Strike Zone Holding Women's Boxing Event

“Trophies and bragging rights” are up for grabs this weekend as gym hosts a women’s boxing tournament.

Weigh-ins for the bouts start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with the first fight at 7 p.m., at the . The event will be preceded by a health and wellness fair from noon to 6 p.m., featuring coaches, local authors, massages, cooking demonstrations, and other services. Tickets for the boxing event are $15 at the door.

Kent Ward, owner of The Strike Zone, said there are several women’s-only gyms dedicated to boxing in Massachusetts. He said he got the idea for the event after a show put on by champion boxer Jamie Clampitt Hayes, of the Striking Beauties organization in Rhode Island.

“The place was sold out. It was a great evening,” said Ward.

Fighters in the event are registered boxers affiliated with the USA Boxing Club, and matches will be organized based on age, weight, and experience level. Ward estimated that about 10 fights will take place, with contestants from around New England and New York and an approximate age range of 12 to 34.

Ward said women’s boxing has grown in popularity as both a competition and a form of self-defense training. He said the boxers also provide role models for young children.

“It elevates boxing to a whole new level,” he said.

Proceeds from the event will support the youth boxing and wrestling programs at The Strike Zone. Orlando Peace, programs manager for the gym, said the programs have been helpful in helping children work through hardships and setting goals for themselves.

“Six days out of the week, some of these guys are here for two to three hours,” said Peace. “It’s fun to watch them grow.”