By Tim Hadac
Southwest Chicago Post
Sports fans of all ages are welcome to attend a special amateur boxing show set for Sunday, September 20 at Mayfield Banquets, 6072 S. Archer (three blocks west of Central Avenue).
Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the first bout set for 6:00. The evening will see at least 10 bouts featuring both adults and kids--all grouped for fairness by age, weight and experience.
Admission is $30 per person at the door, and a limited amount of free, off-street parking is available. There will be a cash bar.
The event is in celebration of four years of 3 JMH Boxing, a Brighton Park-based facility that strives to use boxing to build "a community where people of all ages and skill levels can grow stronger, both physically and mentally," according to a statement from the organization.
"A boxing event is something unique to Garfield Ridge, and I think people who come out will be pleasantly surprised at what they see," says Clearing resident Joshuah Hernandez, 30, a professional boxer who has fought nationally and internationally. "The physical and mental benefits of this sport are many, and they are life changing."
Hernandez, who attended Hale School and later graduated high school in 2014, was introduced to boxing at age 4 by his father, Miguel. He turned pro at age 19.
Joshuah Hernandez is increasingly well known in the Midway area as an up-and-coming entrepreneur. He owns and operates Niyah's Puerto Rican Ice Cream, a favorite at the Midway Chamber of Commerce's open-air market at Archer and Narragansett, as well as other locations.
His wife, Janessa, is well known in the community as the owner of De Colores Beauty Bar, 5674 S. Archer, a full-service cosmetic care shop offering hair, facials, nails, pedicures, waxing, lashes and makeup.
Joshuah chalks up his growing success in business to the discipline and mental focus he gained through years as a boxer.
"Boxing is almost entirely mental," he says. "The lessons you learn will last a lifetime and will help you in so many ways. I encourage everyone--including parents--to come to the event at the Mayfield on September 20th and see what it's all about."
Agreeing with him is Midway-area business leader Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, who has signed on as a leading sponsor of the event at the Mayfield and is recruiting other local businesses as co-sponsors. Business owners interested in sponsorships are encouraged to contact him at 708-705-7900.
"An event like this is good for the neighborhood," Geno says. "Any time we can get people--especially kids--off their screens and into physical and mental fitness, we help build a better community."
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