Training is in full swing at Fernie Old School Boxing Club for participants who will throw punches to raise funds for a local child in need.
Mike Johnson, president of Old School Boxing, had the idea in November to train locals to fight in charity boxing matches as an engaging way to raise money for Shyanne Osmond, a 6-year-old Fernie girl who will require multiple surgeries to remove an arteriovenous malformation on her lip.
After making the rounds to numerous local businesses, Johnson is hopeful that the event — titled Judgment Night — will raise a five-digit number for Shyanne and her family who left for Toronto this week to engage in her first consultation with specialists.
“The guys have been training hard for two months and are mainly from local restaurants and hotels,” said Johnson. “We are [also] pleased to see that there has been a high turn out for the girls,” he added.
Nina Pritchard and Tricia Clark will be one of the female volunteer match ups at Judgment Night. — S. Kucharski
Representatives include employees from Yamagoya Sushi, The Livery, Fernie Ford, Nevados and other local businesses.
“It’s a lot of work but you feel stronger afterwards, for sure,” said Barrie Elliott, a volunteer fighter.
“It’s probably the coolest idea for a fundraiser,” added fellow fighter Nina Pritchard.
The volunteer fights will make up the first half of the night. Scheduled to duke it out are six female fighters and two male fighters.
Tricia Clark, an employee at Yamagoya, trains with Mike Johnson for Judgment Night. — S. Kucharski
The remainder of the show will be punched up with junior and senior boxers from across the province.
Johnson added that he hopes to add two title fights to the card as well as an exhibition fight featuring two ex pro boxers.
“This is the real deal and we hope it to be a sell out,” said Johnson who added that he was appreciative of all the support for the event and for the cause.
Johnson said that they expect to sell the majority of tickets at the door for $20 each, but that they will also be available for purchase prior to the event at Yamagoya, Boardstiff, Giv’Er Shirt Works and Stephanie’s Glass.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at the Fernie Community Centre.