sights, they are also getting support from the City of Good Neighbors. Each fighter is sponsored by a local business. Gorman says "that helped to pay for the entire event, which enables us as a program, Bridges Beyond Boxing Buffalo, to give all of our money back to charities." The charities include The Old First Ward Community Center, South Buffalo Community Table, Buffalo Animal Shelter and others. It will also pay for them to send a team of Buffalo athletes to Ireland next year.
Again the event is tonight, 6-11 at Buffalo Riverworks. Tickets are $30 apiece for this event that not only showcases these Irish fighters, but also some of the best young boxers in the Buffalo area.
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