It’s that time again! Fight fans from all over campus gathered around to see the next Oscar De La Hoya make his, or her, debut at the Phi Kappa Psi Smoker.
The Smoker is an annual amateur boxing tournament held at McArthur Court, which Phi Kappa Psi fraternity puts together for its philanthropy, The Children’s Miracle Network.
Every year students line up at the doors to get ringside seats for this much anticipated event. Thursday was no different.
This year, there were 13 fights, (10 and three-female) — an increase from last year’s 11.
Each match consists of three one-minute rounds, with a referee to make sure the fighters observe the rules and avoid any serious injury.
While 53 people signed up to fight, only 26 were lucky enough to tape up their hands and throw the gloves on. With the crowd cheering the whole time, almost all of the fights went the full distance and decisions were made by judges sitting at ringside.
“We tried to match people up with equal skill and similar fighting experience,” said Jeremy Lawrence, philanthropy chair for Phi Kappa Psi and organizer of this year’s Smoker.
One misconception about the event is that the Smoker is just a Greek event. About a third of the fighters did not claim any Greek affiliation, and there was a good mix of fighters participating. All students were welcome to enjoy the event, whether they are Greek or not.
The energy was very high Thursday night and people were excited to be there and cheer for their favorite boxer.
John Harrison, a sophomore and spectator of this year’s Smoker said he had a great time. “It was fun. I really enjoyed all of the fights, I just wish there were more,” he said.
Christian Peterson, a senior and member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, fought in the Smoker and was proud to do so.
“The best thing about participating in the Smoker is that you are overcoming a challenge. They are tough one-minute rounds that are physically and psychologically exhausting, but everyone who gets in the ring is a winner,” said Peterson, who ended up winning his match by a unanimous decision.
Many people who volunteer to participate in the Smoker train and work out months in advance to be in good shape and have the stamina and endurance to last the full three rounds.
The Smoker is in its 22nd year, and last year raised almost $3,000 for The Children’s Miracle Network.
“The Smoker is a long-standing philanthropy of Phi Kappa Psi,” Lawrence said. “The main focus is raising money for the kids.”
This year, the fraternity estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 were in attendance, and at five dollars a person, that amounts to a potential $10,000 raised for the charity.
It is definitely not a coincidence that the Smoker is a big success each year. With all the proceeds going to charity and the thrill of watching friends knock someone out, or getting knocked out, it is no wonder that so many students get excited about this event.
Regardless of the results, the cause is a good one, and who knows — you may be witnessing the next light heavyweight champion of the world. Everyone has to get their start somewhere.