Thomas Breen photo
Coach Nate, Anileo Vallenilla, and Devonne Canady.
There’s no place like Kansas for Wilbur Cross student Anileo Vallenilla — who’s looking to head to Wichita this summer to compete in a national amateur boxing tournament, but needs some help paying the way.
Vallenilla, Coach Nate Green, and Elephant in the Room Boxing & Fitness Club Founder and Executive Director Devonne Canady made that pitch for financial support Monday afternoon as they appeared on La Voz Hispana’s “K‑Pasa” radio program with show host Norma Rodriguez-Reyes.
Vallenilla said he’s been boxing and training since he was 8 years old with Coach Devonne, who runs a boxing gym out of 540 Ella T. Grasso Blvd. in the Hill. Being a boxer is “something to distract my mind, something I like to do,” he said. Canady praised the sport for keeping young people in shape and helping them “transfer their anger or aggression. It’s just a good outlet.”
The Wilbur Cross student is looking to compete in the 2024 National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival boxing tournament in Wichita, Kansas from June 22 to June 29.
He, Green, and Canady made a pitch to listeners to help cover the costs for Vallenilla and Green to make the trip.
They estimated the total cost of two round trip flights, lodging for eight nights, car rental, and meals would be around $4,050.
Canady encouraged those looking to donate to mail a check or swing by the boxing gym in person at 540 Ella T. Grasso, with a check made payable to EIR Boxing & Fitness Academy. She also said donors can give through Venmo to EIR Boxing & Fitness Academy, or Cash App to $DevonneCanady.
Click here to watch Monday’s interview in full.