One of the country’s largest boxing tournaments saw fighters from Amherstburg not only participate, but bring home five medals.
The 42nd annual Brampton Cup, held Jan. 30-Feb. 2, saw boxers from Fighting Island Boxing Club (FIBC) capture one gold medal, three silver medals and one bronze medal. There were 750 fighters over the course of the four-day tournament with four rings being used.
Nathan Meloche won gold in the 71kg master’s division, while Curtis Realba, Dawson Waltz Raby and Corey Way won silver in the 45kg, 72kg and 54kg weight classes respectively. Ben Evola won a bronze medal in the 75kg weight class.
“It was good,” said Way, of his experiences. “For my first time, I have no complaints.”
Way noted it was a great atmosphere to be a part of and it was a learning experience for him.
Woltz Raby said he is now up to 11 fights, including the ones at the Brampton Cup. It was his first Brampton Cup.
“It was nice being around the people and being in that atmosphere,” he stated. “The vibes were nice.”
Woltz Raby said fighters and coaches from not only his own gym, but other gyms, were very supportive of all fighters. He added he wants to work on volume punches, meaning he wants to throw more punches during the course of a fight.
Realba stated he enjoyed the tournament, pointing out it was his second time at the Brampton Cup.
“It was fun,” said Realba. “There were a lot of other boxers there.”
Realba now has ten fights under his belt. Things he wants to work on going forward include working on his cardio and the amount of punches he throws.
Meloche said he is 43-years-old and is happy to still be in the ring. He took time away from boxing and is now back at it.
“It feels good to be able to compete,” said Meloche.
The discipline it takes to be in boxing is something Meloche said he enjoys.
“Being disciplined makes me feel really good about myself,” he said.
The Brampton Cup “is the biggest tournmanet many of us will ever see,” he added. His next fight will likely be later this month in St. Catharines.
“I’m going to keep doing this as long as I have opponents,” said Meloche. “I’m going to do this as long as I can.”
Evola was unable to attend the photoshoot and interview due to work commitments.
FIBC owner/coach Joe LeBlanc said athletes came from Vancouver Island to Halifax and everywhere in between. Boxers from New York, Ohio and Michigan also participated. He said the results of the FIBC fighters reflect well on the town and the toughness of it, as well as the capability of the athletes.
“I’m proud of all the boys. Everyone did well,” said LeBlanc. “They were all good fights.”
FIBC fighters come home after successful trip to Brampton Cup
By Ron Giofu
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