By Greg McCorkle
Boxers from Police Activities Leagues and boxing gyms from around Puget Sound converged on the Evergreen High School gym in White Center to showcase their talents in the “Leave No Doubt” boxing show to honor the community work done by the late King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox. Officer Cox was instrumental in the establishment of King County PAL in White Center.

21 bouts featuring 42 boxers ranging in age from 9 to 17 showed off their pugilistic prowess to a crowd of approximately 200. The show even drew boxers from a northern California gym.

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Officer Cox’s widow Maria spoke briefly before the evening began about her late husband’s love of the White Center community, and then wished all of the boxer’s good luck.

Police Activities League (PAL) is recognized by the Department of Justice as a juvenile delinquency reduction program. PAL gives youth a positive outlet for their energy and builds strong relationships between youth and law enforcement. Through recreational and educational programs, PAL brings kids under the constructive influence of law enforcement officers and expands awareness of the police’s role in the community. Today, there are over 360 PAL chapters in the United States.

The first bouts of the night began with the younger kids. While lacking in skills they more than made up with heart and determination. As the evening wore on the boxer’s age groups and talent level increased. Bout number eight featured a couple of female boxers….but don’t let the fact they’re young women fool you, they are just as talented as their male counterparts. This reporter would NOT want to get into the ring with either one of them.

For more information about upcoming PAL boxing matches or any other PAL related events go to www.kingcountypal.com