Novice boxing tournament to bring hundreds of fighters to London this weekend
Novice boxers from across Ontario will be stepping into the ring in London this weekend for one of the province's biggest amateur events.
Boomerz Boxing Club is hosting the second annual Novice Tournament at the BMO Centre, running Friday to Sunday, in partnership with Boxing Ontario. The competition is open to fighters with 10 bouts or fewer, a stepping stone toward higher levels of the sport.
Brett Lucier, a coach at Boomerz and one of the event organizers, said the tournament gives young boxers a chance to prove themselves as they work toward becoming "open class" fighters, eligible for provincial and national championships.
"It's really our champions today who are going to be the champions of tomorrow," Lucier said on CBC's London Morning. "This is their chance to get in the ring, build experience, and prepare for that next level."
Last year's debut event drew strong participation, but Lucier said this year has grown by more than a third, with up to 500 fighters from about 100 different boxing clubs across the province coming to the city. To accommodate the surge, organizers are running three rings instead of two, with four sessions expected to draw up to 1,000 spectators each.
"It's going to be a crazy weekend with a lot of action," Lucier said.
WATCH | A novice boxing tournament is coming to London, meet two young contenders:
Two of the competitors entering the ring this weekend are Cassius "Cash Money" Smith and Yazen "Yaz the Spaz" Meqdad, both from London. Smith, who fought at last year's event, said the past twelve months have been about building confidence and refining his approach.
"I've gained a lot more experience, fought tougher guys, and I've just gotten better," he said. "I feel great going into this weekend."
Meqdad, also back for his second year, said his focus has been on sharpening technique.
"Last year was really fun, so I don't see why it won't be this year," Meqdad said. "I've had a lot of tough bouts and I'm excited to showcase my skills in London."
Both fighters said their long-term goals go beyond this weekend, with aspirations of competing at the national level and even eyeing the Olympics.
LISTEN | London boxing club to host novice tournament for hundreds of fighters:
Lucier said London is fortunate to have a strong boxing community, with gyms like Boomerz providing access to top coaching and a family-like environment.
The gym was founded by the late Lawrence Boom, whose vision was that "anyone could box." Lucier said that spirit lives on, with fighters training as often as twice a day to chase their goals.
"What makes these kids special is their dedication and heart," Lucier said. "They're fun to watch, and this tournament is a chance for Londoners to see the future of Canadian boxing."
For more information on the Novice Tournament and where to get tickets, visit the Boxing Ontario website.
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