Judgement Night VI: Fernie Arena Roars with Boxing Action
FERNIE – May 10, 2024 – The city of Fernie, British Columbia, hosted Judgement Night VI, where electrifying boxing action took centre stage. The sold-out event at Fernie Memorial Arena saw athletes from across British Columbia and Alberta compete in a series of bouts. With 13 matches, local boxers made their mark. Event organizers will announce the charity soon.
Judgement Night VI: Fernie Arena Roars with Boxing Action
The Fernie Memorial Arena was electric May 10, as Judgement Night VI delivered a night of intense boxing matches. A sold-out crowd witnessed athletes from British Columbia and Alberta clash in the ring,marking the 10th anniversary of this celebrated event.
A Whirlwind of Fights
Mike Johnson, president of Fernie Old School Boxing Club, described the non-stop action: The boxing action was pretty much relentless for the entire three and a half hours. It was really good.A whirlwind.
The event featured 13 bouts,showcasing talent from various boxing clubs,including Cranbrook Eagles,salmon Arm bulldogs,Edmonton Cougars,and Lethbridge Boxing Clubs,alongside the home team from Fernie.
Local boxers Make Their Mark
The event was notably special for Riley Barr and Patty Hayduck,both of Fernie,who made their boxing debuts. Barr faced a tough opponent in Franz Peter of Lethbridge, ultimately falling short. Hayduck went head-to-head with Ashley Boechler of the Salmon Arm Bulldogs. Boechler’s experience proved a challenge for the newcomer.
Despite the tough competition,Hayduck impressed. Johnson noted, [Patty] she went toe-to-toe against Ashley. Moved really well and just put up a really good show.
Hayduck and Boechler were among eight women who participated in the event, highlighting the growing presence of women in boxing.
Eagles Soar and Remember
Michael McLeod of the Cranbrook Eagles started strong, achieving personal bests in the first round, but lost momentum in the second. Simultaneously occurring,Merik Quinton,also from the Eagles,delivered what coaches called the fight of the night,
in a thrilling back-and-forth match.
One of the most anticipated moments was the legacy fight between Tom White of the Eagles and Kevin Oishi of Lethbridge. These two boxers, former teammates from Cranbrook 40 years ago, reunited for this special occasion. White ultimately emerged victorious, captivating the audience.
They both trained together back in the day, both Canadian Champions. Their old coach Mickey Sims, who now lives in Salmon Arm, he came down as a referee.
Mike Johnson, Fernie Old School Boxing Club president
Larger Venue, Larger Crowd
This year’s Judgement Night saw a critically important increase in spectators compared to 2024, thanks to the move to the larger Fernie Memorial Arena. The event was previously held at the Fernie Community Center, which has since been decommissioned. The new venue provided ample space for the enthusiastic crowd.
