Members of the Red Wolf Boxing Club travelled to Big River on Sunday for a special awards night and fundraiser. (submitted photo/Cruze Watier)

By Nigel Maxwell

Boxing

Red Wolf Boxing Club prepares for B.C. road trip

Jul 11, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Prince Albert’s Red Wolf Boxing Club has a big competition coming up this month in Kelowna, marking their first time crossing the B.C. border.

But first a special awards night and fundraiser was held on Sunday in Big River. Coach Braddoch Koch was impressed with the turnout and told paNOW they raised $1,300.

“I knew it would be good. Little towns usually are quite supportive but it was way past my expectations, he said.

Competing at the event in Kelowna will be Big River area fighter Cruze Watier, along with Cole Ahenakew, Lucas Tomayo and brothers Evander and Devon Masuskapoe.

“It’s probably the biggest event of the year we’ve gone to,” Koch noted.

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In addition to the boxers from B.C. and Alberta, there’s also boxers coming up from Washington State and Idaho. Koch explained this is an just amazing opportunity for his fighters.

“It just opens a lot of doors. Although there’s quite a few clubs in B.C., it’s kind of a small fraternity and so getting your foot in the door is a huge help for the future,” he said.

From left to right: Cruze Watier, Stuart Twardzik and Cole Ahenakew. (submitted photo/Cruze Watier)

Cruze Watier told paNOW it meant a lot to have the event Sunday in his home community of Big River, adding he was also grateful to see all the people come out to support both himself and the club.

“It makes me work way harder when I know the town is gathering behind me. It was a chance for me to show the community what our club is all about, I’m looking forward to putting on a show for everyone,” he said.

Looking ahead to Kelowna, Watier confirmed he’s feeling both very good and confident. In addition to training with pro boxer Stuart Twardzik, he’s also been training a lot with fellow Redwolf boxer Cole Ahenakew

“I’m excited to see his performance, he’s been working hard with me. We are all super pumped to have the opportunity to go to Kelowna and be able to fight,” Watier said.

Hosted by the Los Gatos Locos/MadKatz Boxing Club, the Cailen Vilness Memorial Tournament will be held on July 22 at Rutland Centennial Hall.

The avid boxer was one of five people killed in 2021, when a crane collapsed.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell