Sudbury Kickboxing Academy is hoping to shine the spotlight on some Muay Thai fighting this weekend.
Nickel City Knockouts is slated for Saturday, Feb. 2, from 2-6 p.m. at Valley East Boxing Club. There are currently 12 matchups on the card for the day.
Dawn Culgin, event organizer and owner of Sudbury Kickboxing Academy, said the bouts are exhibition matches. There will be no winner declared, but it will be a great chance to see some talented up and coming fighters test their mettle.
“We are bringing together clubs from all over Northern Ontario,” Culgin said. “Every kickboxing club in Sudbury was invited.”
Not all clubs will be attending, she said, but those that are attending are eager.
The president of Muay Thai Ontario will be officiating the fights to ensure a positive experience for all.
Culgin said organizing the exhibition matches are her way of giving back to a community that has been in her corner for many years.
Greater Sudbury has helped her get to world competitions four times, and while she doesn't fight any more, this is her way of saying thanks.
This is the first such event to take place, she said. Another event might happen in the future, and might contain full-fledged sanctioned matches.
“It all depends on how Saturday goes,” Culgin said.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Maison McCulloch Hospice.
Weigh-ins take place at 11 a.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the first bell ringing at 2 p.m.
To see who will be fighting Saturday afternoon, visit the event's Facebook page.
