Local Boxers Gear Up for Urgent Fall Brawl on Oct. 25

UPDATE: The highly anticipated Fall Brawl boxing event is set to take place on October 25, 2023, at 5 p.m. at the Brandon Fitness Combat Academy, and local boxers are buzzing with excitement as the date approaches. With seven local athletes confirmed to compete, along with participants from Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and the United States, this event promises to be a significant showcase for the sport.

Ryker Batson, coach at the academy, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I can see the joy in their faces now that they know they actually have a fight coming up.” The event marks a major milestone for the academy, located at 545 Pacific Ave., which can accommodate approximately 100 spectators. Tickets are priced at $25, but fans are urged to act quickly as only a handful remain.

Batson aims to make this event a regular fixture, with plans to host future bouts every six months. He believes showcasing local talent is crucial for the growth of the sport. “It’s very important,” Batson stated. “We’re hoping to have some of our youth potentially competing in nationals coming up.” This pivotal national competition will be held from November 26-30 at the Sport Manitoba Building in Winnipeg.

The Fall Brawl represents a return to local boxing events, the last being the Peak Boxing Event on June 24, 2024, which hosted an impressive five-hour show featuring 25 amateur bouts. Batson emphasized the significance of having concrete goals for his fighters, noting, “It’s hard to train without a goal. As soon as you have a fight date, it pushes you that extra little bit.”

Organized by general manager Olivia Keeble and operations manager Logan Stouffer, this event is a collaborative effort to bring local athletes into the spotlight. Batson indicated that the organization is doing well for their first event, taking on a significant challenge.

As the fighters prepare, they may not have extensive knowledge about their opponents, but Batson believes that focusing on their own skills is paramount. “The biggest thing I tell them is to prepare for the best,” he advised, encouraging them to train as if facing a legendary opponent.

The current lineup for the Fall Brawl includes:

Adam Gabrielle vs. Sam Ebrahimi
Jesse Kreutzer vs. Simon Federkevik
Miguel Zapata vs. Bohdan Solyhan
Ken Kreutzer vs. Sandeep Singh
Dustin Colon vs. Jacob Firlotte
Jade Bailey vs. Laila Hayden
Aundre Thompson vs. Ethan Kennedy

This event is not just a fight; it’s a stepping stone for many aspiring boxers. The buzz around the event reflects the growing interest in local combat sports, making it a must-see for boxing enthusiasts. As the date approaches, fans and fighters alike are gearing up for an unforgettable night. Stay tuned for updates as the event draws closer!