Punches in the Piazza hits Little Italy for third annual boxing event

The Punches in the Piazza event Photo courtesy of Punches in the Piazza What do pizza and boxing have in common In Little Italy they come together for Punches in the Piazza the annual amateur boxing showcase honoring Hall of Fame promoter Bobby DePhilippis The third-annual event created in returns Friday Sept to its original home in the heart of the Piazza della Famiglia coinciding with the th anniversary of Filippi s Pizza Grotto in San Diego Sanctioned by USA Boxing and presented by Filippi s Pizza Grotto Punches in the Piazza will feature three-round bouts with a few of Southern California s top amateur boxers Doors open at p m with the first bout scheduled for p m Tickets start at and can be purchased online at BobbyDE org VIP seats and ringside tables are limited and available by calling - - The Piazza della Famiglia is located at W Date St San Diego Bobby DePhilippis who passed away in September at age was a renowned Hall of Fame boxing promoter and longtime restaurateur Known to a great number of as Bobby D he grew up in Little Italy and served as president of Filippi s Pizza Grotto a business his grandparents founded Beyond boxing and restaurants DePhilippis was recognized for his philanthropic work in the area To continue his legacy his daughter Michelle established the Bobby D Foundation which supports local schools and cultural programs according to a news release The inaugural Punches in the Piazza raised for Washington Elementary School for the Little Italy Association and for Convivio Last year s event held on the Washington Elementary campus added another to benefit the school and its students Washington Elementary a local STEAM magnet serves a high percentage of students from families experiencing homelessness The Little Italy Association a c population benefit corporation founded in oversees neighborhood revitalization and beautification while Convivio advances Italian cultural preservation area engagement and the arts To purchase tickets or encouragement the Bobby D Foundation visit BobbyDE org or call - -