Two local boxers win medals at rookie novice provincials

Curtis Realba (left) and Dawson Woltz-Raby will be competing in British Columbia later this month.

Ben Evola (left) and Adrian Strong (right) won medals at the novice rookie provincials.

Two fighters, two medals.

The Fighting Island Boxing Club sent a pair of fighters to the recent novice provincial championships at the BMO Centre in London and both came home with a medal.

“We ended up with one gold and one silver,” said Joe LeBlanc, owner of Fighting Island Boxing Club and one of its coaches.

Adrian Strong was the gold medalist, winning the top prize in the 75kg weight class.

“It feels really, really good,” he said of his triumph. “I think the last fight was a good fight. It felt great. I’m very happy.”

Strong now has four fights under his belt, three of which were in London, and has won them all. He has been with the gym since last November.

“I love the sport,” said Strong, noting the discipline is an aspect he likes best.

Strong’s goal is “to become really good and the sport” and “to become one of the best.” He thanked his coaches, God and his family.

Ben Evola captured a silver medal in the 80 kg weight class. Evola said he felt confident going into his fight but his cardio started failing him in the second round. He said “I’ve got to get running” to get into better shape for future fights.

“I gassed out and lost,” said Evola. “It is what it is. I’ve got to get back in the gym and keep training.”

The fight at the novice provincials was Evola’s seventh.

Two more Fighting Island boxers are heading out of town for fights. National champion Curtis Realba will be taking on the bronze medalist from the national tournament at the Bronze & Silver Gloves Championship in Chilliwack, British Columbia Sept. 26-28.

Dawson Woltz-Raby is also scheduled to compete that weekend.

LeBlanc said they have been fundraising in order to send the fighters, noting the club pays for expenses.

“They’ll both be able to compete at the tournament,” said LeBlanc.

Woltz-Raby said he has 13 fights already and “I’m really excited to go to B.C.”

“I feel it’s going to be a good opportunity,” said Woltz-Raby.

The furthest Woltz-Raby said he has travelled for a fight has been Toronto, he said.

“It’s going to be a great experience,” said Realba.

Like Woltz-Raby, Realba said he is at the gym every night training. While there is a bit of pressure being the national champion, Realba said he is confident as well.

“I’ve got to defend the title,” said Realba, noting he is working on his overall skillset and conditioning as ways to get ready.

Realba will also be main eventing the Fighting Island Boxing Club’s next show, “Battle in the Burg,” scheduled for Sept. 13 outside of Shooter’s Roadhouse in Amherstburg. He will be taking on the silver medalist from the national championships that night.

Doors open for “Battle in the Burg” at 6 p.m. and fights start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 with food and drink available for purchase.

Two local boxers win medals at rookie novice provincials

By Ron Giofu