FORT ST. JOHN, British Columbia — Five Star Boxing Academy fighters displayed their grit and toughness at the Diamond Belt competition held May 25 at the Gary Moe Sportsplex in Lacombe, Alberta.
Five boxers from the gym competed – Dyson Felix, Mason Tetlow, Corbin Jung, Wyatt Bowler and Lane Harris – with a combined record of four wins and one loss.
Five Star head coach Justin Donnelly said the team has sent players to three events hosted by the Shadow Box Club.
Donnelly said he developed a friendship with Shadowbox owners Trevor and Dana MacKinnon when they brought fighters to Fort St. John in 2018 for the BC Golden Gloves.
“They'd never put on a show before they came on my card,” Donnelly said, “and they loved that I was giving everybody a VIP experience. But they're just great people. We were always talking and joking around amongst ourselves.”
“It's in a hockey rink. There were a couple hundred people there, a good crowd. They treat everyone great.”
Lane Harris stood out among the Fort St. John fighters, winning his bout against Elite National Championship gold medalist Eric Zienovich.
Harris, who is currently on a seven-fight winning streak, beat Zienovich on April 27 in Fort St. John after winning a split decision over Elite silver medalist Noah Athouse.
“I couldn't be more proud of her,” Donnelly said. “She's always pushing herself – waking up at 6 a.m., running laps, sprinting, working on her strength and conditioning.”
“He's doing great right now, fighting top fighters and winning. His boxing is fantastic.”
Donally was equally impressed with the performance of Wyatt Bowler, who had been battling illness prior to the match.
Although the bowler lost, Donally said he showed great determination.
“We almost didn't let him play,” Donnelly said. “When you're sick with a cough or whatever, it's hard to control your cardio. He wasn't 100 percent, but I was still happy with how he played.”
For more information about Fivestar Boxing Academy, check out the club's Facebook page.
Ed Hitchens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter at Energeticcity.ca
