Butler Cubs Boxing’s Billy Wolfe III to make pro debut Saturday at Fall Brawl at Tesla Center
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Lucas Adams ducks from a jab thrown by Rich Cramer the Monday before his big Saturday boxing matchup at Cubs Hall on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
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Billy Wolfe works on form as hits a punching bag at Cubs Hall on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
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Lucas Adams trains in the ring with Rich Cramer during practice at Cubs Hall on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
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Lucas Adams trains in the ring with Rich Cramer during practice at Cubs Hall on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
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Billy Wolfe works on form as hits a punching bag at Cubs Hall on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
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(L-R) Lucas Adams and Billy Wolfe pose together at Cubs Hall as they are set to box this Saturday on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Lucas Adams stares down the punching bag as he continuously hits it at Cubs Hall on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
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Billy Wolfe, practices with his dad Billy Wolfe Jr. at Cubs Hall the Monday before his big Match on Saturday on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.
Billy Wolfe III strayed from competitive boxing for six years, but come Saturday night, he will be back where he knows he belongs.
The resident of Worthington, who trains at Butler Cubs Hall, will make his pro debut as part of the Fall Brawl boxing card at the Tesla Center Crystal Ballroom.
Wolfe, 24, began an amateur career at age 9 that included a 40-20 record.
“My last fight was in 2018,” Wolfe said. “I spent a lot of time outside of the gym after that, basically just messin’ around. I hit rock bottom and knew that I needed to get back in the ring.
“Turning pro was something I always felt I was destined for, and I needed to get back to work. Fortunately, things fell in place for me.”
Wolfe will take on Rommell Toran (1-2-1) of Ohio in a welterweight bout scheduled for four rounds.
“I don’t know much about him, but I’ve fought guys before like that. It’s part of the sport,” Wolfe said.
For the last eight weeks, Wolfe has been training for the onset of his pro career under the guidance of his father, Billy Wolfe Jr., whose own time training at the Cubs Hall yielded a brief pro career in 2003. Bill Wolfe would tag along at the gym by the time he was 8 years old while his father trained.
“I was more of a slugger, but Billy has his own style. He’s more of a boxer,” the elder Wolfe said of his son. “He can fight inside and outside.
Of his father, the younger Wolfe said: “He’s been a very big influence on me. I’ve been around a number of guys who went pro, including my dad, Dave Cook (from Butler) and a lot of the guys I boxed as an amateur.
“I can’t thank my dad enough. He was in the gym when I wasn’t, helping and training guys. He showed the dedication you need to stay involved in this sport.”
The Cubs’ Lucas Adams will also be in action Saturday, putting his 6-2-2 pro record up against Jonathan Burrs (5-8-1) of Maryland in an eight-round light heavyweight bout.
Adams received a first-hand scouting report on his opponent.
“I was at one of his bouts in March down in Harmony,” Adams said. “I didn’t know at the time that I’d be facing him, but I saw him box. He took a beating early, but didn’t get tired, came back to beat a guy who was undefeated by TKO in the fifth round. He’s tough and won’t make for an easy opponent.”
Adams, 28, a resident of Fenelton, has embraced what it takes to be successful. That includes things in and out of the ring.
“It’s a lifestyle. You can tell the guys who don’t commit to it,” he said.
Also involved in pro bouts will be Ellwood City’s Jordan Carr and Monessen’s Jarell Sanders.
Two Cubs boxers will compete as amateurs — Chris Karenbauer and Darrin Hildebrand.
Tickets are $40 and $75 for ringside. They can be purchased at Beer Zone, T-Bar and Butler Hot Dog Shoppe.
