Originally published: November 18, 2022
Local union boxers prepare to lace up, square off for community benefit
OMAHA, Neb.—It will be Teamster David Peters’ first time in a boxing match, and he says he’s been training for two-and-a-half months.
“I feel pretty confident in myself and my boxing,” Peters said. “I don’t put out predictions, but of course, I believe I’m going to come out winning.”
Firefighter Dan Stolinski, on the other hand, is more experienced and more confident about his chances against his opponent.
“He’s got his pink slip coming up,” Stolinski said.
It’s not for nothing either. They’re both fighting in the Blue Collar Boxing Charity Event Nov. 23 at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston. The Omaha Federation of Labor, the AFL-CIO and United Way of the Midlands are hosting it, and it will feature around 30 local labor union members in the ring.
“You’ll have electricians versus plumbers, steamfitters versus sheet metal workers, firefighters versus correctional officers,” Stolinski said. It’s just pretty random.”
One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward two organizations: The United Way and its efforts to prevent homelessness and provide healthcare, and the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education, which works to introduce people to careers in trades.
While it may be great to watch on TV, organizers said it’s even better in person. So why not go out?
“If you’ve ever been to a live concert or a live anything, it’s much more satisfying than watching on TV,” Stolinski sadi. “For $25, you can get a general admission ticket and you can enjoy 15 great fights—passionate fights—people who have been training for this for six months.”
“Lots of fighters are going to be on this card all the way from novice probably to years of boxing experience,” Peters said. “You’re going to have every level of entertainment there.”
After all, these folks are putting in effort to prepare for this event, so how hard is it to go see them square off between the ropes?
Fox 42 is proud to be the media sponsor for this event.
You can buy tickets at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena box office.
If you would like more information or want to buy tickets online, click here.