Boxing, at its core, is a sport built from differences.
Usually, two guys who grew up together and trained together never square off in the ring for more than sparring.
“We’re doing something that’s typically not being done,” said Michael Manna (6-5, 4 KO), 40. “I think 100% that it’s how it should be.”
Manna and fellow North Sider Joey Turk are in a rematch dubbed “The Battle for The North Side II” for Integrity Fighter Management’s sixth annual “Fall Fisticuffs” professional boxing event at Hollywood Casino at the Meadows on Saturday.
The first fight in the same venue this past July was a highly anticipated match between the two friends, where Turk picked up the victory in a four-round unanimous decision.
“It was an entertaining fight,” said Turk (4-0-1, 1 KO), also 40. “The referees didn’t break us up once. To be in there with another good boxer was a good experience.”
The rematch has even more anticipation, so it will headline the card.
“Both guys were in great shape. It was a quality first fight,” said Michael McSorley, the event promoter. “They wanted (to fight again). Putting it together wasn’t too tough.”
Both have similar career starts, deciding to go pro before it was “too late” and using their skills to teach people about the sweet science.
The two first met through mutual friends in the North Hills. They both started training at the Exercise Warehouse in Bloomfield with Mark Machi, a trainer and the president of the Allegheny Mountain Association of USA Boxing.
“I’ve known them both for a long time,” Machi said. “I knew Joey’s father and Mike’s grandfather.”
One of the memorable moments of their friendship came when Manna was jumped at Denny Park. Turk came to his aid and told him to get out of there. A quintessential fighter, he refused to leave.
“He always was there,” Manna said. “Any time he needed something, he called me.”
When Manna decided to make his pro debut in 2018, it was Turk he called for sparring. When Turk debuted in 2022, Manna wrapped his hands and was in his corner.
The first match meant a lot to Manna, who was returning to boxing in Pennsylvania for the first time since a “retirement” fight against Ryan Covert in November 2019 at Printscape Arena at Southpointe.
He fought four times in West Virginia before fighting in the area again. Coming to the ring with “All My Life” by Lil Durk and J. Cole was more than an entrance song.
“I had some things in my life that were a mess,” said Manna. “God showed me who was for me and who wasn’t. After a while I thought, ‘Why did I retire?’”
He went beyond the round limits of four to eight and even 10 rounds and showed he wasn’t done yet with a 2-2 record.
He found another purpose in boxing by starting his nonprofit boxing gym, the Northside Athletic Club, in 2021. All the money he gets from this fight and every fight goes towards teaching people the craft and allowing them to compete as amateurs.
“I fight for my guys here,” said Manna. “They’ve become my family, and it’s a supportive place.”
Turk is a personal trainer and boxing coach at the Exercise Warehouse, where he started boxing. He says the best part of professional boxing is the influence he has on people.
“I’m 40 years old and in the best shape of my life,” said Turk. “It’s never too late to pursue a dream or get in the best shape of your life.”
His class has people of all ages with a mix of strength, conditioning and boxing, and a soundtrack of gloves hitting pads and throwback R&B jams. Every once in a while, he shows his skills for eager volunteers.
“After my second session here, Joey had me box,” said Joey McManus, one of his biggest hypemen. “I had on the body protector, and he threw a straight right to the chest that vibrated through the pad.”
Both men are interested in continuing their professional boxing journeys after this match. We could see the third fight in a familiar area if the interest is there.
“The North Side, I would love for it to be at The Priory,” said Turk. “I’m not opposed to it. As long as there’s a demand, I’ll supply.”