Fisticuffs fans should be frothing at the mouth to come see the finest fighters in Quesnel go toe-to-toe at 2 Rivers Boxing’s Rumble 27 this Saturday (Nov. 2).
There will be 11 bouts altogether with nine local boxers on the card.
Noah Kennedy will face Caden Headly from Revelstoke Boxing in the main event. The fight will be contested at 155 pounds and will be Kennedy’s second official match.
For those who have yet to see Kennedy dance around a ring, a main event slot after only two fights might seem a tad too sudden, but 2 Rivers head coach, Wally Doern, thinks his fighter is more than ready for the bright lights.
He’s a very slick boxer,” Doern says, before praising Kennedy’s footwork and speed.
Fellow sparring partners - your humble reporter included - can attest to his ability to dart in-and-out of the pocket. He measures distance well and though careful, is not afraid of punching his way out of trouble
“He’s got a good left jab and good head movement plus he’s in really good shape. He’s a good candidate for the main event from our end.”
Doern has yet to see much on Kennedy’s opponent but he knows the local fighter will have the height advantage.
Also competing for 2 Rivers Boxing will be a couple families.
James Mott and his son Dan will both have exhibition bouts against Williams Lake fighters.
Dan will face off against Duncan McLellen in a 170 pound match. The two have sparred countless times together and can be counted upon to put on an excellent show.
James will face Kevin Petryshen at 165 pounds. The pair fought one another at a recent Williams Lake event, so there will be no need for a feeling out process. The audience can expect them both to get right to business in the ring.
The Ratliff family will see their twin boys match up against one another in a 100 pound show down. The two are the picture of sportsmanship when facing any other opponent at 2 Rivers but throw dynamite at each other every time they face off against each other both in the ring.
Expect explosions.
“I’m only going to make it three - one minute rounds,” Doern says, while chuckling, “I don’t want them slaughtering each other. I want to keep the family together.”
Two of the most dedicated boxers at the gym will also be fighting on the card.
Noah Lee will step through the ropes for the first time against Dawson Stangoe of Williams Lake Boxing Club in a 100 pound match up.
“Noah is kind of like letting a steer or a bull out of the chute,” Doern says. The younger scrapper is quick to charge across the ring and throw everything he has at his opponent no matter the size.
His wild style could be considered risky but his heart should impress everyone who is gathered to watch.
Brother, Evan Lee, is considerably more calculating and equally dangerous. The 14-year-old is taking a step up in competition to fight a 17-year-old, but coach Doern is sure he can hold his own.
The fighter is the first person in the gym for every class and the last to leave. He is always soaking up knowledge and is happy to spar with anyone no matter their size or skill.
“Evan is pretty solid,” says Doern. “He’s put in the work and he doesn’t care who he fights.
“I have lots of confidence in him too. He’s good enough defensively and offensively now to handle himself.”
Chris Heaton will fight for the first time since suffering a nasty arm injury in the Lower Mainland. He will match up against Joey Helminger of Williams Lake in an exhibition bout.
The Quesnel bruiser, who has been taking on coaching duties at 2 Rivers, is looking forward to a fast-paced fight against a talented young pugilist too. While Heaton should have the brawn advantage, his opponent will have the reach, so Heaton will look to utilize his head movement to get inside and punish his Williams Lake foe to the body.
Jacob White, is the final 2 Rivers fighter who will be competing. The southpaw has been improving his skill set immensely in the past few months and will look to make a convincing statement with his patented flurries of combos and lightning quick footwork.
2 Rivers Boxing Club’s Rumble 27 will be held on Saturday (Nov. 2) at their gym in the West Park Mall. Doors open at six p.m. and the fights will start at seven.
Come early to ensure availability and a great seat.
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