Army veterans are being sought to participate in a charity boxing smoker Feb. 24 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

Titled “Melee in the Mountains,” the event will raise money for Montana’s Wounded Warrior Project.

Eight bouts are scheduled with 16 fighters — eight former Marines and eight Army veterans

Currently, eight Marines, including one woman, have signed on, as well as two to three Army personnel, also including one woman.

The fighters that are needed are not boxers, per se, but preferably veterans between the ages of 20 and 49 who are in good enough health to pass a physical — and have the gumption to climb into the ring.

The fighters will be soliciting a $250 personal sponsorship to pay for their training, shorts, shoes and gel mouthpiece. In addition, each fighter will solicit another $625 in donations through family, friends, and/or businesses.

Each fighter will receive 10 training sessions from Burton Boxing to ensure fair, safe practices are followed in the ring and will be matched up by the trainers on weight and skill. Each will be recognized for his or her accomplishment, regardless of how their match turns out.

With 16 boxers participating, the Wounded Warrior Project is expected to raise a minimum of $10,000.

For more information, email Dan Schneller at [email protected] or call 755-3122.

Businesses that would like to sponsor fighter also are needed.

The money raised from the event will stay in the Flathead Valley to be distributed by Columbia Falls native Jesse Mann, president of Montana’s Wounded Warrior Project.