Golden Glory

When Art Morey began judging Kansas City Golden Gloves events nearly three decades ago, the amateur boxing tournaments packed the seats at Municipal Auditorium. Golden Gloves is still a breeding ground for future pros and Olympians, but it seems to have lost some popularity to more extreme spectacles, such as mixed martial arts and pro wrestling. “A lot of people are looking for blood and guts. They like to see mayhem,” Morey says. “We protect our boxers. We don’t let them get thrown out of the ring, and we don’t put them in cages.” One thing that hasn’t changed is Golden Gloves’ marquee attraction: the heavyweights. Two-time national boxing champion and Kansas City stud Jeremiah Graziano knocked his last opponent unconscious. He and dozens of other local pugilists get in the ring at 7 tonight and Saturday at the KC Golden Gloves Regional Boxing Tournament at Ararat Shrine (5100 Ararat Drive, 816-923-1995). Tickets cost $10.

Ararat Shrine

Fri., March 28, 7 p.m., 2008