Devon Masuskapoe and Cole Ahenakew. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Boxing

Red Wolf boxers to represent Sask. at Nationals

Oct 25, 2024 | 4:00 PM

Devon Masuskapoe and Cole Ahenakew have literally punched their tickets to Nationals.

The two talented boxers were chosen to represent Saskatchewan after successful outings last weekend at provincials in Saskatoon.

“This means everything to me to represent Prince Albert, represent my reserve, and represent this gym. To even get chosen to fight out there is an honor,” Masuskapoe told paNOW Thursday night, just prior to training at the Red Wolf Boxing Club.

Nationals run Nov. 19 to 25 in Sarnia, Ontario, which is a long ways away from Devon’s home at Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation

“I think the furthest I have been was just BC,” he noted. “It will be my first time flying too.”

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With respect to the next few weeks, the 27-year-old said he plans to focus on cardio and noting how he has five brothers, joked he has lots of sparring partners.

Cole Ahenakew who has fought 29 times, stated going to Nationals is a dream come true.

“I’ve been waiting years for this,” he said.

Reflecting too on the opportunity to represent his community and his gym, Ahenakew said his goal is to inspire and he is confident he will do well.

“I think I have the skills to fight the best, so it’s mostly mental, preparing myself mentally,” he explained.

Coach Braddoch Koch, who hopes to travel with his fighters, noted it’s a pretty big accomplishment to have two hungry young fighters from a small gym, competing at the national level.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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