Amateur boxing bouts to be held in Tavares this weekend

TAVARES, Fla. — Tavares is preparing for amateur boxing matches that are scheduled for the weekend as part of a plan by downtown merchants to promote the Waterfront District.

The matches will be held in Wooton Park, which is usually linked to boating and seaplanes, not boxing.

Merchants said they want more people to experience what downtown Tavares has to offer. While the area isn’t your typical boxing venue, promoters said it will draw new visitors to town.

"When you have a $1 million-view, you've got to maximize it," said Lou Buigas of the Tavares Waterfront Entertainment District'. "Why not expose it when nothing else is going on?"

Buigas' group of local merchants are working together to promote downtown and over the weekend, and 20 fully sanctioned amateur boxing matches will be held.

Bouts held at the same location two years ago were a hit, but promoters believe the latest fights will draw a different crowd.

"The overall mission we all have is to make this a destination," said Buigas. "We're the alternative to the theme parks.  You can come here and take a train ride, go on a seaplane or walk around and enjoy nature."

INFO: Fight Night on the Waterfront

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