MASSENA – Boxing returns to the North Country Saturday, March 17 when Brawl in the Mall 3 comes to the St. Lawrence Centre Mall Arena, Rt. 37.

Host the Standing Rock Boxing Club of Massena rings the bell for the first of 12 amateur men’s and boys’ bouts at 4 p.m. as North Country club takes on fighters from the Bronx.

Following that, five matches of women’s amateur boxing start at 7 p.m.

Women’s boxing first appeared in the Olympic Games at a demonstration bout in 1902. For most of the 20th century it was banned in most nations. Its revival was pioneered by the Swedish Amateur Boxing Association, which sanctioned events for women in 1988. Compared to men’s boxing, it lacked popularity and exposure, but that is changing. The International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board has approved the inclusion of women’s boxing for the 2012 Olympics this summer in London.

The Massena women’s fight card includes the return of New York State Women’s Champion Michelle Coo and the debut fight of Kim Cook, both of the Standing Rock Boxing Club. Ottawa’s Beaver Boxing Club opponent Erica Adjec, who won Best Female Boxer of the Night at the Bully Beat Down Jan. 28, will square off against Albany opponent Jen Woodward, who has won her last two fights by knockout.

Also representing Standing Rock is 17-year-old lightweight contender Robbi Cook, who will go up against Niagara Falls opponent Mikiah Kreps. This will be the rubber match, the third time these boxers have squared off. Kreps won their first encounter, but Cook was victorious at the Bully Beat Down.

Highlights on the men’s fight card include 16-year-old welterweight open-class boxer Ronnie Robidoux of the Standing Rock Club vs. 26-year-old super welterweight Murray Contrua of the Bronx. Robidoux’s record of five knockouts in seven wins includes one KO in 30 seconds of the first round. He also won Best Male Boxer of the Night at the Bully Beat Down.

Also representing Standing Rock is 14-year-old lightweight open-class boxer Rorohronhakies, AKA “Lolo.” He will box 15-year-old Keatos Jeffs from Kingston, Ont. At the mere age of 11, Lolo won his second fight at the New York State Fair when he knocked out his 15-year-old opponent. He has also won the New York State Championship for two consecutive years.

Brawl in the Mall 3 features the best amateur boxers from Standing Rock Boxing Club, Massena; Bronx Boxing Club, NYC; East Side Champs Boxing Club, Cornwall, Ont.; Watertown Boxing Club, Black River Boxing Academy; Final Round, Ottawa; Sweeny’s Boxing Club, Albany; Schenectady Boxing Club; Gale Kerwin, Ottawa; Beaver Boxing Club, Ottawa; and Gladiator, Ottawa.

WBC Continental Americas World Lightweight Champion Tony Luis from Champs East Side Boxing Club will be a special guest and will sign autographs.

Amateur boxing is different from professional boxing in its goals, objectives, scoring and equipment. The 1998 National Safety Council ranked boxing 71st in sports injuries, well below mainstream sports like wrestling, football, baseball, soccer and even bowling. No other amateur sport takes more precautions, in regard to safety, than amateur boxing, according to a news release from the event promoters. Amateur boxers must receive a physical examination before and after each competition. Special protective equipment is mandatory for each competition. The primary directive of all amateur referees is the safety of the boxers. In addition, all competition gloves and headgear contain combinations of shock-absorbing foams to reduce the impact of a blow.

Brawl in the Mall 3 tickets are on sale at Standing Rock Boxing Club, Massena, and will be sold at the door on fight day. General admission is $15; floor seats are $20; children 10 and under are free. All admission prices include a program book and access to both the men’s and women’s bouts. Standing Rock Boxing t-shirts will also be available for sale at the event.

Standing Rock Boxing Club is open Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Call 769-2552 for more information.