BELLEVILLE – On May 3, a devastating fire destroyed Legacy Boxing Club. But it couldn’t destroy the community behind it – and it couldn’t stop Jingle Brawls 3.
On Dec. 4, police officers, firefighters and other first responders will trade their uniforms for boxing gloves and step into the ring for Legacy’s 3rd Annual Jingle Brawls First Responders Belt Show.
For founder Yessenia “Coach Yess” Montalvo – a retired Newark Police Detective, Olympic-level boxing coach and professional boxing coach – this event is personal.
“I spent years wearing a badge. I know the stress first responders carry home after the shift is over. Boxing gives us a place to release that stress, challenge ourselves and become stronger mentally and physically. You don’t have to be a fighter to start. Sometimes you just need a place to fight for yourself.”
After watching the gym she built burn, Coach Yess and Legacy refused to quit. Every first responder who enters the ring and every person who buys a ticket becomes part of that comeback.
Already registered are representatives from the Hackensack Fire Department, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Paterson Police Department, East Orange Fire Department, New Brunswick Police, Clifton Fire Department and North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue.
Now, Legacy is calling on more departments to answer the bell – especially police officers and female first responders. All experience levels are welcome.
First Responder registration closes on Sept. 30.
Event tickets go on sale on Oct. 1
Proceeds support Legacy Youth Empowerment Organization’s youth programs and Legacy’s continued rebuilding after the fire.
Contact Coach Yess at 201-218-3848.
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