A night at the fights is returning to the Cloverdale Legion Feb. 22.

Although the fight card hasn鈥檛 been finalized yet, two fighters鈥攐ne from Surrey and one from 91原创鈥攈ave been confirmed.

91原创鈥檚 Ali Owainati and Surrey鈥檚 Brandon Kim will lace up the gloves as featured fighters鈥攂oth men train out of the Port Kells Boxing Club.

鈥淏randon is a hard hitting middle-weight with eleven fights under his belt,鈥� said Ralph Robson, an event organizer. 鈥淎li is a light middle-weight with six fights.鈥�

Robson said the annual boxing memorial event is a joint venture between the Legion and the B.C. Amateur Boxing Association.

鈥淟ast year was a record breaking year, financially, with over $6,000 being donated to amateur boxing,鈥� noted Robson.

He said the majority of the funds raised went to support junior boxers with things like travel expenses. Robson hopes the public will support the Jim Gallagher fight night again this year as he hopes to raise even more money for amateur boxing.

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Port Kells Boxing Club coach Al Harper is the match-maker for this year鈥檚 fight night. Harper is lining up 12 bouts that will feature pugilists from all over B.C.

鈥淭wo heavy-weight bouts are planned,鈥� said Robson.

Harper won鈥檛 be able to firm up the rest of the card until after the provincial championships, Robson explained. He said the B.C. provincial amateur boxing championships are being held Feb. 14-16 at the World Champion Boxing Club in Richmond.

鈥�(Harper) is hopeful we will get several provincial champions on our card,鈥� added Robson. 鈥淭his card will showcase some of B.C.鈥檚 elite senior and youth boxers.鈥�

The amateur night at the fights is held in honour of Jim Gallagher. Gallagher, who passed away from Parkinson鈥檚 disease in 2012, was a strong supporter of amateur boxing. After he passed, the Cloverdale Legion started the memorial night in his honour.

Robson said the annual event is also an evening that features the Jim Gallagher Memorial Award. Given annually since 2013, the award is presented to someone who dedicates their time to build up the sport of amateur boxing in B.C. He said winners must have a strong work ethic and be courageous. They must also exemplify perseverance, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Harper was last year鈥檚 winner.

鈥淭his boxing event is designed as affordable, family entertainment,鈥� added Robson.

Entry is $20 and children 12-and-under get in free. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the fights running from 7-10 p.m.

The Cloverdale Legion is located at 17567-57th Ave.

editor@cloverdalereporter.com
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