What to know ahead of annual Butler Cubs boxing showcase featuring slew of local boxers
Taite Beighley wanted more athletic competition. Derrick Eggleton is looking to repeat an upset. Riley McGee hopes to knock off a more experienced opponent.
All three will be getting in the ring, representing the Butler Cubs, as the organization’s annual amateur boxing show takes place at 7:30 p.m. May 16 in the Butler Cubs gym.
Beighley, a 2024 Karns City graduate, scored 1,136 career points as a basketball player for the Gremlins. He currently installs television cable and plans to become a state trooper when he turns 21.
“I wanted to find some type of athletic activity to get involved in after high school,” Beighley said. “I used to box with my friends at their houses and my family’s house. Nothing serious, just messing around. We used to box in my mother’s living room.
“I started coming here (Cubs gym) in January, just to get into shape. The coaches seemed to like what I brought to the ring, and now I’m preparing for my first fight ... something I definitely was not expecting.”
Cubs boxing trainer Bill Wolfe described Beighley as “a strong kid who’s very determined. He fits in well with the other guys.”
Eggleton, 16, of Butler and 17-year-old Riley McGee of Seneca Valley are in co-main events. Eggleton is 4-3 and will take on Jose Jaurecui of Youngstown. Jaurecui is 6-1 and trains under Kelly Pavlick, a former world middleweight champion who had a 40-2 record with 34 knockouts.
“His only loss was a split decision to Derrick in Pittsburgh,” Wolfe said. “They wanted a rematch, and this is the perfect time to put that together.”
McGee is 6-2 as a Cubs fighter and will face Evan Cupps of Northside Athletic. Cupps sports a 15-10 amateur record.
Also fighting for the Cubs on the card are C.J. McKinnis, 17, a Moniteau graduate, and a pair of brothers, Noah Schnur, 15, and Isaac Schnur, 12, of Herman. All three will be making their amateur boxing debuts.
The Schnur brothers have been training under Tom Cammisa, who runs a kickboxing, boxing and taekwondo gym out of the Cubs Hall. Cammisa has been training fighters for 48 years.
“These are the two most competitive kids I’ve worked with,” Cammisa said. “Their passion is unbelievable. They’re making the adjustment from kickboxing to boxing.
“They have fast hands, and there’s no quit in either of them. I know they’re not gonna lose.”
The 10-fight card is sanctioned by USA Boxing. Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door.
“This is our annual fundraiser. It keeps our doors open,” Cubs boxing manager Don Spinetti said. “We just want to help kids.”
Butler Cubs boxing had been around since 1960.
Call 724-496-6474 for more ticket information.
