Boxing raises cash for kids

Photo: Nicholas Johansen

Kelowna's Rob Mason-Brown fights the Sunshine Coast's Graham Porter in the heavyweight main event of the evening. 

More than $21,000 was raised for children in need, as first-time boxers stepped into a ring for charity.

Thirty boxers went toe to toe at Rutland Centennial Hall on Saturday.

Kelowna's Madkatz Boxing trained 14 complete beginners who took part in the slugfest.

“For a three-month crash course, I got comments from other coaches on how well they looked. I'll take that as a personal compliment to our coaching staff,” said head coach Geoff Lawrence.

The 14 “three-round heroes” raised money for Urban Bulldogs Against Kid Abuse, a non-profit organization that helps provide counselling and support to children who have been impacted by abuse.

“They were so grateful and appreciative,” Lawrence said. “They were almost in tears when we gave (the donation) to them.”

The event raised $21,695 for the charity.

In addition to the 14 first-timers, the second half of the show featured 16 actual amateur boxers from around B.C., who Lawrence said are some of some of the best in the province.

The event was such a success, Lawrence plans to make it an annual affair.