Argo’s Patrick Greda is learning the ropes

By Jeff Vorva
Staff Writer

Argo senior Patrick Greda said that prior to three years ago, he had never punched anyone.

He has more than made up for it since.

Greda has been boxing for three years and is affiliated with the Chicago Heights Boxing Club. The Justice resident has racked up an amateur record of 12-7, which included a split decision victory over Sam Espartza of Tri-City Boxing in the 142-pound weight class at the Ring Around the Warrior: Round 5. The event was held Aug. 19 in the parking lot of the St. Cajetan campus in Chicago.

“I watched some fights with my dad and we liked watching [MMA fighter] Adam Kowalski,” he said. “I saw people boxing in a gym and I just found it to be fun.

“I had never done it before. I haven’t had any street fights. I had never thrown a punch.”

Greda boxes on various cards in the Midwest. He is next scheduled to fight Mario Avila of Brew City Boxing in the Conflict Sports Championships Event in Milwaukee on Sept. 23.

Argo senior Patrick Greda of Justice, top, has been boxing three years. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Greda is trained by Mike Mallo, a former professional heavyweight boxer who beat Kevin McBride via TKO in 2006 in Rosemont to win the vacant World Boxing Association Fedelatin heavyweight title. McBride is noted for knocking out Mike Tyson in 2005 in what turned out to be Tyson’s last fight.

As he learns his craft, Greda knows there will be some ups and downs.

“When I win, there is a lot of activity,” he said. “And my losses are always close losses.”

Rylee O’Connor, a Marist student, gets ready to battle at the St. Cajetan event on Aug. 19. Photo by Jeff Vorva

In other bouts on the card, Ryan Raine of Rick Ramos boxing started things off then he won a unanimous decision over Izaha Rios of Gold Star Boxing at 115. The final bout of the night was at 154 and Lane Hanlin of Tri-City Boxing won a unanimous decision over Ben McClerkin of Chicago Heights Boxing.

The event drew an estimated 1,000 fans.

This was its fifth running, but first time since 2019 thanks, in part, to the pandemic. Young boxers from various ages participated in both male and female divisions. The winners won trophies and losers earned medals.

Proceeds from the fights went to the St. Cajetan’s men’s club.

Marist’s Griffin Hart, right, mixes it up with Francisco Barra. Photo by Jeff Vorva

RESULTS
110 – Margarita Mendoza of the Oakley Fight Club won a split decision over Esther Dudovitz of the Northside Boxing Club
122 – Izais Gomez of Letz Box Chicago won a split decision over Angelo Cardenas of Sam Colonna Boxing
125 – Brennan Seppi of Groves Boxing won a unanimous decision over Paul Magpayo of Knuckleheads Boxing
132 – Ciarra Tanny of Gregory Boxing won a split decision over Bella Rivera, who was unattached
132 – Miguel Castenada of Sam Colonna Boxing won a unanimous decision over Dominic Roble of Groves Boxing
135 – Rylee O’Connor of Letz Box Chicago and a Marist student, won a split decision over Callie Green of Northside BC
140 – Emilio Herrara of I Noah Boxing won a split decision over Tommy Kalina of Letz Box Chicago
140 – Griffin Hart of Letz Box Chicago, a Marist student, won a split decision over Francisco Barra of Sam Colonna Boxing
145 – Mariano Sandoval of Rick Ramos Boxing won a split decision over Damien Rios of Sam Colonna Boxing
150 – Cordae Jackson of the Oakley Fight Club won a split decision over Julian Guzman of Letz Box Chicago
152 – Brianna Julia of Chicago Heights Boxing beat Samantha Terry of Unanimous B.C. by technical knockout
165 – Joshua Vega of I Noah Boxing knocked out Hernrique Hernandez of Punch Out B.C. in the third round
195 – Arman Crain of I Noah Boxing won a unanimous decision over Elijah Holmes of Knucklehead Boxing