For a city once considered a mecca of Canadian amateur boxing, the Sault has gone through a long dry spell over the last 15 years, but that\u2019s starting to change.<\/p>\n
Live boxing returns on Nov. 14, when Great Lakes Gladiators bring\u00a0a dozen Boxing Ontario-sanctioned bouts to The Machine Shop.<\/p>\n
Led by Frank Nolan Sr., the Sault Boxing Club was one of the most feared clubs in the country through the 1970s and \u201980s. It produced a stable of national champions and contenders, including Frank Nolan Jr., Steve Nolan, Steve Beaupre, Danny Ellis and Ken Cassola, a news release said.<\/p>\n
In the early 2000s, a resurgence under coach Rob Benne at The Ultimate Fighter Boxing Club saw local boxers succeed provincially and nationally. Since then, there has been little boxing to speak of locally.<\/p>\n
Over the last 18 months, a group of competitive boxers has emerged from Steel City MMA, reviving the local scene and creating demand for a hometown event.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur boxing program has exploded, both on the competitive and recreational side,\u201d said SCMMA owner Brent Fryia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really a testament to the work and coaching that Jeremy and Rene have been doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeremy Paquin, who leads the program with veteran fighter Rene Chavez, said the growth has been rapid.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur competition team started with two athletes 18 months ago, and has grown to 12 strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paquin credits Chavez\u2019s leadership for the resurgence.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody works harder in training than our more experienced fighter and coach, Rene. He leads by example and shows the younger fighters what it takes to excel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Originally from Toronto, Chavez, a veteran of nearly 30 bouts, takes his role seriously.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese kids are the best. They\u2019re persistent, disciplined and work hard every day. They ask questions, take corrections and are getting better as a result.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Chavez, leadership goes beyond results in the ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most important thing is the people that they\u2019re growing up to be. If they become the best fighters in the world, but don\u2019t improve as a person, I haven\u2019t done my job,” he said.<\/p>\n
Chavez will be joined on the card by 11 other local boxers: Brent Murray, Belal Ahmadi, Hilal Ahmadi, Van Ngo, Jaron Elie, Karan Singh, Tanner Rutland, Andrew Cormier, Laura Perrault and Julia Dubas, with DJ Major in a youth \u201cfun box\u201d exhibition.<\/p>\n
Locals will take\u00a0on fighters from Thunder Bay, Timmins, Sudbury, Ottawa, and Quebec<\/p>\n