Oswego Hosts Prestigious Silver Gloves Boxing Tournament

OBC Athletics and USA Boxing bring regional amateur boxing event to Oswego, delivering economic boost to local businesses.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Oswego recently hosted the Regional Silver Gloves boxing tournament, bringing families, teams, and volunteers from across the region to compete in the prestigious amateur event. Organized by OBC Athletics and USA Boxing, the tournament featured young boxers ages 8-17 competing in various weight classes. Local Oswego boxers King Cook and Kevin 'KJ' Firenze represented the city, with Cook competing in a higher weight class after initially losing a close bout. The event was a success, with over 140 children and their families in attendance, and is expected to lead to more sanctioned USA Boxing events in Oswego in the future, providing an economic boost to local businesses.

Why it matters

Hosting the Regional Silver Gloves tournament is a significant milestone for Oswego Boxing Club and the city of Oswego. The event not only showcases the region's top young boxing talent, but also delivers an estimated $1 million in economic impact to the local community by filling hotels, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the weekend. This type of high-profile amateur sporting event can help raise Oswego's profile and attract more visitors to the area.

The details

The Silver Gloves tournament is a prestigious amateur boxing event organized by USA Boxing, with participants ranging in age from 8 to 17 and separated by weight class. Oswego Boxing Club coaches Derrick Falcetti, Andre Mendez, and Jorge 'Tito' Delgado worked to train and corner their fighters at the state and regional events, while also taking on the task of planning and hosting the regional tournament in Oswego. Local boxers King Cook and Kevin 'KJ' Firenze represented Oswego, with Cook competing in a higher weight class after initially losing a close bout, and Firenze, a relative newcomer to the sport, making it to the finals of the regional tournament despite facing more experienced opponents.

  • The Regional Silver Gloves tournament was held in Oswego on the weekend of January 10-11, 2026.
  • King Cook previously competed in a Silver Gloves tournament in Rochester, where he lost a close split decision.
  • Cook then competed in a tournament in Lubbock, Texas, where he became ill, leading to him being moved up a weight class for the regional event in Oswego.

The players

Derrick Falcetti

Founder of Oswego Boxing Club and one of the organizers of the Silver Gloves tournament in Oswego.

Andre Mendez

Coach at Oswego Boxing Club who worked with the local fighters at the Silver Gloves tournament.

Jorge 'Tito' Delgado

Coach at Oswego Boxing Club who worked with the local fighters at the Silver Gloves tournament.

King Cook

Local Oswego boxer who competed in the Silver Gloves tournament, moving up a weight class after initially losing a close bout.

Kevin 'KJ' Firenze

Local Oswego boxer with little prior experience who made it to the finals of the regional Silver Gloves tournament.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people don't think 5 pounds is a lot, but in the fighting game, that means a lot. For him to jump in and still give a guy twice his size a run for his money is good for King Cook.”

— Jorge 'Tito' Delgado, Coach, Oswego Boxing Club (oswegocountytoday.com)

“KJ surprised me, he only had a few fights and made it to the finals. Put up a hell of a fight. Was his first time ever fighting 3 minutes. People who don't compete might not consider it 3 minutes long. I would like to see if you can do 3-3-minute rounds.”

— Jorge 'Tito' Delgado, Coach, Oswego Boxing Club (oswegocountytoday.com)

“It was my first time stepping in the ring coaching. I saw what the coach goes through during every fight. The difference between sitting on the stool getting talked to, then going to doing the talking to a fighter on the stool. It was a cool experience.”

— Andre Mendez, Coach, Oswego Boxing Club (oswegocountytoday.com)

What’s next

The success of the Silver Gloves tournament in Oswego is expected to lead to more sanctioned USA Boxing events being held in the city in the future, providing additional economic opportunities for local businesses.

The takeaway

Hosting the prestigious Silver Gloves amateur boxing tournament is a significant accomplishment for Oswego Boxing Club and the city of Oswego, showcasing the region's top young talent while also delivering an estimated $1 million in economic impact to the local community. This event highlights the potential for Oswego to attract more high-profile sporting events that can boost the city's profile and support its businesses.