OFF THE WIRE
Doreen's Bar and Grill in Chino Valley will play host to a Boxing Smoker on Saturday, Aug. 18. The all day event is being sponsored by the Hells Angels Arizona Nomads, local members of the international motorcycle club.
Larry Scott, a longtime Chino Valley resident and member of the club, is helping organize the event. Scott says he hopes the public will set aside any preconceived ideas about the club, instead focusing on the purpose of the event.
"We're putting this on for the kids in town," said Scott. "There will be matches based on weight classes and even a female class. So far the youngest division is the 11-year olds."
Scott says the club is expecting more than 100 riders and their families from around the state, as well as visiting clubs for inter-club bouts featuring adult boxers. He acknowledges that some in town won't welcome such a large group of riders, especially in the wake of the 2010 shootout between members of his group and Vagos, a rival club.
In June, the charges against seven defendants from the 2010 case, including Scott, were dismissed in Yavapai County Superior Court.
Sending out an open invitation to the community, Scott hopes the town will give the event a chance.
"All I ask is that before anyone makes up their mind about me or about the club, they come out and hang with us, see what we're all about," said Scott. "I ask that the folks in the community not believe what they read or what they hear, but come over and hang out with us. We're no different than anyone else."
The Aug. 18 event will feature three one-minute rounds in the kids' classes. Event organizers will provide headgear and 16-ounce gloves. Boxers will need to provide their own mouthpieces.
Scott says Robert Vaughan, a paramedic, will serve as an in-ring referee to ensure the safety of the fighters. Vaughan will also handle early registration in an effort to provide even match ups.
"We're hoping everyone will register early, that way we can make sure they get evenly matched. Vaughan's taking care of that, looking at weight, skill, and experience," said Scott, adding that there are several gyms in the area where boxers can train, including Golden Cobra in Cottonwood. "What's really important though, is that with this altitude, they train and get some air in them. That's the biggest thing."
Scott is confident that the event will go on with little or no trouble, but said he wanted to get the word out early to avoid causing worry in the community.
"We're going to have more than 100 bikes and I can anticipate a few folks seeing us ride into town and get a little worried," said Scott. "I went over and had a talk with Police Chief Chuck Wynn, to let him know what we're planning, and to see if we needed any permits or anything. I did that as a sign of respect to let him know we don't want or expect any trouble."
"Mr. Scott came to see me, to inform me of the event and let me know what's taking place," said Wynn. "I told him that my concerns are, as always, the safety of the public. That's number one. The safety of those participating in and attending the event is also very important. We talked about informing the public, because in the past we've had large events and people weren't told about them. When that happens, we start to get curiosity calls to 911 and that can overwhelm the system. And, obviously, with motorcycles, traffic, and music, it increases that curiosity."
Wynn added that his department plans to increase patrols that day, in an effort to stop any issues before they arise.
"As with any event this size, we will beef up patrol because of the additional traffic," said Wynn. "And this one, because it's happening at a bar where alcohol will be served, has the potential for spin-off problems."
Following the first bouts beginning at 10 a.m., the boxers will take a break at 1 p.m. to hold a bike run. The run will begin at Doreen's on Arizona Trail, then cross Highway 89 to Road 4 North. The caravan of more than 100 bikes will then proceed west to Yuma Drive, south on Yuma, then east on Road 3 North. They will then travel north on Hwy 89 back to Doreen's.
"We're going up to Yuma past Teddy Toth's house, because more than likely, he's not going to be able to come to Doreen's. Anyone who wants to ride is welcome to join the run," said Scott.
Toth, a member of the local Nomad chapter, suffers from ailing health. His Yuma Drive house was the scene of the 2010 shootout.
This event is not unique for the club according to Scott, who also helped organize a toy drive this past winter.
We're involved in community groups all over the country, all over the world," said Scott. "Last year our chapter collected toys at Christmas time by talking to the public and hosting bike runs. We took the toys up to the Boys and Girls Center in Kingman. We were able to collect enough to take care all those kids, giving them a really nice Christmas."
Scott hopes the August event will open up an opportunity for him to start a gym in Chino Valley sometime in the near future.
"This is where I'm from and I'd like to do something to keep these kids out of trouble," said Scott. "My whole deal is that I want to do something for the kids. I'd like to see kids start boxing, giving them a place fight or to learn how to fight. I hope it keeps them from straying off and getting into trouble. This town used to have a nice skate park, my own kids used to hang out there. But financially, the town couldn't keep it and that's really sad for the kids."
Scott said his time coaching football for Chino Valley High School and his involvement in the now defunct local rodeo opened his eyes to a real need in the community.
"I've coached high school football and I was involved in bringing rodeo to town years ago as Steer Wrestling Director," said Scott. "It's important to provide an outlet for kids, and some kids aren't able to participate in organized sports like football, baseball, or soccer. It takes a lot of time and can be really expensive. Realistically, a lot of families in Chino just can't afford it."
He says he hopes to develop his gym as a non-profit organization, providing an inexpensive place for kids to work out.
"If I can get enough support from the community to pay the rent and keep the lights on, that would be great."
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=109231
