Last summer, John Drake, the owner of Drake's Downtown Gym inDayton, realized a longtime dream when he promoted his first boxingmatch in the middle of Fourth Street.
'A fight outside is cool,' Drake said. 'Ever since I moved thegym from the Oregon District about 12 years ago, into this awesomespace in the old Gentile Produce Building, I wanted to do somethinglike this.
The intersection right in front of me is the perfect venue forwhat I wanted to do because we only have to block off Fourth Streeton two sides.'
On Saturday evening Drake's Gym presents its second-annual FightNight Under the Lights. The outdoor fight show is part of the second-annual 'Punchers & Painters,' a five-week, multi-venue salute toboxing and art.
Last year's exhibition featured boxing photographs andmemorabilia from Tom Archdeacon, a boxing enthusiast and longtimeDayton Daily News sports writer. This year's show, 'A Celebration ofDavey Moore,' opened July 9 at The Color of Energy Gallery in theOregon Historic District of Dayton and showcases photos, artwork andboxing memorabilia related to the late Springfield boxer.
Other 'Punchers & Painters' events include an 'Evening WithBuster Douglas' at The Color of Energy Gallery next Friday, July 22,and the Dayton Dragons Gala Fight Show at Fifth Third Field on Aug.12.
CONTACT contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher atdonaldthrasher8@aol.com.
