Teofista-cuffs!
By Ace Freeman (20-Mar-2007)

Calgary FightFans were treated to another tremendous night of amateur and novice action at northwest Calgary’s Teofista Boxing Gym. Ace and Joe were ringside to bring you this report – notwithstanding the occasional spatter of blood! Photos By Joe Bruiser

Nothing speaks to the thriving and lively nature of boxing today more than success at the local level. This past Saturday, March 17, Teofista Boxing Gym hosted a showcase of up-and-coming fighting talent for a packed house of family, friends and fans.

In the opening bout, Blaire Schidtz of Lethbridge won a unanimous three-round decision over Dustin Doyle of Main Events Boxing Club. At a furious pace, both fighters flurried through much of three rounds. Schidtz was sharper in Rounds 1 and 2 and held off Doyle in the third to lock up the win.

The second bout of the evening featured Stuart Sangster of Calgary scoring a relentless second-round stoppage of Colby Brewster. Sangster came out strong and forced Brewster back with non-stop hooks; Brewster was issued a standing eight count in the first round. In the second round, Sangster landed a series of flush shots and the fight was stopped. Brewster gallantly ended the match on his feet showing a true fighter’s heart.

In the evening’s third bout, Nolan Track of Calgary scored a three-round unanimous decision over Haroon Aime of Red Deer. Track used his superior reach to get the edge on an elusive and often hard to find Aime.

The fourth bout was a chess match with Joel Burton of Teofista using his sneaky southpaw stance to negate the height and reach advantage held by Lethbridge’s Evan Bigswan. Burton’s straight right hand continued to find the mark and he was awarded a three-round decision win.

The crowd was treated to a slugfest in the fifth bout. After a brief feeling-out period to start the fight, Mark Habanna of Red Deer and Mason Peters of Teofista went to war. The second round was fought at a furious pace with Habanna looking slightly sharper with his punches. Habanna pulled out a narrow decision win in a fight that could have gone either way.

In the sixth bout, fan favourite Steve Claggett of Teofista needed just one minute 40 seconds to destroy Derek Hawkswood of Southside boxing. Claggett’s work to the body was instrumental in setting up the stoppage, which came after a single body blow had his opponent hunched over. Claggett followed up with a telling combination that sent Hawkswood to the mat. Bravely he got up but was stopped seconds later giving Claggett an impressive first-round knockout before a frenzied crowd.

The seventh bout of the evening featured Bead Soanes of Medicine Hat winning a workman-like decision over Ryan Stuart of Vernon. The bout got off to a fast start and Soanes had Stuart covered in blood by the end. Both fighters put on a good showing.

In the eighth bout, last minute replacement Paul Mackenzie of Teofista put on a spirited performance to edge out Josh Bell of Calgary. Mackenzie agreed to fight only an hour before the card started and looked sharp, winning a close decision.

Jesse Barttlett of Teofista dropped a narrow decision to Mark Whelton of Okotoks in the second to last bout of the evening. Barttlett came out to a blazing stop but slowed down to look for openings. Whelton took advantage of Barttlett’s inactivity and slightly outworked him scoring a third-round knockdown to seal the win.

In the main event of the evening, Chris Gilbert of Teofista won an exciting decision over Duncan Irving of Okotoks. The bout featured some very good back and forth action, but Gilbert was the more polished fighter of the two and was able to avoid many of Irving’s punches. Using a good jab, Gilbert effectively feinted and boxed his way to an impressive four-round-decision win.

The evening was another great success for local boxing and Teofista owner Eric De Guzeman who put on a great show while coaching various Teofista fighters.

For more information about future cards or to inquire about Teofista gym memberships, training opportunities or general fitness opportunities contact Eric De Guzeman directly at 403-247-4700.

You can visit Teofista Boxing Gym online at http://www.teofista.com/.

PHOTO GALLERY