Hamilton, OH, USA (July 18, 2024) - Former heavyweight champions Lamon Brewster and James “Buster” Douglas have returned to Hamilton to gather support for the upcoming Hamilton Ohio Amateur Boxing Classics (HOABC), set for August 23 and 24. This event aims to benefit Hamilton’s underserved youth by featuring 15 amateur boxers from Ohio against 15 from Indiana.

The event will span two days, with the second day’s boxing matches at Hamilton High School, and the first day hosting a Pro Am-style bowling event at Pohlman Lanes. Hamilton City Council member Joel Lauer has been instrumental in garnering support for the event, highlighting its potential to showcase the city's growth and community spirit.

Lauer emphasized the event’s potential to highlight Hamilton’s public schools and burgeoning hospitality industry. “We are growing our hospitality industry and bringing events into Hamilton is key,” Lauer said. He noted that providing activities for teens is an area where the city has been lacking, making this event a significant opportunity.

Brewster and Douglas, both deeply involved in youth outreach in their respective communities, see this event as a way to expand their efforts. Brewster’s connections in Hamilton, including with local resident Alonzo Wells and Mayor Pat Moeller, played a significant role in choosing Hamilton for this inaugural event.

Douglas expressed his desire to pay forward the support he received as a youth, which helped him become a world heavyweight champion. “It’s a great opportunity to give back and help others,” Douglas said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to bring to some great young adults.”

Brewster envisions this event becoming a part of a larger league where world champion boxers promote amateur boxing shows in various cities across different states. Following this event, Brewster plans to collaborate with other former champion boxers in states like Michigan and Illinois. “But we want to make it to where we come here, once a year, back to Hamilton,” he added.

Although the event is just over a month away, tickets are not yet available, and Brewster and Douglas are still recruiting boxers to fill the card. Brewster emphasized that the event is not about finding the best fighters but the best competitors. “We’re not trying to get the absolute best fighters,” Brewster explained. “We want to get the absolute best competitors.”

For more information and updates, including ticket sales, visit the event’s official website at hamiltonohioamateurboxingclassics.org.