Shelley Burton has brought back Friday Night Fights with eight bouts scheduled for Jan. 13 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. The event will benefit Relay For Life and will feature a sanctioned professional fight between local boxer Jesse Uhde and Jesus Vallejo, the fifth ranked fighter in the Northwest.
Fights start at 8 p.m. The current card has seven men’s fights lined up and one women’s bout.
Burton, a former professional boxer who recently opened her own gym, Burton Boxing, in Kalispell, said she hopes to rejuvenate the sport’s status both locally and across the state. She recently transitioned from fighter to promoter after being officially licensed through the state, and in her new role she plans on trying to offer more opportunities for boxers like Uhde who are looking for a chance at fighting professionally.
Plus she believes the Flathead Valley is full of fans who will turn out to watch.
“There’s tons of people interested in (boxing),” she said.
Burton held a boxing event in November, which drew almost 900 people, she said. Another event is planned for Feb. 24 to benefit the Wounded Warriors program.
Burton recommends buying presale tickets, which are sold at a discount.
For more information, call 871-1181 or visit Burton Boxing at 1075 N. Meridian Rd.
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