Cary Man to Promote Amateur Boxing Using Local Talent

Cary resident Paul Jonas said amateur boxing is his passion and plans to promote shows monthly at the Lakemoor Banquet Facility.

The Chicago area has plenty of boxing promoters, but none based in McHenry County.

Jonas said he wants to start putting on amateur boxing shows using local fighters as headliners.

Crystal Lake alone is home to two boxing clubs -- Pug's Boxing Club and Mango Boxing Club.

“I realize I’m the new guy in town when it comes to boxing promotions,” Jonas said. “That’s why I’m working closely with Jack Cowen.”

Cowen, a Chicago Golden Gloves franchise director, will be the matchmaker at Jonas' first boxing show April 28.

Jonas said his budget for the show -- to rent the hall and pay Cowen -- is about $6,500.

Tickets will sell for $18 and $20. The cost of a ringside table seating six will be $200.

Jonas, 41-year-old owner of Jonas Construction, said he is a veteran of the Gulf War, boxed in the Marine Corps, "bounced around" as a contractor and worked for a while refurbishing yachts in Boca Raton, Florida.

Jonas said he lost money on his first fight promotion, an MMA show March 15, 2008, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles.  

The main event at the Arcada was Kevin English vs. Jay Little. English defeated Little via verbal submission due to an arm bar in the first round.

Jonas said he spent about $26,000 on the show at the Arcada, and in the end came up about $400 short. Back then he owned Combat Entertainment Group.

“I had a live band play at that show and I paid the girl that sang the National Anthem about $250,” Jonas said. “The show at the Arcada was a great evening, a spectacle, very entertaining. It got great reviews.”

Jonas' first amateur boxing show starts 7:30 p.m. at the Lakemoor Banquet Facility, 28874 Route 120, McHenry.