Bayfront Brawl at the Bayfront Convention Center
Erie is home to many night-before-Thanksgiving traditions, including the Teddy Bear Toss at the Otters game and Blackout Wednesday. But one tradition has caught the eye of many: the Bayfront Brawl.
Promoter Erine Bizzarro shares what's on tonight's card: Erine Bizzarro said, "There will be 12 matches, 2 title fights in MMA, and two pro fights. There will be a women's fight as well; she's a Honduran Olympian."
How exactly did boxing and mixed martial arts find their way to Erie? Bizzarro explains it traces back to his roots in the 1950s.
Erine Bizzarro said, "Before I was born, my uncle was a pro in the 1960s, and he fought a couple title fights. Then my other uncle fought professionally here in Erie. So, it's been going on in my family since I was born, and there are probably 10 professional Bizzarro boxers."
Though the Bayfront Brawl now carries a new name, its tradition is rooted in Erie's history.
Erine Bizzarro said, "This event, this time of year, the Thanksgiving Eve fight, has been in Erie since 1981."