'We've got something good here': Pro boxing returns to area with Marysville show

MARYSVILLE — Terrell Kelly wasn't in the boxing ring. But he was on his feet all night. Perhaps more than anyone else.

The founder of KAOS Entertainment brought professional boxing back to the Blue Water Area with "Fight Night Live" at the Knight Club on Saturday.

Kelly, who also served as the show's promoter, did everything he could to ensure that the event was a success. By the accounts from those in attendance, the Port Huron native delivered.

"It was pretty good and pretty well organized," said Dilma Jeannette of Port Huron. "I would love for them to keep doing it and bring more boxing (to this area). We need it."

"There was very, very good customer service," said Aaron Rivera of Port Huron. "And the venue looked nice. Everything was clean. Nothing too crazy happened other than the fighting in the ring."

"It was a better turnout than I expected," Kelly said. "Not having sponsors was a scary thing. But I just believed that people were going to come out and support it — and they did."

Nearly 500 spectators arrived to witness eight fights between professional and amateurs boxers. No alcohol was permitted and many families were in attendance. Live music was performed by local artists throughout the evening. A ring announcer and a disc jockey were also on hand.

"We had 500 seats out and almost every seat was taken," said Andrew D'Arcy, the Knight Club's general manager. "Except for the back two rows on the left side ... but I'm very happy with how it turned out."

It was the first time the Knight Club had ever hosted a boxing match. The setup was unique and intimate, with the ring placed in the center of the ballroom. Rows of seats were lined up on all four sides. Once a fight began, all the lights were dimmed except for those directly above the action.

"I loved the (venue)," Jeannette said. "It was well maintained and spaced out. Most fights that I've been to are always crowded with people hanging around the ring. This gives people space and the distance that they need."

While most of the attendees were from the surrounding area, others had traveled much greater distances.

"Some people drove two or three hours to come here," Kelly said. "I had some come from Atlanta. So just knowing that little St. Clair County was able to reach throughout Michigan and other states was amazing."

Saturday solidified what both Kelly and D'Arcy have long presumed — that the Blue Water Area can be home to events like this. They're hoping to plan more with their respective businesses.

"I think we've got something good here," Kelly said. "As far as St. Clair County and bringing people together."

"This gets more people in our venue and makes them aware that we're open," D'Arcy said. "I'm open for all types of events. If you have an idea, give me a call or go on our website. We'll see if we can make it happen for you."

After the crowd left and the ring was deconstructed, Kelly walked outside to sit in his car for a few minutes. He was sore from all the running around and needed a breather. Despite his prior uncertainty, Kelly realized he'd accomplished his goal.

"The fights were all entertaining from start to finish," Kelly said. "But my favorite part of the night was just seeing people smiling, coming together, laughing and cheering. I think that energy was my favorite part of the night."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.