There was a massive crowd, a ton of sweat and a bit of blood last night at the Ultimate Fighter Boxing Club (TUFBC) during the Boxing Ontario-sanctioned TUF Fight Night 3 tournament.
In addition to contenders from TUFBC, the event hosted fighters from UpTown Boxing (Barrie), HUF Boxing (Mississauga), Bala Boxing Club (Bala), The Sault Boxing Club, and Valley East Boxing Club (Val Caron).
It was a great night for fans as the skilled amateur fighters demonstrated speed, agility, stamina and professionalism.
But it was an even better night for our local boxers.
TUFBC fighters won four bouts and The Sault Boxing Club won two.
Robert Bene, TUFBC head coach and vice president, has taken part in 21 boxing events over 20 years, and will host another tournament this coming fall.
He's trained fighters who've gone on to win provincial and national championships, including Josh Benoit Wilson (2009 Provincial Open champion, 2010 National Open champion), and Pat Kelly (2009 National Open champion).
The club regularly travels to tournaments across Ontario and recently returned from an event hosted in Halifax.
Although TUFBC trains competitive fighters, the club also offers the Box Fit program for those who just want to get in shape.
"[Boxing] nurtures a positive environment," Bene told SooToday.com. "It's a very structured and disciplined program these days. I'm glad they're instilling these values. It gives youth structure and that's very important. It's a way for them to challenge themselves."
Fighters during last night's event weren't going for a knockout.
Bouts were decided by judges based on a strict point system.
TUFBC, located at 119 Gore Street (upstairs), is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Bout results
Elizabeth Sawicki (HUF) won a close decision over Chelsie Dear (TUFBC)
AJ Carrier (TUFBC) won with a stoppage in the 2nd round over Jonathan Raycraff (Valley East)
Anthony Belanger (Sault) won with a stoppage in the 2nd round over Darryl Bouillon (Valley East)
Alexandre Duong (HUF) won with a stoppage in the 2nd round over Cody Briscoe (TUFBC) due to a contact lens issue
Steve Hoffman (TUFBC) won a decision over Daniel Levstick (Uptown)
Kdee Von Warner (HUF) won with a stoppage in the 1st round over Jonathan Martin (Uptown)
David Gibson (HUF) won a very close and controversial decision over Cody Blais (TUFBC)
Kevin Drouin (Sault) won a close decision over David Gibson (Uptown)
Pat Kelly (TUFBC) won with a very dominant stoppage in the 3rd round over Nick Rebuk (Bala)