X

Amateur boxing at Three Feathers Casino in Akwesasne Jan. 28

Posted 1/18/12

From left are Standing Rock members Ronnie Robidoux, Rorohronhakies (aka Lolo), Coach Atsiaktonkie, and Robbi Cook. AKWESASNE – An amateur boxing evening, “Bully Beat Down,” featuring men and …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Amateur boxing at Three Feathers Casino in Akwesasne Jan. 28

Posted

From left are Standing Rock members Ronnie Robidoux, Rorohronhakies (aka Lolo), Coach Atsiaktonkie, and Robbi Cook.


AKWESASNE – An amateur boxing evening, “Bully Beat Down,” featuring men and women from clubs in New York and Ontario, is set for Saturday, Jan. 28 at Three Feathers Casino, 439 State Rt. 37.

The event, sponsored in part by Standing Rock Boxing Club, begins at 7 p.m.

Clubs sending fighters include Standing Rock; East Side Champs Boxing Club (Cornwall); Watertown Boxing Club, Black River Boxing Academy, Lou Ambers (Utica); Manny’s Old School Boxing, Final Round (Ottawa); Albany Boxing Club, Schenectady Boxing Club, Gale Kerwin (Ottawa); Beaver Boxing Club (Ottawa); and Gladiator (Ottawa).

Fighters from Standing Rock include 14-year-old protégé Rorohronhakies, fierce lightweight 17-old-year female contender Robbi Cook, and 16-year-old welterweight open class fighter Ronnie Robidoux.

Rorohronhakies (a.k.a. Lolo) has only been boxing since May 2009 when his father, Atsiakonkie, opened Standing Rock Boxing Club. The 130-pound lightweight open class boxer won his second fight at the New York State Fair at age 11 when he knocked out his 15-year-old opponent. He also won the New York State Championship for two consecutive years. Lolo, who currently attends the Akwesasne Freedom School, said “I have been honing my skills and hit harder and faster then before. I would love to go pro someday.”

Hailing from Tsi Snaihne, Akwesasne, Robbi Cook has been training since last September. All her fights were against open fighters (more than 10 bouts) and she has already boxed two national champions. With the exception of two bouts, she has lost all her bouts to these top boxers by split decision which is an amazing feat in such a short career. “At first I wanted to box to lose weight, however now I just love the sport and like to have fun with it.”

Ronnie Robidoux, 145 pounds, from St Regis, Quebec, has been training for about a year now. His record consists of three technical knockouts including winning his first fight within 30 seconds via a knockout. “I love the sport and love to train, said Ronnie. I would love to continue to compete and make it to a pro level somebody.”

Special guest for the evening include American professional boxer Iran Barkley, who held world titles at middleweight (1988–89), super middleweight (1992) and light heavyweight (1992). Barkley is most known for his upset knockout over the hall of famer Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, as well for his close lost to the great Roberto Duran. He will be at the event to sign autographs, meet and greet fans, talk to the fighters, and for pictures.

WBC Continental Americas World Lightweight Champion Tony Luis from Champs East Side Boxing Club will also be a special guest at the Bully Beat Down, as well as beautiful ring girls from New York City.

“My main objective through boxing is to get kids off the streets,” said Atsiaktonkie, owner of Standing Rock Boxing Club. “Boxing provides a safe, professional atmosphere for kids to face their fears without resorting to drugs and alcohol. I built my club to help kids gain confidence and turn their life around through discipline and exercise.”

Tickets are on sale now at Standing Rock Boxing Club (Massena), Three Feathers Casino (Akwesasne), Wild Bills (Akwesasne), and Nina Denny Public Relations (Ogdensburg). Tickets are $15 at the door which includes a program book.

A percentage of ticket sales will benefit Tsitewatenikonrakwatakon, the Native Connections Detox Center.

Three Feathers Casino Event t-shirts and Standing Rock Boxing t-shirts will also be available for sale at the event. Standing Rock Boxing Club is open Monday through Friday from 6-9 p.m. Call Standing Rock Boxing Club at (315) 769-2552 for more information.

Pictured from left to right; Ronnie Robidoux, Rorohronhakies (aka Lolo), Standing Rock Boxing Coach Atsiaktonkie, andRobbi Cook.