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Old school boxing

Fernie Old School Boxing Club has six fighters including two youngsters representing them as they head to Saskatoon this weekend.

Fernie Old School Boxing Club has six fighters including two youngsters representing them as they head to Saskatoon this weekend. They are going to take part in the fight card held by the Nelson Boxing Club in Saskatoon on April 26.

Think of a fight card as something of a dance card from the days of old.

“A fight card is a night of boxing with more than one match or fight so a fight card will typically have eight to 12 fights on it,” said Mike Johnson, Fernie Boxing Club president and coach.

“We have a core of around 20 members, of which I have eight registered boxers competing this year. Saskatoon is our first fight card of the year with a number of other trips to clubs in B.C.”

The club was re-established in 2010 and Johnson runs it as a volunteer. “We are probably an underground sport but I am doing a lot to promote the discipline as a great fitness workout incorporating circuit training, punch bags and the opportunity to enjoy a physical sport. The kids seem to enjoy it and our members keep coming back.”

Johnson pointed out the club's heavyweight will be challenging for the B.C. title in May and if he wins he will be eligible to go to the Nationals in Ontario later in the year.

“I am proud of my two junior boxers, Jayden Osmond, 12 years old and Christian Fedorwick, 13 years old, who will both be having their debut fights in Saskatoon,” he added. Other boxers going to Saskatoon are Ricky Miller (two previous fights) Super Welter Weight, Sam Skiffington (debut fight) Super Welter Weight, Bruce Brody (debut fight) Cruiser, and Bob Larson (Heavy Weight) who will be fighting later this spring to be number one in B.C.

Johnson recently coached the Ghostriders during the hockey season on a cardio program at the club once a week and he is now coaching the Elk Valley Rugby Club once a week as part of their cardio training program.

In addition, Johnson says he is working with both Fernie Secondary School and The Academy by coaching Grades nine to 12 at the club three mornings a week as part of their PE program.

“I have also done a few coaching sessions at the Elkford Secondary School,” said Johnson.  “Again the school coaching I have given free of charge and out of my own time, [giving] back to the kids and community.”

The Fernie Old School Boxing Club will be holding their own event in Fernie on June 14 and hope to have all their fighters on the card giving them a home advantage.

The club offers $5 drop in and $35 per month membership, with all the proceeds going towards operating costs. The FBC club is non-profit and open all year, running coed practises on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9 pm. The club is located on Second Avenue between The Guides Hut and the Side Street Sweet Shoppe.