The Middle Keys are gearing up for an electrifying night of athleticism and altruism this Saturday, July 26, as the Marathon Elks Lodge hosts the second annual Spar Wars: Island Wars Vol. 2 boxing and martial arts event.
Organized by Marathon Boxing Studio and Spar Wars Productions, the evening promises not only a showcase of promising local fighters, but also a direct contribution to the future of Marathon’s youth. Every punch thrown and every ticket sold will contribute directly to a scholarship fund, helping deserving Marathon High School seniors pursue their academic dreams.
The event is the brainchild of the Marathon Boxing Studio, and its owner, Dwayne Ellis, said he can barely contain his enthusiasm.
“We’ve been working incredibly hard to put together a great show for the community, just like we did last year, and we’re confident it will be a night to remember,” Ellis said. “But more than just the thrill of the fights, this event is truly about giving back. It’s about investing in the future of our local students, and that’s something that all of us are passionate about.”
Headlining the event is Noah Casillas, better known as “Baby Yaga,” who Ellis said is “the person one sends to kill the boogeyman.” He said Casillas is a fierce but humble 25-year-old local boxer who is eager to fight for his first South Florida title belt – the Spar Wars 170-pound Freesmoke title.
Casillas successfully transitioned into boxing from Muay Thai and kickboxing. He told the Weekly he sees Saturday night as a pivotal moment to not only showcase his skills on a familiar stage, but also to contribute to a cause close to his heart.
“This is my first chance to fight in my home town, and it means a lot,” Casillas said. “I wasn’t born and raised in Marathon, but I’ve lived here for years and (I’ve) been coming here since I was a baby. Now I get to show everyone what I’ve been working towards. My goal is to go pro, and at 25 I’m pushing to get as many fights and minutes in as possible by then.”
Island Wars Volume 2 promises a diverse program for fight enthusiasts, featuring amateur boxing, kickboxing and other martial arts disciplines such as jiu jitsu. Ellis said this year’s event will highlight the debut of Louis Diaz, an athlete described as having exceptional natural potential, alongside other talented local fighters from various Miami gyms.
But beyond the thrilling matchups, the core mission of the night is to bolster local education.
Building on last year’s $1,000 contribution to scholarships for Marathon High seniors, organizers are continuing their commitment to the community by pledging a portion of all ticket sales to local scholarships. The decision to continue channeling proceeds into scholarship funds was a deliberate one, Ellis said, made to honor the boxing studio and the Elks Lodge’s combined commitment to supporting local education.
“Scholarships can be absolute game-changers in a student’s life, opening doors to opportunities they might not otherwise have,” said Elllis. We are incredibly proud to contribute to that in such a direct and meaningful way. This will be a night filled with fierce, competitive boxing, but equally (as) important, it’ll be a powerful demonstration of community spirit.”
Tickets are available to the public, with a $30 admission fee at the door or $50 for VIP seating. Every dollar collected will be directed entirely to the scholarship fund, ensuring the community’s support directly benefits its graduating students.
For more information, search “Marathonboxingstudio” on Facebook.
