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Boxers off to Alberta

Eagles Boxing Club to represent Cranbrook in Edmonton tournament

Shannon Ryan and Tyler Gallinger of the Cranbrook Eagles Boxing Club are back into the ring this weekend as they head up to Edmonton for a sub-novice tournament.

The two are fresh off their first experience in the ring where they both fought their way to victory in their first-ever bouts two weeks ago during a home fight card at the Eagles Hall.

“It’s for novice fighters with two bouts or under,” said Eagles boxing coach Bill Watson. “We got two fighters that are ready for it…so we hope to take them and get them some more action in Edmonton.”

Watson will take his two students up to Edmonton, where the Beverley Broncs Boxing Club will host the event.

“Two weeks ago, they had over 100 entries already so it’s a pretty big deal, a big tournament for Alberta,” said Watson. “They have a lot of sub-novice boxers there and this is a good way for those boxers to start their careers.”

Both Ryan and Gallinger are still riding the high from winning their first fights in front of a home crowd, even if they’re a little banged up.

“I’m feeling good. Last week I was pretty lazy,” said Gallinger. “I was sore and just getting back into it, but I’m getting back my rhythm back in and getting pretty stoked on it.”

Getting the win has also put the boxing hooks into Ryan, but she’s still got some butterflies preparing for the tournament.

“You think after your first fight, you’re supposed to be a little calmer for your second, a little less nervous, a little more prepared, but no, I’m still the same,” she laughed.

Gallinger doesn’t have a lot of expectations for the event, but knows that Edmonton is going to be a big draw for fighters looking to prove themselves.

While both Ryan and Gallinger are still relative newcomers to the sport with only one bout under their belt, Watson hope the tournament will give them some more experience in preparation for B.C. provincials.

“With Shannon and Tyler, what we’re trying to do is gear them up for provincials, so if they can each get in two matches this weekend, maybe another a bout sometime in November,” said Watson, “that would take them into provincials with four or five matches under their belts and have them better prepared.”



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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