‘Battle of the Atlantic’ boxing event comes to central Iowa
By MIKE DONAHEY, TIMES-REPUBLICANIt's billed as the "Battle of the Atlantic." USA Boxing vs. Great Britain, Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Top boxers from the U.S. and Great Britain, some with Olympic dreams, will fight in the main event.
Marshalltown's Ken Buffington will be there.
Buffington, who said he has been involved in boxing as a competitor, coach and promoter for approximately 35 years, will not just be a casual observer. He has much more interest. He is one of three coaches leading the U.S team into action.
This will not be Buffington's first experience with international competition .
In February, Buffington was in Ireland, as one of three coaches that led another U.S. squad against Irish boxers in the 2009 USA vs. Ireland Dual.
Buffington said he was honored and excited to be a coach at that contest, as the event was the first competition since 2005 between the two countries where they faced-off in a three nation event in Cleveland, Ohio.
According to promotional material provided by Buffington, USA Boxing is "the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing. It is responsible for the selection and management of the United States Olympic Boxing Team."
The Fisher Controls retiree and Marshalltown native is pleased Des Moines is hosting the event.
"This is the first international boxing event held in Iowa," Buffington said. "There will be a number of Olympic hopefuls who hope to do well Friday. They will continue working after their matches to make the 2012 Olympic team. If you want to see Olympic boxing but can't go to London, this is a great opportunity."
Another reason for Buffington's interest is Davenport resident and U.S team member Donovan Dennis According to Buffington, it will be Dennis' first international fight.
"Fans will see a number of outstanding athletes from both sides at the event," he said. "One to especially watch is USA Boxing's Jordan Shimmell of Hudsonville, Mich."
Shimmell is a heavyweight national champion.
Buffington said Friday's event will be a good test for the American fighters. It will be the seventh international dual for the United States National amateur boxing team this year.
It will be a busy night for coaches, competitors and fans alike.
The main event will pit 11 U.S boxers against those representing Great Britain.
"I will be watching a number of Iowa boxers will be fighting in the event undercard," Buffington said.
The event just isn't for adults.
Buffington said his 16 year-old granddaughter Kaitlyn Buffington attended an event meeting with him recently. According to Ken, when Kaitlyn learned of the ticket prices at $56, $36, $25 and $21, she told event organizers "some kids my age would be interested in attending but they could not afford the tickets.
The promoters listened. Those 18 years and younger will be charged $10 less for each ticket category.
Buffington said Kaitlyn has more than just passing interest in the sport.
"She has been attending boxing related events since she was a little baby," Ken said.
Tickets are available at the Wells Fargo Arena Ticket office, all Dahl's Foods locations and by telephone at 1-865-55-DAHLS, or online at dahltickets.com
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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com
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herkeye
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10-29-09 11:37 PM
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They will justify football....just ask them.
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herkeye
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10-28-09 10:53 PM
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Why is this any different that football? Seriously.
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herkeye
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10-28-09 12:29 AM
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Thanks to the TR for giving us 2 days notice...how long has this event been planned?
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