“Battle in the Burg” includes national champ in action
- Ron Giofu
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Boxers took centre ring on the weekend when “Battle in the Burg” returned to Amherstburg.
Nine fights and two demonstration matches were featured at Saturday night’s show, organized by the Fighting Island Boxing Club and held outside at Shooters Roadhouse. The main event featured Fighting Island’s Curtis Realba defeating Grayson O’Conner From Beaver Boxing Club, in a rematch from the national championship finals that was also won by Realba.
Fighting Island Boxing Club owner/coach Joe LeBlanc was also honoured as part of the night. He was given a championship belt as a tribute by the boxing community for his efforts.
“Curtis was the main one. That’s the one we needed to get,” he said.
Also on the card that night from Fighting Island Boxing Club were Dawson Woltz-Raby, Nick Grimaldi and Adrian Strong. While there results of those fights were a loss by split decision, an exhibition fight and a unanimous decision defeat, LeBlanc was still happy with how the night went.
“It was phenomenal,” said LeBlanc. “Great show, great turnout, in a great community. The weather was great.”
LeBlanc said the real results are at provincial and national competitions, noting club shows like Saturday night’s card are used mainly to have boxers hone their skills.
“As long as you learn something at a club show, it’s a win,” said LeBlanc. “It doesn’t mean anything until you get to provincials and nationals. These are developmental shows for these athletes.”
“Battle in the Burg” was a lot of work to put together, LeBlanc added, and he was surprised by the honour he received.
“I was impressed they got this belt for me. That was kind of a cool moment,” he said.
LeBlanc said the club is thankful to Jeff Coulter of Smart Build Group for providing the tent over the ring in the parking lot. Local realtor John D’Alimonte also helped sponsor the show.
“Battle in the Burg” includes national champ in action
By Ron Giofu
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