Fernie boxers pack a punch at Provincials
Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Submitted
Fernie Old School Boxing Club hit the road last weekend to attend the Sub Novice and Junior/Youth Provincials in Spruce Grove, Alberta.
Representing the club was Luke Born, 9, Bo Thurrow, 13, and Riley Barr, adult. It was Luke and Bo’s very first fights, while Riley took on the ring for the third time.
First to fight was Luke in the 36-38kg class against opponent Henri Hima from Legacy Boxing in Calgary. This fight was a FunBox which meant the fighters were coached by the referee during the match and were both declared winners at the end.
Luke boxed extremely well off his front foot and came forward for most of the three rounds. He remained calm and controlled and utilized his favorite 1,2,3 combinations to great effect, which impressed his coaches.
Second was Bo Thurrow in the Jr. B novice 56-58kg class against Mohib Nazar of Olympus Boxing Club in Calgary. Bo fought with strength from the first bell with some quick-fire exchanges with his opponent. Occasionally Bo got caught with his open right hand, however he won the first round. His opponent snapped back in the second round after he caught Bo with some quick counters. In the third and final round, Bo was the stronger fighter on the winning side of several exchanges which gave him the win and gold medal.
Riley Barr fought Andrew Horvath from South Side Legion Boxing Club in Edmonton. Riley fought a controlled fight using his reach and counter punching. Previously Riley had been dependent on single punches, but he changed his strategy and landed some heavy combinations on his opponent. His forward movements and dominating punches gave him his first win and gold medal at the event.
Coach Mike Johnson and Coach Cam Carr were in the corner for all the boxers and assisted Coach Tom White of Cranbrook Eagles who also had two of their Boxers in attendance.
Johnson stated it was a fantastic weekend for the BC Boxers in Alberta who took gold and silver medals for BC.
“I am really proud and pleased for our boxers. Two of them stepping in to the ring for the first time, and then taking the wins and having this experience in Alberta. Hopefully all our xoxers can build on this experience and obviously they all have lots to learn and focus on for their next fights,” Johnson remarked.
Thank you to Spruce Grove Boxing Club for hosting the event.
Fernie Old School Boxing Club brings the Rumble at The Knox II event at The Knox in Fernie on March 28th. Tickets on sale now.