Drywater sets goal with Booyah Boxing

Mar. 28—This time last year, Melissa Drywater was looking for a way to get her fighters at Booyah Boxing some training gear, uniforms and a ring.

One year later, Drywater has fulfilled those goals.

"I have always had a positive outlook on our circumstances," Drywater said. "I believe in the boxing program I've developed over the years. I had high hopes of gaining sponsors. I didn't think my small nonprofit boxing program would gain this much support and sponsors in such a short amount of time. I am very grateful."

Booyah Boxing is now sponsored by B.J. Baker Law, Dream Catcher Sports, Okie Flow and three other local businesses, along with seven individuals.

"The support of our sponsors is very important to my fighters," Drywater said. "Sponsors have made it possible for us to travel out of state, purchase team uniforms and new gear, and really make these kids' dreams of being competitive fighters a reality."

Drywater's boxers head off for their first competition with their new sponsored gear on April 6 in St. Louis at the Devon Alexander Invitational. DeVaugh Jones, Jaylen Newcomb, Michael Drywater, Victor Duran and Caleb Scraper will all head to the event.

"It's an honor to be personally invited by three-time World Champion Devon Alexander to his boxing event," Drywater said. "This opportunity has motivated and really ignited a spark of determination, relentless, and tenacity within my boxers. They have come together more as a team and have developed a brotherly love that is unbreakable during this training camp in preparation for St. Louis."

Along with the boxing trainer getting some sponsorship opportunities, Drywater's business has expanded in the past year. Booyah Boxing is now a 501c3 nonprofit. Drywater has also been teaching literacy skills and life skills; she said 95% of those in her organization are Cherokee citizens.

Looking ahead, Drywater is hoping to have a building and operate off of a grant.

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