After travelling to Medicine Hat in January, competitors from the Sandhills Boxing Club in Leader have tallied another three competitions with two more to go in the coming weeks.

February started with the team travelling to Calgary, AB, to compete in the Golden Gloves event. For the youth competitors, their match-ups do not end with a decision of a winner or loser, it is rather governed as a fun box to gain experience in a tournament situation.

Three of the four Sandhills boxer’s competed in fun box match ups, Abigaelle Blohm, 9 years old, Kash Radar, 9 years old and Emma Jodoin, 8 years old, all of which their coach, Ken Blohm, said they are learning more each time and all the fighters had a great showing.

Keely Hartell, fought for a victory in her match and despite, “fighting with her heart and soul”, as Blohm said, she lost the bout to her opponent.

The team then made their way to Lloydminster and Regina throughout the month of March for more match-ups.

Dean Aldridge, 39, made his competitive boxing debut in Medicine Hat at the beginning of the year and strapped on the gloves once again for a match-up in Lloydminster, where he earned himself his first win taking the match victory.

After an experience-building sparring match earlier in the month, youth fighter, Jack Hartell, won his first competition by a split-decision in Regina a short two-weeks ago.

Emma and Abigaelle both competed in their respective divisions for the fun box and all the athletes are back in the gym as they prepare for the final events of the season, including their home tournament in Leader in May.

“It’s amazing to see everyone’s confidence rise as the season goes on and to see everyone go back to the drawing board and better themselves for the next match,” said Blohm.

Blohm stated that last year’s competitive season only included two to three boxers per competition, this year he said 12 youth and adult boxers, got involved with he competitive side of boxing.