Norris, Groves pace PAL boxers

ST. ALBANS, West Virginia - It was a successful weekend for Zanesville Police Athletic League boxers.

The Active Sports Complex welcomed 14 bouts in an event hosted by Hometown Heroes Boxing.

Cameron Guy made his debut in the 85-pound 12-year-old division with Jack Ketcham, a 13-year-old from Knoxville, Ohio. Ketcham used his height and reach advantage, keeping Guy from getting inside. Guy made it to the end but Ketcham earned the unanimous decision.

Next up was Luke Groves in Men’s Novice at middleweight, challenging Brandon McCormick of Richmond, Kentucky. Groves picked his shots and landed clean early, while McCormick applied pressure.

Groves picked up the added heat and the pair was left several times trading power shots in the middle of the ring. The end finally came and Groves won the match on a close split decision. Groves remains undefeated through two matches.

Closing the show for Zanesville was Jamall Norris, who moved up against Chase Burdette of Hurricane, West Virginia in a 16-year-old junior welterweight match. Norris started the contest with an immediate attack when the two met in the center and set the stage for an all power show for the fans.

Burdette used his size advantage to back Norris up several times and landed some nice punches; Norris outmaneuvered him to come right back.

During the third round Norris stepped aside and hooked Burdette’s low-headed charges, setting up a rock-step power shot and a standing 8-count from the referee.

Norris finished the match in control, which made for the winning edge in a split decision. The win was Norris’ first since beginning boxing.

“All my kids are winners as they gain confidence and satisfaction from their hard work and training,” Zanesville PAL boxing coach Tim Hartmeyer said.

Zanesville PAL will host its Fall Brawl at 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 at their facility at 804 Pine Street. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for PAL and funds from the show are used to operate their youth programs.

Tickets are on sale now at presale discount daily at the gym after 4 p.m.

For more information ZPAL can be reached at 740-450-8245, on Facebook or at their website at www.palzanesville.org.