Guns ‘N Hoses postponed to 2021 over coronavirus concerns

The 34th annual Guns ‘N Hoses charity boxing event has been postponed to 2021 due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

During the annual event, traditionally held on Thanksgiving eve, police officers and fire fighters compete in the boxing ring to raise money for The BackStoppers, an organization that supports the families of fallen and injured first responders.

MULTIPLE CHALLENGES
This year’s event already was going to be different, with the bouts broadcast live on Fox 2 News on Nov. 25 and only sponsors allowed to attend in-person, but with coronavirus cases spiking in the St. Louis area, and St. Louis and St. Louis County announcing new restrictions, organizers determined the responsible decision for all involved was to postpone the event to sometime next year.

“To our amazing fans and supporters, it is with heavy hearts that we announce this year’s boxing showdown will be postponed,” Guns ‘N Hoses posted on its Instagram page. “Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and the recent restrictions, our staff has decided it would be in everyone’s best interest to reschedule our 34th annual event at a later date in 2021. We will have more information in the following weeks.”

HEALTH AND WELFARE HIGHEST PRIORITY
“The health and welfare of all of our fighters, sponsors, as well as our event staff, are our highest priority,” said David Stokes, president of Grey Eagle Distributors, in a news release. “For the past several weeks, we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation with partners and city officials and came to the decision this was the best for all involved.”

Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association Executive Director Steve Holley said that “out of respect for all those involved, I believe it is the right thing to do.”