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First-time boxers training for fight night

Brandi Archibald and Pamela Ryan are just one bout of many for the Charity Boxing Challenge.

Fight night is two weeks away and local business men and women turned pugilistic athletes are busy training away with the Cranbrook Eagles Boxing Club for the Charity Boxing Challenge.

Set to kick off on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Eagles Hall, the Charity Boxing Challenge, boxers will step in to the ring in an event to raise money for deserving individuals and families in the community.

Headlining the event is a match between Steve Mercandelli, of Cranbrook Dodge, and Kenny Bridge, of Bridge Interiors.

However, there are other bouts that will be featured during the fundraiser.

Troy Adams will be facing Ralph Martini, Randy 'Moose' Rothwell will be going up against Josh Kapitaniuk and Jack Chisholm will be taking on Chase Thielen.

Pamela Ryan and Brandi Archibald are the lone female boxers who will be stepping into the ring.

For Archibald, it will be a new experience, as she has only trained with the club, but never actually been in the ring before.

"Tom volunteered me," laughed Archibald, "and it was just a fun way to learn to box, get into shape and have a good time."

Both Archibald and Ryan are newbies to boxing, however Ryan's daughter, Shannon, is a member of the club and trains with coaches Tom White and Bill Watson.

It's been a lot of quick learning for Archibald.

"Just the physical training and getting us into the ring a lot, just so we learn quickly, what's a jab, what's a hook, foot movement, head movement, how to duck—everything," she said.

"He's [White] starting from scratch with absolutely nothing."

Archibald says she is enjoying a chance to learn something new.

"I have a lot more respect for the sport than what I did before," Archibald said. "There's a lot more technique than I realized. I'm really looking forward to being in the ring, I don't usually like being the centre of attention, but that just comes with it, so it'll be fun."

Along with the bouts during the night of the boxing event, there will be live auctions, with items donated from various businesses in the community.

The Charity Boxing Challenge is the brainchild of White, who is coach with the Cranbrook Eagles Boxing Club. The club is a non-profit society with no paid staff, as White and Watson, along with others, are volunteer coaches.

Tickets are available at Cranbrook Dodge, Bridge Interiors and at Freightliner Cranbrook.

 

Looking for donation suggestions

Tom White created the Charity Boxing Challenge with the intent of raising money to go towards deserving individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship.

But he needs help figuring out where the funds raised should go.

Anyone can anonymously nominate an individual or family by sending an email to White. Also, any businesses wishing to donate items to the live action can contact White as well.

White can be reached via email at: tom@freightlinercbk.com

Items up for live auction include:

Queen Bed Set – Bridge Interiors Cranbrook

*Watch – Jewels on Ninth Cranbrook

Dinner for two – Frank’s Steak & Schnitzel Haus Cranbrook

Nascar Driver, Autographed Hats & Shirts – Freightliner of Cranbrook

One year pass for boxing – Barry Shingar Trucking Cranbrook

One year pass for boxing – All in the Family Lawn Care Cranbrook

Three Hot Yoga Classes – One Love Hot Yoga Kimberley (new location opening in Cranbrook)

4 hr skid steer rental -Ray Kelly TomCat contracting

*Everyone who attends the Charity Boxing Challenge will automatically be entered to win a $500 gift certificate for Jewels on Ninth.

 



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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