Fight fans got their money’s worth at a boxing card in New Glasgow on Saturday.
Albion Club president Jim Worthen, whose club staged the card at Summer Street Industries, said the crowd – sold out with approximately 300 in attendance – was treated to numerous highly competitive matches. The card was part of the club’s 30th anniversary celebrations this year.
“It was packed, you couldn’t move, Worthen said on Sunday morning.
“It was a great night of boxing and the atmosphere was electric in there.”
Albion boxer Ethan Pratt lost a close fight to Cape Breton’s Travis Jessome.
“Ethan had won four fights in a row, but you’re not gonna win them all,” Worthen said.
Sadie LeBlanc, a 10-year-old from Pictou, stepped into a boxing ring for the first time on Saturday.
“Sadie had a few butterflies in the first round against (Saint John’s) Tessa Scott, being in front of a big crowd, but she adapted to it. They put on a good show and Sadie got her feet wet in the ring,” Worthen said.
Matt Fraser of the Albion club stepped in at the last minute to fight an exhibition match against Kyle Woodworth of P.E.I.
Fraser was due to fly to Montreal on Sunday to train with Canada’s national team for a week and after that, he will take part in the Continental Youth boxing championships in Colorado.
As part of the club’s 30th anniversary celebration, Worthen was surprised when he was given a plaque from the club to recognize his devotion to the organization – he was one of three founders in 1988.
Albion head coach Al Archibald also was honoured for being named Boxing Nova Scotia’s coach for the year.
HOW OTHER ALBION BOXERS FARED:
• Carson Scholes defeated Malcom MacNeil in a unanimous decision.
• Local heavyweight Kurk Holton had his match fall through when his opponent was forced to pull out of the card.
• In a 70KG battle, Luke Sheehan stopped Ryan Kean in the first round by forcing two standing eight counts, the second after a forceful left hook to the ribs.
• Shauna Fukes got her first win in the ring when she beat Ashlee Joyce in a split decision, gaining the upper hand in the third and final round after the boxers had split the first two rounds. Fukes is 41 years old, her opponent is 20.
• Tyvor Stewart dropped a split decision to Travis Butler of Conception Bay, N.L.
