Amateur boxers get ready to rumble at Fox Chapel fight card

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Jose Caraballo wants to find a way to keep amateur boxers busy and interested in pursuing the sport. The owner of the Ray Schafer Boxing Association in Sharpsburg is hoping his September event will provide another chance to give amateurs experience in the ring.

The organization is planning to host “Round 4 Fight Night” on Sept. 13 at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Fox Chapel near RIDC Park. There will be a number of amateur fights in various age groups and weight divisions.

The idea is that the winners from Round 4 will meet the winners from a planned Round 5 event for an “undisputed belt.” Caraballo said the Round 5 event will be held within 60 days of Round 4.

“These shows help keep the gyms funded,” Caraballo said. “This keeps the equipment going to the gyms. This gives the kids the uniforms they need for boxing.”

Caraballo said there will be a mix of fighters in the event. He worked to try to find fighters from the Pittsburgh area but also from nearby states as well.

One local fighter who is scheduled for the card is 18-year-old Cameron Neilly, who graduated from Riverview and plans to compete at 154 pounds.

“There are kids from all over Pittsburgh fighting,” Caraballo said. “There are going to be kids from Maryland, Ohio and kids from all over the state and city.”

Caraballo said he feels that boxers in the Pittsburgh area need more of these types of events to catch up to other areas. When he takes fighters to Philadelphia, Caraballo said they run into opponents who have close to 100 bouts, while the Pittsburgh-area fighters may have half as many.

Providing a championship belt at the amateur level is something Caraballo believes will motivate athletes to want to compete.

“Giving them rewards, titles and trophies along the way,” Caraballo said. “When the public comes and supports, it’s a great time.”

All of the fights at the event will be three rounds. The length of the round will depend on the age group.

Caraballo said he is excited for the mix of fights they have put together.

“If you want to be an amateur and get experience,” Caraballo said, “this is a tournament, locally, that we have to keep busy.”