Leather flies at Misawa's fight night

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa Air Base hosted the first fight night with three rounds of amateur boxing Aug. 28 at the enlisted club.

What began as a simple conversation between the 35th Fighter Wing commander and the 35th Maintenance Group executive officer developed into a free amateur fight night involving the entire base.

2nd Lt. Megan McDondough, 35th MXG executive officer, put together a program to allow military members, civilians or contractors to set foot in the ring and put their boxing skills to the test. These fights are not to be confused with oversized gloves in a bouncy castle, she explained. The fighters wore 18-ounce gloves and were required to have prior training. Boxers were given one minute to rest in between the three two-minute rounds and followed the same rules as amateur boxing matches.

"U.S. amateur fighters wear 16 ounce gloves; so, 18 ounces are not going to be a big difference from any match outside the base," said the lieutenant.

Approximately 28 people signed up to fight, and were paired up according to their weight classes. Members from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, civilians and military members signed up to participate. Gold and silver medals were given to the winners, but all boxers received a medal for participating.

"Many people say there isn't much to do here but, with events like fight night people can have fun without leaving base," said Capt. Harold Tongson, 35th Fighter Wing executive officer. "Fight night was an awesome event and very successful."