Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) is one of the most underrated fighters that we have in the sport today. If you are a hardcore boxing fan, you are aware of his skillset and that he is a dark horse in the welterweight division. But if you are more of a casual observer of the sport, you are most likely unfamiliar with him and what he has had to endure in recent times.

Crowley is a voice for millions of people around the world, who deal with or have a loved one that deals with mental health issues. He and his father have both battled demons throughout their life. His father’s demons would end up being too much to deal with, and he died by suicide on July 7th of last year. Crowley has partnered with Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness, a foundation based in his native Ontario, Canada. The foundation is a fundraising program whose goal is to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

As shown in the photo above, Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews is hosting a watch along for the pay-per-view card this Saturday night, with all proceeds supporting Team 55 Suicide Awareness in honor of Cody’s father Jim. The location of the event is 282 Aylmer St. North, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. This is for a great cause, and I highly encourage anyone in that area to go and support it.

Crowley spoke during the press conference on how his father’s passing has motivated him, and how he wants to be an advocate for others dealing with mental health problems.

“This fight right now gives me a reason to get up every day, gives me a reason to continue to keep pushing forward, because life is hard, life is hard for each and every one of us. I think everyone sitting in these seats can contend to that, and we need something to keep pushing forward and striving for. My father gave me a great example of what to be and what not to be. He taught me mistakes that I will never ever make in my life, and come Saturday night March 25th, it’s my 30th birthday, I didn’t think I would make it to 30, but thanks to my father I have. So this fights for you, Dad. And I’m raising money for this fight, to a great organization, Team 55, who collects money for other people who have mental health issues, who need help, and they can go get free help and reach out when they’re ready. That was the greatest way to honor my father. I could sit here and talk, and talk, and talk and talk, but I just want to say thank you to Showtime for the opportunity. I possibly might not be here without the opportunity, so my hat’s off to you guys, my heart’s out to you guys, I love you guys, and I’m ready to show out on March 25th”.

Crowley will open up the pay-per-view in a twelve round WBC welterweight title eliminator against former title challenger Abel Ramos (27-5-2, 21 KOs). If Crowley if victorious Saturday night, he would most likely face the winner of a recently ordered “interim” WBC welterweight title fight between former WBA champion Yordenis Ugas (27-5, 12 KOs) and former 140lb titleholder Mario Barrios (27-2, 18 KOs). After the way he performed in back to back wins over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (18-2, 10 KOs) and Josesito Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs), Crowley has proven that he has arrived on the scene as a legit contender in the welterweight division. A win Saturday night, and he is one step closer to his ultimate goal which is becoming a world champion.