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Quesnel boxer prepares for first pro fight in Canada

Shawn Archer is set to fight Ari Ashari at The Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam on March 21
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Quesnel boxer Shawn Archer training inside 2 Rivers Boxing Club ahead of his second career professional match, which is scheduled for March 21. (Sasha Sefter - Quesnel Cariboo Observer)

Quesnel boxer Shawn Archer will look to continue to build on his professional record when he takes on Ari Ashari at The Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam on March 21 during the Hard Knocks at the Hard Rock event.

Archer, who has more than 100 amateur fights under his belt, is coming off a KO victory in his professional debut, which took place Jan. 18 in Mexico, a result he hopes to repeat in his Canadian professional debut later this month.

Archer has been studying Ashari’s fighting style and feels that he and his opponent have similar fighting styles, and he is looking forward to a challenging fight.

“He’s tough, he’s my size, which is gonna be weird because I’m used to fighting guys a lot bigger then me,” said Archer. “He’s an inside fighter like me, he likes to move forward, he’s a power puncher and he’s always in shape, so it’s gonna be one of my toughest fights to date, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Archer says he hasn’t changed much about his training routine but that is because he pushes himself to train hard throughout the year, regardless of whether or not he has an upcoming fight.

The average day sees Archer wake up at 4:30 a.m. and head outside to do “road work,” which Archer explains is a term boxers use to describe running. He runs 10 kilometres with his dog Dax then heads home for a quick breakfast and coffee before getting right into a strength and conditioning workout and some bag work. After a short break, Archer will then head to either 2 Rivers Boxing Club, where he trains in Quesnel, or to Williams Lake, where he trains with professional boxer Stuart McLellan, who has more than 30 professional fights to his name.

Archer says he is laser focused on his upcoming fight and believes that his challenging match against Ashari will be one boxing fans in attendance won’t forget.

“I’m gonna fight the way I always like to fight; I’m gonna be in his face,” he said. “The only thing a fighter should be thinking about in training camp is going to absolute war, and that’s all I’m looking for — I just want a banger. In the amateurs, it was a rare occasion that I didn’t win fight of the night, and they say styles win fights and we are pretty similar, so it’s gonna be pretty close to fighting myself.”

Archer hopes his success in the ring and the attention he is getting since turning pro will help inspire people to take up the sport of boxing.

“Boxing is for everyone, no matter their age or fitness level, and I encourage everyone to come try it out,” he said. “Also, there’s a big difference between being fit and being in fighting shape, and it’s great for cross training. Any athlete can benefit from boxing training.”

Archer is also looking for sponsors for his upcoming fight, which he explains are a huge help during these early stages of his professional career, as the costs involved outweigh the earnings.

“I’m always looking for community support through sponsors,” he said. “My medicals alone, which have to get done before every fight, cost $500, so basically I’m fighting so I can afford to fight. Anyone who wants to chip in can get a hold of me; I’ve got lots of room on my shorts for sponsors.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Archer can contact him on social media or through email at supershawn_187@hotmail.com.

Anyone interested in learning more about boxing or taking up the sport in Quesnel can get more information by contacting Wally Doern, the owner and operator of 2 Rivers Boxing Club, by phone at 250-925-4834 or by visiting the club at 400 Wilkinson St. in West Quesnel.

READ MORE: Quesnel boxer wins professional debut



editor@quesnelobserver.com

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