The Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association has postponed the 28th annual Guns ‘N Hoses boxing event scheduled for Nov. 26. The organization plans to reschedule the event at a later date in 2015.
 
“Our focus is honoring the lives of those who have died during the line of duty and providing support for their families,” said Ron Battelle, Executive Director of The BackStoppers and Guns ‘N Hoses board member. “To hold the event at this time could serve as a distraction – and a disservice – to those fallen heroes and their families who deserve our full attention and support.”
 
The decision to postpone the event was made by the organization after much thought and deliberation. It took into account the recently increased hours of first responders who participate in and attend the event, and the 66 families and 64 children The BackStoppers currently support.
 
“It wasn’t an easy decision but, out of respect for all those involved, we think it is the right thing to do,” said Battelle.
 
The 2014 Guns ‘N Hoses event was scheduled to take place Nov. 26 at Scottrade Center. The event was to feature 15 three-round bouts of boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) between first responders from Missouri and Illinois. Prior to the opening bell, Guns ’N Hoses honors the firefighters and police officers who have lost their lives with boxing’s traditional Ten Count.
 
“We are already evaluating new event dates and will notify the public once a date has been confirmed,” said event organizer Steve Holley, secretary, St. Louis Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association.

Tickets to the Nov. 26 event will be honored at the rescheduled event.
 
ABOUT BACKSTOPPERS
The BackStoppers serves St. Louis City, the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Cape Girardeau, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Perry, Pike, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Warren and Washington and the Illinois counties of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair. The BackStoppers also covers members of Troop C of the Missouri Highway Patrol and District 11 of the Illinois State Police. After a loss of life, The BackStoppers provides money for emergency expenses and later arranges to pay bills, mortgages, debts, college costs and other expenses. The organization was founded in 1959. Additional information is available at www.backstoppers.org.