Adaptive Boxing Showcase Brings 14 Fighters, 5 Title Bouts To Burke

BURKE, VA — Fourteen adaptive boxers will step into the ring Saturday in Burke for a seven-fight showcase that organizers say will demonstrate how athletes with physical disabilities can compete at a high level in the sport.

The UABC Adaptive Boxing Showcase IV is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Burke Fire Hall. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m., with the first fight beginning at 2 p.m.

The card features five title fights, including an international heavyweight championship bout between UABC champion Alijaah "King Kong" and Polish champion Nikodem. The main event will pit UABC champion Joanna "Real Deal" against Stephanie "Savage" for the women's middleweight title.

Five Championships On The Line

Other title bouts include UABC champion Jonathan "Suavecito" against Michael "El Gallo de Guerra" for the men's middleweight championship; Orlando "The Wheel Deal" against Ricardo "No Femur Kid" for the men's lightweight title; and UABC champion Claudia "Baby Tyson" against Lauren "Powerhouse" for the women's heavyweight championship.

Two preliminary fights round out the seven-bout card: Johnny "Ringo" against Kris "Knubs," and Russell "The Technician" against John "Crazy Legs."

The event is being promoted by Adaptive Fitness Legion, a Fairfax City-based nonprofit that works with people with physical disabilities through adaptive fitness education and training. The organization funds free open-gym sessions, in-person and online adaptive fitness classes and adaptive sports programming in partnership with DPI Adaptive Fitness.

Organizers said the showcase is intended to provide athletes with disabilities an opportunity not only to train but to test themselves in competition.

"Our athletes have spent months training, preparing, and pushing beyond expectations to compete in the ring," Adaptive Fitness Legion President and Co-Founder Joanna Bonilla said in announcing the event. "Adaptive boxing provides athletes with disabilities the opportunity to challenge themselves, compete at a high level, and show the community what is possible when barriers are removed."

International Bout Highlights Seven-Fight Card

Saturday's international heavyweight championship adds another dimension to the event, matching UABC champion Alijaah "King Kong" against Nikodem, identified on the event fight card as the Polish champion.

Adaptive Fitness Legion said its broader mission is to help people with physical disabilities meet their fitness goals by making training and programming accessible at no cost.

Event Details

• What: UABC Adaptive Boxing Showcase IV
• When: Saturday, Sept. 12; doors open at 1:30 p.m., fights begin at 2 p.m.
• Where: Burke Fire Hall, 9501 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke.
• Card: 14 adaptive boxers, seven fights and five title fights, including one international title fight.