Battle of the Beast returns to Yuma, giving local boxers a chance to shine

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Boxers from across Arizona and California gathered at Arizona Western College for the second edition of the Battle of the Beast, an event focused on competition, community support and opportunities for athletes to advance in the sport.

Hosted by Bad Apple Boxing, the USA Boxing-sanctioned event featured 20 bouts with 40 fighters stepping into the ring. Organizers said more than 150 boxers registered for the event, which also served as a fundraiser to help athletes attend national tournaments.

“Essentially, these events is what we use to kind of fundraise for the athletes to go to national tournaments,” said Liz Bialecki, owner of Bad Apple Boxing. “The hardest workers in the room get the chance to potentially go to nationals and represent the county.”

The event also gave several young athletes the opportunity to make their official boxing debuts.

17-year-old Bad Apple boxer Nomar Reynoso opened the night with his first official bout, setting the tone for an evening that brought fighters together in front of friends, family and community members.

“It meant a lot. Honestly. Like it felt good,” Reynoso said. “I'm super excited and let's see my next match and hope I do good.”

15-year-old Leonardo Medrano also made his official debut after training with Bad Apple Boxing for just under a year. Medrano said the experience and preparation he gained in the gym helped him feel ready to compete, despite the nerves of stepping into the ring for the first time.

Beyond the competition, the event highlighted the role amateur boxing can play in helping young athletes develop their skills and pursue opportunities at higher levels.

With officials, scorers and a doctor on site, the bouts followed USA Boxing's sanctioning requirements. For athletes with aspirations of competing nationally or pursuing the Olympic pathway, events like Battle of the Beast provide valuable experience.

Bialecki said amateur competition has long been an important stepping stone for boxers looking to reach the sport's highest levels.

“These shows like this is what gave them that experience that they needed for the Olympic route,” Bialecki said. “These are extremely important for the Yuma boxing community because it gives them the opportunity to, one, showcase their skills in front of their friends and family, but also get that experience.”

For Bad Apple Boxing, the athletes involved and the entire local boxing community, Battle of the Beast offered more than a night of fights. It provided a platform for local boxers to gain experience, build confidence and work toward their goals in the sport.