DICKINSON — In Dickinson, a place with a limited boxing scene, the sport is experiencing a new wave of enthusiasm thanks to local teen DeAndre Arone and the upcoming The Final Bell Boxing event.
The event, scheduled for June 1 at the West River Ice Centre, aims to reignite the city's boxing culture.
Aroni is a determined 16-year-old with a promising boxing record of three wins and two losses, with his last bout being a draw in Regina, Canada on
.
He doesn't just fight in the ring; He's also fighting to revitalize Dickinson's boxing phase, where the sport really died, he says.
Aroni started training in the basement of his home three years ago and progressed to local gyms and training sessions in Tijuana. His journey reflects a courageous determination typical of the sport's most iconic figures.
Josiah C. Cuellar/Dickinson Press
“The final bell is not just an event, it is the beginning of boxing here in the city,” Arone said, stressing his role as one of the first fighters in recent years to take the sport seriously in Dickinson.
With the support of his family, especially his mother, Fabiola Alvarez, and local businesses like Neighbors Bar and Grill, the event is turning into a community effort.
Alvarez, who can be described as the backbone of the sporting initiative, was instrumental in organizing the event. Coordinated by Danny Pruneda, President
American boxing in North Dakota
to ensure that all necessary arrangements – judges, coaches and medical staff – are in place.
“It's about more than just sport; it's about providing a professional path for Aroni and other young athletes who are passionate about boxing,” Alvarez explained.
The local boxing community, although small, is tight-knit and supportive. With fighters from neighboring countries and possibly Canada expected to participate, the event is expected to be a big moment for Dickinson.
Aroni's vision extends beyond just one event; He dreams of making The Final Bell a recurring event that will help establish a more sustainable boxing presence in the region.
Community support is vital to the success of The Final Bell. Beyond the ropes, the event represents a step towards engaging young people in sports to instill confidence, discipline and a sense of community.
As the city prepares for the fights, there is palpable excitement about bringing boxing back to life in Dickinson – a sentiment echoed by both organizers and participants.
As Arouni says, “Boxing is more than just fighting; it's about respect and discipline, qualities we hope to instill in the community through this and future events.” With this determination and community support, the final bell could be the beginning of a new chapter in the North Dakota sports story.
Josiah C. Cuellar/Dickinson Press
Event details and logistics
The Final Bell Boxing event will be held at the West River Ice Center, located at 1865 Empired Road, Dickinson, ND 58601.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door, and children under 10 will receive free admission.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with the main event scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Dickinson's band Sol De Mexico Folklorico will perform during intermission, and a DJ will play after the event, which will include dancing and a prize giveaway.
This event is organized by Fabiola Alvarez, who played a pivotal role in bringing it to life. She can be contacted for more details at [email protected]
The official responsible for overseeing the event is Hipolito Pruneda, who ensures that all bouts are conducted fairly and safely, adhering to USA Boxing's strict guidelines.
The Dickinson Press is southwestern ND's professional, local, community-driven newspaper since 1883.
