PHILIP ANSELMO To Attend KRONK GYM FOUNDATION Fundraiser In Michigan

DOWN/ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo will attend the Kronk Gym Foundation's mega fundraiser on Wednesday, March 25 at the Townsend Hotel, in Birmingham, Michigan. The proceeds from this event will help expand youth activities, which will be housed in the new Kronk Gym.

According to Fightnews.com, the Kronk Gym has provided a recreational outlet for many youngsters in the metropolitan Detroit area since its inception in 1969. Through the coaching and guidance they received, some of these youths went on to become world-class athletes. More of them became world-class citizens.

To perpetuate this legacy, Emanuel Steward, a legend of the ring, created the Kronk Gym Foundation this year, a nonprofit organization committed to making a difference in the well-being of youth through character-building, education and recreation. The program's goal is to provide recreational facilities, in addition to mentoring and tutoring, for the overall development of youth in Metro Detroit.

Emanuel Steward says, "For many youngsters who have unfortunate home lives, the Kronk Gym and its programs are crucial. They are the difference between a life on the streets and a life of accomplishment."

Special awards will be given to people who have shown the caring side of the boxing and sporting worlds. Among the recipients will be Sugar Ray Leonard, Detroit's own Thomas Hearns, Don Barden, former Michigan Boxing Commissioner and boxing humanitarian Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum, longtime Kronk supporter Sam Lafata, among others.

The live auction will feature items sure to turn the head of boxing fans: Many one-of-a-kind items and several pairs of autographed boxing gloves signed by Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquaio, Wladimir Klitschko and other world-class champions. There will also be priceless experiences to bid upon.

Honorary chairs for the event are the current heavyweight champion of the world Wladimir Klitschko and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

Sponsors include former Detroit Red Wing Igor Larionov, whose private label wines will be featured at the reception, and Italmoda, the Eurostyle furniture store in Royal Oak; and Bentley of Troy, where you don't have to sacrifice quality, luxury or reliability.

The VIP Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. The general reception and silent auction will start at 6:30 p.m.

Ticket are $500 for the VIP reception ($5,000 for VIP tables) and $200 for individual tickets. They can be purchased at www.KronkGymFoundation.com or by calling (248) 917-1793.

Footage of Anselmo facing the unique challenge of training a boxer known as The Anvil for a November 2007 episode of MTV2's "Headbangers Ball" can be viewed below.

A boxing fanatic since before he was in PANTERA, the singer jumped at the opportunity to get in the ring and offer some pointers to an aspiring champion.