Boxing legends and NFL stars convened in Springfield Feb. 3 to help raise funds for a Springfield boxing gym that helps at-risk youth.
Esteemed boxing champions Ray Mercer, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes and NFL legends Ottis Anderson and George Rogers attended the Third Annual Fundraiser Dinner and Auction to support Smitty's Mid-West Boxing Gym and Youth Center.
“When it comes down to kids and trying to do something for kids, I'm all about it,” Anderson told the Hauxeda. “The Holmes Tour is all about Smitty and the good job he's doing down here.”
Darrell “Smitty” Smith is a former Golden Gloves champion and a U.S. Army veteran who mentors aspiring boxers at his gym on South Scenic Avenue. He offers classes for boxers of all ages and skills, including classes for women, kids, and persons living with Parkinson's disease and autism. Smith also offers tutoring and high speed internet access at his gym, and requires kids who train there to make at least B-average grades in school.
“Smitty has put it out there, that he's changing the lives of kids,” Anderson said. “You talk about being supportive of the community, well here's an opportunity to put your money with your mouth is.”
About 200 people attended the Feb. 3 event, which was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Springfield, located at 2431 N. Glenstone Ave.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support the programs and facilities of Smitty's Midwest Boxing Gym and Youth Center, which aims to proved a safe, nurturing environment for at-risk youth.
The auction included a World Boxing Champions belt signed by Floyd Mayweather and a Kansas City Chiefs helmet signed by Travis Kelce. The event was hosted by sportscasters Ned Reynolds and Mark Spillane.
Anderson was a running back who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Giants in a career that spanned 14 NFL seasons. He was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1979, the Comeback Player of the Year in 1989, and the MVP of the Super Bowl in 1991.
It was Anderson's first trip to Springfield, and it wouldn't be complete without an outing to Bass Pro Shops.
“I found out that was kind of like a carnival to you all up here,” Anderson said.
“There's 159,000 people that actually it's a part of Springfield, Missouri, and I figured with us coming in it probably escalated that number a little bit,” Anderson said. “What we have found out is that the people here are pretty friendly.”
Anderson said that the only goal of the evening was to raise awareness of what Smitty is trying to accomplish in Springfield.
“There's a lot of kids that could go the wrong direction, and he's giving the kids a chance to change their life, to not go in that direction,” Anderson said.
