Happy’s Pizza Champions the Next Generation of KRONK Boxers with Sponsorship for National Tournament Return

Photo Courtesy of KRONK Gym | Photo caption: Happy Asker, Founder and CEO of Happy Group and Happy’s Pizza with some of the boxers from the KRONK Amateur Boxing Team. (Left to Right – Issac Clayton (11 years old), Reed Wilkins (11 years old), Happy Asker, Bardee Mitchell (9 years old), Caden Smith (14 years old) and James Lester Jr. (Head Coach).

Support Helps Send KRONK Amateur Boxing Team to First National Competition Since the Iconic Gym’s Historic Return.

 DETROIT, Mich.- One of the most legendary names in boxing, often referred to as Detroit’s 5^th Franchise, KRONK GYM made its triumphant return in December 2025 to the city where it all began. A pillar of Detroit’s athletic identity and one of boxing’s most iconic institutions, has announced that the KRONK Amateur Boxing Team will now make its first official return to national competition since the legendary Detroit gym’s revival, thanks in part to a sponsorship from Happy’s Pizza, another iconic Detroit based company.

The sponsorship will help cover travel expenses for KRONK’s amateur boxing team,

where 15 members from the KRONK team ranging from 8-19 years old, will compete at the prestigious King of the Jungle National Tournament, taking place August 5-8 in Grand Rapids, MI. The four-day event will feature hundreds of amateur boxers from across the United States competing in three boxing rings with two daily competition sessions, providing young athletes the opportunity to test themselves against the nation’s best.

For decades, sponsors and community supporters have played a critical role in KRONK’s championship tradition by making it possible for young boxers to travel to regional, national, and even international competitions. Beyond the medals and trophies, those experiences expose athletes to new places, different cultures, lifelong friendships, and the importance of working together as a team, even in one of the world’s most individual sports.

“KRONK has always represented far more than boxing,” said Happy Asker, Founder and CEO of Happy Group and Happy’s Pizza. “It represents opportunity, discipline, family and hope for young people who are willing to work hard. Supporting these athletes as they travel to compete on the national stage is an investment in their future, not just their performance in the ring. We’re honored to help continue a tradition that has changed countless lives and produced champions both inside and outside the ropes.”

The tournament marks another milestone in KRONK’s resurgence under its new leadership and reflects the organization’s commitment to rebuilding one of the most respected amateur boxing programs in America.

Head Amateur Coach James Lester Jr. knows firsthand how transformative these opportunities can be.

Lester began training at KRONK in 1996 before becoming a three-time National Champion and earning the No. 2 ranking in the United States while pursuing a spot on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team.

“Some of the most important moments in my boxing career happened because people believed in me enough to help me travel and compete against the best fighters in the country,” said James Lester Jr., Head Coach of the KRONK Amateur Boxing Team. “Those tournaments accelerated my development, built my confidence and prepared me to compete at the highest level. Today, our responsibility is to give this next generation those same opportunities. Thanks to supporters like Happy Asker and Happy Pizza, our athletes will gain experiences in top-level competition, improve their development, increase Kronk’s national presence, and continue the gym’s championship legacy.”

Among those who understands the lifelong impact of those opportunities is Tarick Salmaci, a former KRONK amateur standout who benefited from the generosity of sponsors during his own boxing career. Salmaci went on to become a world-class professional boxer and is now a successful entrepreneur as founder of The Tarick Salmaci Group and ARG Real Estate.

“I know exactly what these young fighters are about to experience because I lived it,” said Tarick Salmaci. “When people invested in KRONK athletes years ago, they weren’t just paying for a trip, they were opening doors that changed lives. Traveling, competing against the best, representing Detroit and learning from those experiences helped shape who I became, both as a boxer and as a businessman. I’m grateful to see leaders like Happy Asker continuing that tradition for today’s generation of KRONK fighters.”

The KRONK’s ownership team added,

“KRONK has always been about giving young people an opportunity to become champions in life, not just in boxing. Every time we take our athletes to a national tournament, we’re exposing them to new experiences, new challenges, and new possibilities. Those trips build confidence, character, resilience, and lifelong memories,” said John Lepak, COO for KRONK.

Paul Bhatti, CEO of KRONK, adds, “Happy Asker’s support ensures these young men and women have the chance to proudly represent Detroit and the KRONK name on one of the biggest amateur boxing stages in the country. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to our athletes and our mission.”

Founded by the legendary Emanuel Steward, KRONK produced dozens of world champions and became one of the most recognized names in the history of the sport, including Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko. Renowned for its winning culture, community spirit, and rich legacy, KRONK continues to be an iconic name in boxing, fostering the next generation of champions while giving back to the city that helped build it. Providing national competitive opportunities remains a cornerstone of developing future champions while reinforcing the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and community that have defined KRONK for generations.

About KRONK

Founded by the late Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, KRONK is one of the most iconic names in the history of boxing, producing dozens of world champions and Olympic-caliber athletes while changing the lives of thousands of young people through discipline, mentorship, and opportunity. Today, KRONK continues its championship legacy by developing the next generation of amateur and professional boxers while serving as a positive force in the Detroit community.

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About Happy Group

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Happy Group L.L.C. is a privately held parent company for a rapidly expanding portfolio of franchised food-service brands including Happy’s Pizza, Savvy Sliders, BurgerFi and Fat Boy’s Pizza. Together the brands operate over 200 stores across the United States, with aggressive plans for national expansion, new concept development, and continued leadership in the fast-casual and quick-service sectors.  Led by Founder and CEO Happy Asker, Happy Group is committed to supporting the communities it serves through charitable giving, youth development initiatives and partnerships that create lasting positive impact.

About Happy’s Pizza:

Founded in 1994 in Detroit, Happy’s Pizza has grown with locations throughout Michigan and Ohio.  Not just another pizza place, their dough and ingredients are carefully sourced and constantly tweaked for quality and flavor. Crafted to perfection, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. Happy’s gourmet pizzas range from cheese, pepperoni, supreme, all meat, everything, Hawaiian, BBQ chicken and the CBR.

And there is more….Fries that are next level, mac ‘n’ cheese, Garlic Parm wedges, onion rings, and many more for irresistible tasty sides. Ribs that are dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, famous fried shrimp and a variety of fried fish, BBQ, Crispy Chicken, packed sandwiches, fresh seafood, crisp salads, and the best wings in town! And complete your meal with a giant over-baked brownie studded with Reese’s Pieces, classic giant fresh baked cookie, homemade Peach Cobbler, classic cheesecake, or a thick slice of chocolate cake.

For more information on Happy’s Pizza visit, www.HappysPizza.com

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Instagram: @HappysPizza