Wallace Elks Fight Night a knockout!

WALLACE — The possibility of Fight Night at the Wallace Elks being one and done event were seemingly put to rest after Fight Night XI surpassed expectations.

The event felt like something out of the 1970s when boxing was such a household sport that nearly every fraternal organization and bingo hall hosted bouts on a weekly basis.

It was almost a match made in boxing heaven.

Local fighters had a solid showing as Chevy Hawkins and Tyler Wuerfel put on thrilling bouts in their respective weight classes.

Coach Rick Welliver was very pleased with the event’s success and is already working out the kinks for the next Wallace Fight Night.

The event was almost a homecoming of sorts for Welliver, who made his name competing at venues just like the Elks during his career.

“I love it,” Welliver said. “I competed in that room in 1982 and 1993. The event felt perfect. The Elks nailed it.”

Welliver went further to compliment the Elks who made the event happen.

“Tommy Hayes and Greg Malone were awesome to collaborate with and Sharon did a awesome job on the concession,” Welliver said.

Teams from all over the region made their way to Wallace to compete and once again they are clamoring to come back.

“We are already planning the next event with a few tweaks,” Welliver said.”All of the teams want to come back; the building is perfect for amateur boxing.”