Peterborough Examiner Referrer

Crowley’s big bout has local viewing party

Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews to host as a fundraiser for Crowley’s 55 for Team 55 cause

MIKE DAVIES EXAMINER SPORTS DIRECTOR

Local boxing fans can watch Cody Crowley’s biggest fight to date and help his 55 for Team 55 fundraiser on Saturday night.

Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews is hosting a viewing party with a $20 admission fee. All proceeds will go to support Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program.

The undefeated Douro native, who has posted a 21-0 record with nine knockouts, takes on former world title challenger Abel Ramos in the Showtime PPV telecast opener in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET and will be headlined by super middleweight rivals David (The Mexican Monster) Benavidez and Caleb Plant in a long-awaited matchup between former world champions.

Crowley’s bout is a World Boxing Council welterweight title elimination fight, meaning the winner will get the WBC’s No. 1 ranking. Crowley is currently ranked No. 3.

Crowley has dedicated his title quest in memory of his father, Jim Crowley, who took his life last year and pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55. He’ll wear a Team 55 patch on his trunks. He’s already raised $18,840 through the raffle of a trip for two to see his fight from ringside.

Addison Brown, owner of Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews, has been a friend of Crowley’s for eight years. Growing up as a competitive skier, Brown said he was blessed to receive a lot of community support and sponsorship and he wants to give back to other athletes pursuing their dreams.

“I thought ‘This kid is special. he’s got something happening,’ ” Brown said.

He reached out to Crowley through Facebook and a connection was made that has grown.

“I think of him like a brother,” Brown said. “We’ve both had our ups and downs and we’ve both helped us through a lot of things. he helped me when my brother (Connor) passed away and one of my best buddies passed away. When his dad passed away, obviously I was there to support him. This message through Facebook has created a really cool friendship.”

Brown also supports Team 55 and hopes to raise about $2,500 to add to the raffle proceeds, which he helped sell tickets for as well.

“That will bring us over the $20,000 mark for the year so far and we plan on doing a couple of more things through the year to make sure we hit that 55 for 55,” Brown said.

He’s accepting reservations at drjs.ca under the reservations tab.

“Peterborough is very passionate about supporting Cody and his dream,” Brown said. “This is a massive fight for him to get him in line for the world championship but it’s also massive for him because it’s his first fight after his father passed away. Come in spirit and cheer him on. There will be drinks and food available for everyone but the door sales all go to Team 55.”

Crowley spoke of his own mental health struggles at a Team 55 Friday Night Lights fundraiser in 2017 beginning a relationship with Dave Pogue who founded Team 55 following his son Mitchell’s suicide.

“We’ve all worked hard to try to make this a suicide safer community so it breaks my heart that he’s lost his father in this way,” said Pogue, “but it makes me feel a little bit closer to Cody in that we can relate. I’m really looking forward to seeing him after his fight when he gets back to Peterborough.”

SPORTS

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2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepeexaminerepaper.pressreader.com/article/281840057916347

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