Milwaukee kickboxer finally receives medal, money

Well wishes sent to man with intellectual disabilities

MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee man with intellectual disabilities has received donations from well-wishers hoping to right a wrong after he was stiffed of promised medals and money in an unregulated kickboxing bout.

Jessie Roach was told he would be given $50 and a medal for participating in the match against a more seasoned fighter last month. But his opponent knocked Roach out in the first round and left the event without paying him or giving him the medal.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel included Roach’s story in an article about unregulated combat sports in Wisconsin.

Several readers across the country who wanted to help Roach have since sent letters of encouragement, money and medals. A Florida man gave Roach two of his medals, including a first place medal won in a grappling tournament.