In St. Charles Stands a Boxer

Boxing, the sweet science. It may tickle Joyce Carol Oates' fancy, but what can it offer the rest of us? A favorite uncle's lousy impression of Howard Cosell, a half-remembered punch line to a joke about Mike Tyson, an expression of bewilderment fading to indifference when asked to name the current heavyweight champion. Once, though, sports fans nationwide watched each round of Frazier-Ali as breathlessly as they watch the Super Bowl or the World Series today. If you're interested in a slight, but intoxicating, taste of yesteryear's glory, visit the Family Arena (2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles) at 7 p.m. for Superbrawl. The card features boxers fighting not for lucrative pay-per-view payoffs, but for pride and for the love of the sport. There will be two title fights: Sam "The Punching Policeman" Hill faces Tyler Hughes for the North American Midwest Association cruiserweight belt, and Mike Wood (pictured) defends his light-heavyweight title against Ted Muller. The undercard will feature two four-round bouts and two six-round struggles. Tickets for the night of fights are available for $20 to $35 through MetroTix (at 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com); for more information call the arena at 636-896-4200 or visit www.familyarena.com.
Thu., Jan. 26