Below the Belt Boxing Magazine - Issue 30

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DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

ISSUE 30/ $5.00 cdn C A N A D A ’ S

A M A T E U R

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twitter: @DOkposio www.dameonokposio.com P R O F E S S I O N A L

B O X I N G

M A G A Z I N E

DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

D A M EO N

O K P O S I O

P R E S E N T S :

The 2014 Boxing Consumer TRADE SHOW

At The Hansa Haus Hall – 6650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2B5

Saturday, May 3, 2014 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendors Magazines Boxing Equipment Amateur fighters Professional fighters Fight memorabilia

$ 5.00 in advance $ 8.00 at the door Children 0 - 4 years old free For ticket and Vendor information call: Dameon Okposio at 647-224-2199 Email: okposio@hotmail.com

DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

CANADA’S AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL BOXING MAGAZINE

Each issue is $5.00 Canadian.

No subscription available. Issues available through Chapters Bookstores across Canada or directly from Publisher Dameon Okposio at cost of issue(s) plus postage.

TABLE OF CONTENT 4 6

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Never Count Out The Italian Tank Johnny Mercante Live Amateur Boxing Card Wrap Up – Saturday, April 13, 2013 The Main Event – Trials, Tribulation and Triumph The Secret Weapon – Steve Hayden Professional Profile of Arash Usmanee Amateur Profile of Caitlin Trenholme Mr. Showtime Chris Johnson

Contributing Photographers/ Photos: Pete Doherty

Publisher: Dameon Okposio Writers: Dameon Okposio

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CANADA’S AMATEUR AND BOXING MAGAZINE

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PROFESSIONAL

CHRONICLES OF

CALATO BOAYKE ONTARIO BOXING ASSOCIATION

GOLDEN GLOVES

PROFILE OF KYLIE FALLIS

RICHARD LEWIS ALL THINGS TO BOXING

BOXING TRADE SHOW WRAP UP

2013

DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

ISSUE 29/ $5.00 cdn

twitter: @DOkposio www.dameonokposio.com

Last issue # 29 featured:

Professional boxer Calato Boakye, a review of the OBA Golden Gloves tournament, profile of Kylie Fallis, a wrap up of 2013 Boxing Trade Show and more...

Advertising Dameon Okposio Cover Artwork Aldwin Oliveros

Magazine Design: Afsaneh Safari Khaledi

Editor: Dameon Okposio

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Contributing Writers: Rachael Pfeil

Photography: Durell Wambolt Donald Wambolt

Cover Design: Afsaneh Safari Khaledi

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Mailing Address for : Below The Belt Boxing Magazine 14-30 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 286, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 0C1

Contact: Dameon Okposio

647-224-2199

Web: www.dameonokposio.com Email: okposio@hotmail.com Twitter: @DOkposio Cell: 647-224-2199 Facebook: Below the Belt Boxing Magazine

Canadian heavyweight Bermane Stiverne 23-1-1 (20 KO’s) captured the WBC Silver Heavyweight title with an impressive win against Chris Arreola and then got his copy of Below the Belt boxing magazine.

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NEVER COUNT OUT THE ITALIAN TANK JOHNNY MERCANTE Article by: Rachael Pfeil (written in the first person of Johnny Mercante)

I grew up in the small town of Brantford, Ontario in an old school Italian household with a supportive family, who wanted me to excel. Since I was not particularly academic, I was drawn to competitive sports of all kinds. My father Raeffaele signed me up for soccer when I was 4 and then football when I was 13, and I did well in both. In high school at St. John’s College, I was also on the wrestling team and placed second at the Ontario Winter Games. But it was around the time that most teens start to get in to trouble at school, that I too needed something that involved drive and ambition on a more personal level, that was not for a team but just for me. It was then that my uncle Gino Mercante introduced me to boxing. He was also a boxer for a time, and he even won a Golden Gloves title. Through my uncle I was introduced to Bill Williams, who was the head boxing coach of Brantford’s only boxing club, “Black Eye Boxing Club.”

Boxing gave me an identity, discipline, and work ethic. I remember wanting to be allowed to advance so badly, that I would walk for over an hour each direction to get to practice while my parents were at work. When I learned enough to be allowed to spar, I came alive. Many people shy away from the spotlight, or crumble under the pressure. I thrived on it. I will never forget my first amateur fight, the adrenaline was so intense and I won by unanimous decision.

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Photos by: Durell Wambolt

Through boxing I found my second family. My coach and I talked every day. When we agreed that I would need to lose weight and move from heavyweight to cruiser weight in order to have a chance for a career in boxing, Bill would drive me miles out in to the country and I would run home. We ran in the rain, the snow, up hills, in the blistering heat...I skipped for endless hours. I would wake up early each morning and shadow box in the mirror. I had a short amateur career but wanted to train with my boxing family, who were now all starting to turn professional.

Dropping a weight class was how I convinced him to let me move up, and I’m not sure he believed I had the dedication to lose that much weight until it really happened. Eventually I lost 60 lbs, and from this time on I knew what I wanted. For the last 10 years I have been eating, sleeping and breathing boxing, even while maintaining full time employment I have often trained up to 3 times a day. The road has been full of obstacles, but also full of blessings.

Once I turned pro, I felt like all of my childhood dreams were coming true. It wasn’t easy coming from a small town so we relied on hard work and dedication. I never used the lack of access to the promotions and resources of a big city as an excuse, I just trained harder and got bigger, tougher, stronger...I learned to hit harder. I wanted to prove myself. This is how my name “The Tank” came about; brute strength was always my biggest asset. As my

Fight time. Coach Bill Williams with Johnny Mercante before the first bell rings. skills developed, it became something much more than that- heart. It doesn’t matter what gets thrown at me in a fight, I will never give up.

As my professional boxing career grows, I feel increasingly confident about my skills and abilities.

Every chance I get, I watch old classic fights featuring my heroes like Mike Tyson and George Chuvalo, and some new ones like Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather. One fight in particular really means a lot to me; when Miguel Cotto fought Manny Pacquaio and got knocked down...he looked over at his father who was in his corner, they shared a moment that seemed to represent a mutual understanding of disappointment followed by perseverance, and then he got back up. His father wanted to stop the fight

but decided against it. I remember being so inspired and thinking “that is the kind of fighter I want to be.”

The things that I have been through in life have made me the boxer and the person that I am today, and that’s why I will always get back up. My boxing family looks a little different these days. Bill has retired but him and I are still in contact, and my new team is incredibly supportive and shares my values and ambitions. My head coach is Dameon Okposio, and my strength and conditioning coach is Steve Hayden. I’m feeling stronger than ever and my skill is growing by the day. We are ready for any challenge that might be thrown at us. I’m still young and working hard towards a great career in boxing.

BTB

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LIVE AMATEUR BOXING CARD WRAP UP SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013

Article by: Dameon Okposio Photos by: Durell Wambolt

Dameon Okposio in association with King of the Ring Boxing Club hosted LIVE AMATEUR BOXING at the Hansa Haus Hall in Mississauga on Saturday, April 13, 2013. The event was sanctioned by amateur association Boxing Ontario. It was a sold out event and Ajaz Khan had done a tremendous job matchmaking for the event which resulted in 10 action packed bouts. Music was provided by Jamie Ferris of Soundquest. Below the Belt boxing magazine had relaunched this day in full colour featuring main event boxer, Azeem Khan on the cover, and on the inside Parjit Dhaliwal who was in the first bout of the night. In the audience, were a lot of regulars, new fight fans and those special people of boxing like Marvin Elkind.

Bout 1– Parjit Dhaliwal vs Bradwill Huff The first bout of the night featured King of the Ring boxer Parjit Dhaliwal. At thirteen years old, Parjit started boxing in 2013 and after a loss in his first fight at the Brampton Cup, he looked to turn things around. His opponent was Bradwill Huff from Kayo Boxing Club located in Chatham, Ontario.

The third man in the ring was experienced official Rick Bender. In round one both fighters came out throwing straight punches and head hunting. Both fighters landed punches but midway through the round Parjit became the aggressor and walked Bradwill down. The second round started fast as both youngsters worked to get their punches in.

Parjit took the slight edge in aggression, at one point landing a succession of unanswered blows resulting in a standing eight count for Bradwill who was in distress. The fight was stopped and Parjit Dhaliwal earned the victory.

Parjit Dhaliwal (left) Bradwill Huff (right)

Bout 2– Harman Saran vs Harman Gill

The second bout of the evening featured Harman Saran and Harman Gill, both from King of the Ring Boxing Club in an exhibition match. The third man in the ring was Sean O’Connor as the referee. Both Harman’s matched up well as one took the role of boxer and the other took the role of straight ahead puncher. Both fighters threw good punches and gave an entertaining exhibition of boxing.

6 Parjit Dhaliwal (left) Bradwill Huff (right)

Bout 3– Jake Lindbad vs Kahlil McIntyre The third bout of the evening featured Jake Lindbad from Peterborough Boxing Club against Kahlil McIntyre from HUF Boxing Gym. Jake came out aggressive and utilized a busy jab. Kahlil stayed in a tight defensive pocket and despite giving up height and reach to his taller opponent, Kahlil countered well and looked for his spots to land punches. Rounds two and three were fast paced and Kahlil used Jake’s aggression against him and landed with counters and behind feints. Kahlil McIntyre would end up victorious, earning a win by decision.

Kahlil McIntyre (left) Jake Lindbad (right)

Bout 4– Harry Dhillon vs Earvin Onaqiate Bout four featured Super Heavyweights, Harry Dhillon from Dewith’s Boxing Studio, and Earvin Onaqiate from King of the Ring Boxing Club. The third man in the ring was Rick Bender. Round one started and it was straight to business for both of these fighters. Earvin had great movement and used his jab, while Harry kept his movement to a minimum and utilized his jab behind a high guard.

Round two continued much like round one. While Earvin threw more punches, Harry landed more because Earvin kept both of his hands at his chest or lower. At the end of the second round, Harry landed two devastating right hands flush to the head of Earvin that put him in trouble. Earvin’s corner threw in the towel just as the referee was mid count into an eight count and upon noticing the towel, the ref waved an end to the action.

Harry Dhillon won the fight by second round TKO.

Earvin Onaqiate (left) Harry Dhillon (right)

Bout 5– Jordan MacCue vs Muhammad Shahid The fifth match of the evening featured well conditioned boxers Jordan MacCue from Peterborough Boxing Club and Muhammad Shahid from King of the Ring Boxing Club. The fight was fought at a fast pace and both boxers had their moments hurting one another. The second round was much like the first round with both fighters throwing with abandon and bad intentions. Both boxers showed heart and conditioning as they kept a high intensity pace right into the third round.

Muhammad Shahid (left) Jordan MacCue (right)

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Muhammad received an eight count in the third but battled back hard afterwards. Jordan MaCue took command of the fight and walked away with the decision victory.

Bout 6– Sukhpreet Singh vs Heather Hopkins Two experienced ladies laced up the gloves for the sixth bout of the evening. Sukhpreet Singh from King of the Ring Boxing Club took on Heather Hopkins from Cabbagetown Youth Boxing Club. Rick Bender was the third man in the ring. Heather came out like a buzz saw throwing a volume of punches, while Sukhpreet kept calm behind a high guard and picked her spots to counter. Sukhpreet seemed to sit down more on her punches and looked to be landing with more authority through the rounds. Sukhpreet Singh was the winner by decision.

Heather Hopkins (left) Sukhpreet Singh (right)

Bout 7– Mantaj Dhaliwal vs Jonathon Martin Mantaj Dhaliwal from King of the Ring Boxing Club fought Jonathon Martin from Uptown Boxing Club in what was arguably the most entertaining bout of the evening.

Bout 8– Sukhraj Hundal vs Matthew Swayers Bout eight was a competitive bout between Sukhraj Hundal of King of the Ring Boxing Club and Matthew Swayers of HUF Boxing Gym. Two evenly matched boxers that fought hard for the duration of their fight. Sukhraj Hundal pulled out the win in a hard fought bout that went the distance.

Marvin Elkind takes in a night at the fights with friends.

Bout 9– Badal Kaushal vs Jeevan Dosanjh Badal Kaushal, whose story can be read in issue 28 of Below the Belt boxing magazine, represented CESBA (Canadian Emergency Services Boxing Association).

It was Badal’s first boxing, match and he faced Jeevan Dosanjh from King of the Ring Boxing Club in the ninth fight of the evening. The boxers were anxious and ready to go. From the first bell Badal was like a Tasmanian devil throwing a whirlwind of punches. Jeevan stood his ground and mixed it up with Badal but as the rounds progressed, Jeevan used good footwork to utilize the perimeter of the

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Badal Kaushal waits eagerly in his corner for his bout to start.

ring. Badal had a point deducted in the third round for pulling Jeevan’s head down. The point wouldn’t be detrimental due to the sheer volume of punches Badal had thrown throughout the fight. Badal Kaushal won the match by decision.

Bout 10– Azeem Khan vs Fabricio Portillo The main event of the night featured a rematch of sorts. Earlier in the year, Sunday, March 3, 2013, Azeem had defeated Fabricio at the Provincial Championships in Toronto. A feat even more impressive when you consider that Azeem won four fights in four days, facing Fabricio last in the tournament. This night Azeem Khan represented King of the Ring Boxing Club and fought Fabricio Portillo from TNT Boxing Club in an anticipated match that Fabricio had wanted since the Provincials. The match was a measured chess match but Fabricio took the edge and it was noticeably due to his conditioning.

Fabricio looked more toned and focused this time around. Rounds two and three erupted into firefights with flurries of combinations launched by both sides.

The crowd in attendance cheered and shouted throughout the fight. In the end Fabricio Portillo pulled it out and won by decision. BTB

Fabricio Portillo (left and below) Azeem Khan (right)

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Saturday, August 10, 2013

THE

MAIN EVENT

Buffalo Wild Wings Hot Wings Eating Competition

CAR SHOW AND LIVE AMATEUR BOXING Article by: Dameon Okposio Photos by: Donald Wambolt

Trials, Tribulation and Triumph When you have over ten years of promoting various types of events, music, boxing, fundraisers; you learn that your team is as important as the event. “DO” (Dameon Okposio) may be on all my promotional material but I am fully aware that without my team, the magic doesn’t happen. This was the largest promotional undertaking for “DO” in the last decade and a special team was needed. I sought out the good guys, the hustlers in the game: Durell Wambolt, Donald Wambolt, Richard Lewis, Sarah Stone, Rosco Lewis, Wayne Proctor, Kourey Proctor, Brodie Boone, Clench and the High Rollaz Car Crew.

The day was designed to have an Ontario Boxing Association amateur boxing show during the day in conjunction with a car show and a professional boxing show in the evening. We encountered a lot of resistance from what I could simply describe as haters and cowards. Haters by my definition are jealous people that think that they should be the only game in town, and or people who work harder

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to bring you down than they would work to build something of their own.

The Ontario Athletic Commission was a huge obstacle. I had all of the money for the event in advance, including fighter purses, knockout fees and insurance, however, when I first met with Ken Hayashi, the Athletic Commissioner, almost a year prior to the event, he initially said everything he could to dissuade me from putting on the professional boxing show. He would not except matches from me earlier than he specified. I had a matchmaker from Quebec and a well-known matchmaker from New York but he insisted on one of two matchmakers from Ontario and only wanted to be contacted by them. I never received my promoter’s licence that I had paid for months in advance and two weeks before the bout Ken Hayashi, Catherine Lin and Luke Kotyk were all out of the office for more than a week leaving no one to accept fighter medicals or bouts. To top it off Mr. Hayashi stated to me that he received a letter from someone at Boxing Ontario

Winner of car raffle and fully loaded BMW, Danny S.

stating that the amateur show was an illegal show.

On the Tuesday of the week of the event, 5 days prior, Ken Hayashi insisted on meeting me at a Burger King in the south end of Mississauga around 10 pm to say that he wasn’t going sanction the professional show.

My unflinching response was the show had to go on. The Ontario Boxing Association (OBA) a great amateur association was ready to assist. I was able to get another sanction for a second amateur show on the same day and Brodie Boone did his magic as a matchmaker making several matches for the daytime show and the evening show that replaced the professional boxing show. The senior elite headliner had two of the OBA’s best amateurs fighting with no tank tops and no head gear. The car show was put together with the partnership of the High Rollaz car crew.

The day of the event, it was perfect. The weather was great, and the execution of the event was flawless. The Brampton Powerade Centre was the home of the event. The facility was very professional and just added to the event. With a 5000 seat capacity, there were a lot of empty seats

with all of the negative campaigning and rumours of the event being cancelled. Those that didn’t attend missed out. The amateur show started on time and the bouts were action packed. Bout after bout accompanied by the music of Neal Welch from Soundquest. In total, there were 15 bouts for the day, headlined in the evening by two experienced and exciting boxers, Rambo Abbas vs T.J. Post.

Outside, the car show ran all day with cars coming throughout the day. The car show was free to the public and outdoor spectators were treated to the musical styling of three different deejays; DJ Freshcut DeMayor from CHRY 105.5FM, DJ R.Y.A.N. and Dextrous One who holds the Guinness world record as the youngest DJ. Attendees were wowed with two hours of magic by illusionist RAYN (pronounced Rain), and the crowds were entertained by a live hip hop performance by rising rap artist FIN-S. The entertainment continued as sponsor Buffalo Wild Wings hosted a hot wing eating contest. The contestants filled their stomachs with the best wings in town and the winner walked away with a cash prize. Ticketholders won prizes all day and the event was topped off with a raffle for a fully loaded 2001 BMW. The event was a success and

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despite the negativity and sabotage. The day represented the best and worst in boxing. It showed the will, determination and class of the boxers, the sanctioning organization, volunteers and organizers, but it also showed how petty some people in the sport of boxing are. You can’t escape negativity, you just have to rise above it and as long as you are determined, no one can stop you. BTB

D.J. Freshcut De Mayor spinning records at the Main Event

Dextrous One, the youngest D.J., shows off his skills at the Main Event.

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D.J. Freshcut interviews Dameon Okposio about the Main Event weeks prior to the event.

John Wakely waked away with trophy and cash prize for Best of Show

DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

D A M EO N

O K P O S I O

P R E S E N T S :

The 2014 Boxing Consumer TRADE SHOW

At The Hansa Haus Hall – 6650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2B5

Saturday, May 3, 2014 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendors Magazines Boxing Equipment Amateur fighters Professional fighters Fight memorabilia

$ 5.00 in advance $ 8.00 at the door Children 0 - 4 years old free For ticket and Vendor information call: Dameon Okposio at 647-224-2199 Email: okposio@hotmail.com

Steve Hayden with Russ Anber

Steve Hayden poses with Pedro DeMelo Article by: Dameon Okposio

Hayden holds Pedro De Melo’s feet during an intense ab workout

THE

Secret Weapon

Photos by: Durell Wambolt

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hen professional fighters want an edge, his phone rings like Batman’s bat phone. With an impressive track record of results, helping fighters become World Champions, helping fighters shed massive amounts of weight in a safe and controlled matter, or adding mass while keeping speed, Steve Hayden has become one of the most sought out strength and conditioning coaches for professional fighters. A well kept secret in the past, he’s a secret no more after successful partnerships with world class boxers Lennox Lewis, Troy Ross, Artur Binkowski, Steve Molitor and Andrew Kooner. The list of fighters goes on and on and reads like a who’s who of Canadian boxing.

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wner, creator and President of Nu Shape Canada Inc, Hayden has been training high performance athletes since 1987. Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Hayden and his family relocated to Canada when he was just three years old and they settled in Kitchener, Ontario. Hayden showed a keen interest in wrestling from the age of eleven and from grade seven right through to highschool Steve excelled at wrestling and won numerous championships,

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– Steve Hayden

including the Ontario’s, Regional and County titles.

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t the age of sixteen, Hayden ventured into Gold’s Gym on King Street in downtown Kitchener to build his strength for wrestling. Gold’s Gym is where Steve met Mr. Canada, Gary Dietrich. Dietrich won the Canada Cup in 1993 at Light-Heavyweight and was a seasoned bodybuilder who saw potential in a young Hayden. Dietrich suggested to Hayden that he had the genetics to go far in bodybuilding and a spark was ignited. Dietrich would take Hayden under his wing and show him the abc’s of bodybuilding from sculpting to nutrition. Steve was an eager student and learned how to train properly, winning Mr. Niagara in his first bodybuilding competition.

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he awards and accomplishments would continue to come but Hayden had the foresight to add to and refine his extensive knowledge. Steve attended Conestoga College and Wilfred Laurier University earning his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and took numerous nutrition courses through Great Earth Vitamin and Nutrition school. His combative and competitive background in wrestling, intellectual

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From left to right: World class manager and boxing promoter James Jardine; The Russian Tank, Artem Lipanov; and Steve Hayden

knowledge of human physiology and nutrition as well as the hands on forging of the human body as a competitive bodybuilder gave Hayden a complete set of tools to help any fighter maximize their potential.

Hayden has built a reputable business and while a large percentage of his clients are professional businessmen, fighters continue to constantly seek him out.

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he current professional boxers Steve Hayden trains are Johnny Mercante, Pedro DeMelo,

DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

Natalie Brown, and Tyler Asselstine. Hayden is known as a quiet and reserved man but his workouts are intense and legendary, and the results over the years have been impressive and consistent. Boxing is part knowledge and part fitness. Most fighters get the knowledge of how to box and the basics of fitness but if you can get an expert in fitness on your side like Steve Hayden, then you have a secret weapon.

BTB.

“If Boxing Is Dead, Iʼm What the Doctor Ordered.”

Saturday, May 03, 2014 11 AM- 5 PM

BOXING TRADE SHOW $5.00 in advance, $8.00 at the door

6650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario

Call Dameon Okposio for details (647)

224-2199

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Professional Profile of

ARASH USMANEE Article by: Dameon Okposio Photos by: Durell Wambolt

More and more, there is a larger contingent of Canadian fighters progressing in the international professional boxing scene and super featherweight stand out Arash Usmanee is an example of Canada’s talent.

His hard work culminated in an IBF super featherweight title fight on Friday Night Fights promoted

by Iron Mike Promotions on August 23, 2013. It was Mike Tyson’s first promotion. Usmanee, ranked #13 by the IBF would face the current IBF (International Boxing Federation) champion Argenis Mendez. It was Mendez’s first defence of the title since he defeated Juan Carlos Salgado to earn the belt.

Usmanee was coming off of a controversial loss to Rances Barthelemy in a title eliminator on January 4, 2013. Many felt that Usmanee was robbed in the Barthelemy fight but the loss didn’t stop Usmanee from earning his shot. Usmanee has shown great persistence in and out of the ring and that may be a bi-product of the positive way he dealt with adversity in own life growing up.

Arash was born in 1982 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

When he was 6 years old, his father was killed by a Russian rocket during the Soviet war. His family emigrated to Alberta Canada in 1994 and he started boxing in high school. Usmanee turned professional in 2009, moving to and living in Montreal. Arash started off as an active professional, fighting 4

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times in 2009 and 6 times in 2010 and 2011.

Usmanee has gained fans and the attention of the boxing community with his all-action pressure style.

Usmanee has a great jab that he uses to the head or body but he also has a wide variety of punches.

The only criticism of Usmanee that has been heard is that defensively, he doesn’t move much and can get countered when he is overly aggressive. The defensive lapses were capitalized on by Argenis Mendez in their bout. Usmanee was there through every step of the bout and while he was hurt at the end of the fight, he also hurt Mendez at the end of the fight as well. The result of the fight was a majority draw. It was a great fight, very exciting, yet some also considered the draw controversial and felt that it should have been a win for Mendez. Usmanee has now been the victim and benefactor of what some in the boxing community call controversial decisions. Either way Arash’s will, determination and punching ability is without question .

Arash is currently trained by former WBA light heavyweight world champion, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Usmanee’s style and aggression would match up well against any of the current world champions at 130 pounds: WBA Champion Takashi Uchiyama 20-0 (17 KO’s), WBO Champion - Rocky Martinez 27-1-2 (16 KO’s), and WBC Champion - Takashi Miura 26-2-2 (19 KO’s). BTB

DO DAMEON OKPOSIO

D A M EO N

O K P O S I O

P R E S E N T S :

The 2014 Boxing Consumer TRADE SHOW

At The Hansa Haus Hall – 6650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2B5

Saturday, May 3, 2014 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendors Magazines Boxing Equipment Amateur fighters Professional fighters Fight memorabilia

$ 5.00 in advance $ 8.00 at the door Children 0 - 4 years old free For ticket and Vendor information call: Dameon Okposio at 647-224-2199 Email: okposio@hotmail.com

Amateur Profile of CAITLIN TRENHOLME Article by: Dameon Okposio Photos: Durell Wambolt and HUF gym

Traditionally women have started in boxing at a later age with most being in their 30’s looking for a way to lose weight or add something to a regular fitness program. Over the last decade the sport has progressed tremendously, with young girls taking an interest in the sweet science earlier, and now amateur females can showcase their talents on an international scale at the Olympics. One young lady that is making waves in the sport is aspiring amateur boxer Caitlin Trenholme.

Caitlin had an athletic start to life when as young as three, she was strapping on skis. At the age of 6 she was in ballet and at the age of 10, she was racing down hills as a competitive skier. Caitlin’s father boxed for fitness and both of her parents felt that training in boxing would strengthen her core for skiing. At the age of 12, Caitlin walked into HUF Executive Fitness and started to train.

Caitlin started off with classes and the one she did was called the young hero’s class which was geared towards youth from 5 years old to 17 years old.

Caitlin trained under Steve Cabral and Olga Heron for a year and the then started sparring. She did well and her coaches suggested that she get her licence and compete.

Caitlin was up to the challenge but it took a while to find a fight because of her age and weight. Andrew and Olga Heron, owners of HUF gym, took over training Caitlin and a fight eventually materialized in 2011 at a fight card hosted by her home gym, HUF. Caitlin was 15 at the time and she remembers being very nervous. She didn’t know if she would get hurt or if she would do well, but after the bell rang, the butterflies went away and she felt more confident. The fight went well but Caitlin lost the bout.

Although disappointed, the loss made Caitlin want to work harder. She was in the gym five days a week. She stopped playing other competitive sports and focused mainly on boxing. She still had problems getting fights and her second fight didn’t take place until November 2012. The fight was in Orangeville, Ontario on the Bigtyme boxing card. This time she was more prepared going into the fight. She knew what to expect but was still nervous. The fight was one of the first bouts on the card. She was victorious and elated.

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Andrew and Olga Heron are both experienced amateur boxers and Olga Heron foght professional. Their experience is paying off with Caitlin.

There would be no delays between fights this time.

Caitlin’s third fight was the next day in Tilbury, Ontario. Although she had just fought, she was still nervous and during the pre-fight medicals the doctor almost didn’t let the fight happen. Compounding her nervousness was the fact that Caitlin’s opponent had her game face on. She looked very confident and Caitlin felt that she may have been giving her an intimidating look. Ultimately Caitlin did fight and she did win. She now knew that this was something that she wanted to pursue seriously. As soon as she found out that women’s boxing was allowed at the Olympics, it strengthened her resolve.

Caitlin started her first steps on her path to greater goals when she won the provincials in 2013. This made her eligible for the Nationals in Quebec that took place in November 2013. She defeated her opponents to win the tournament and become the Canadian Champion in the 56 kg category.

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Accomplishments: 2012 Ringside Youth World Champion 2012 Brampton Cup. Novice Champion 2012 Toronto Pro Super Show Champion 2014 Ontario Provincial Champion 2014 Canadian Champion Caitlin is currently aiming for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, followed by the Olympics and a professional career. Judging by her dedication, it seems like she is on her way. BTB

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MR. SHOWTIME CHRIS JOHNSON, From Under The Lights To Behind The Scenes Article by: Dameon Okposio Photos by: Durell Wambolt

Johnson lifts Molitor after another victory

The knickname “Mr. Showtime” applies as much to Chris Johnson today as it did when he fought. If you heard him explain it, he would say that he had difficulty expressing himself as a kid, and boxing brought him out of his shell.

Well, once the beast was unleashed it wasn’t going back and Johnson has been making noise in the sport ever since. From accomplished amateur, to world ranked professional, budding actor and entrepreneur, Johnson has used his will and skill to make things happen.

Born in Manchester, Jamaica, Chris moved to Canada at the age of eight. Chris was raised in Kitchener, Ontario with his three brothers Greg, Wayne and Kevin, and two sisters, Angelina and Nicole. His brothers, Greg and Wayne boxed and introduced him to the sport at the age of 9. Chris took to the sport as though he was meant to box. Under the tutelage of boxing coach Arnie Boehm, Chris amassed an incredible amateur record of more than 250 fights.

Amateur Accomplishments: 1988 Italian Open Champion

Chris Johnson holds hand pads for Steve Molitor

1988 Findland Open (Silver) 1989 Canada Cup Champion 1990 Goodwill Games (Bronze) 1990 Commonwealth Games Champion 1991 Canada Cup Champion 1991 World Amateur Championships (Bronze) 1991 Pan-Am Games (Silver) 1992 Olympic Games (Bronze)

Chris Johnson in his prime executing a right hand to his opponents jaw

Chris reached the pinnacle of amateur boxing which is the Olympics. He attended the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona Spain. The boxing took place in the old “Pavello Club Joventut de Badalona” in Barcelona between July 26, 1992 to August 9, 1992.

Chris defeated Mohamed Siluvangi from Zaire by TKO in the third round. He advanced and defeated Stefan Trendafilov from Bulgaria by TKO in round 1. Chris would earn the bronze medal after losing by decision to Chris Byrd. (Chris Byrd would take the silver medal and go on to a professional career, winning the IBF Heavyweight Championship of the World).

After the Olympics, Johnson sought out a professional boxing career. Chris trained with Bill Miller, the former trainer of James “Lights Out” Toney, a three time world champion. Chris made his pro debut in Atlantic City, New Jersey, fighting at Trump Castle on February 28,

1993. He defeated undefeated Berry Butler by TKO in the third round. That would launch an impressive pro career where Chris ran his record to 18-0 before his first defeat at the hands of Herol “Bomber” Graham, arguable one of Britain’s best boxers. Chris beat a number of world class boxers but ended his career when he was defeated by Antonio Tarver in 2001, walking away from the pro game with a 26-3-1 (14 KO’s) pro record.

Professional Accomplishments: WBF World Light Heavyweight Title NABF Light Heavyweight Title Chris Johnson met his wife Natalie Brown when he was training in Atlanta. She walked into the same gym that he was training at. He saw the desire and

Natalie Brown goes on the attack against Tammie Johnson

Natalie Brown stops her opponent in 2 rounds on December 1, 2012

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raw talent that Natalie had when she first laced up the gloves. At that time, he was fighting and couldn’t help her himself, so he put her onto trainer, Johnny Gant. Gant was a wise coach that knew the ins and the outs of the fight game. When Chris stopped boxing, he trained Natalie himself and guided her to a decorated amateur career. Natalie left amateur boxing with a 54-3 amateur boxing record before embarking on professional boxing career.

Chris is a passionate coach and likes to develop athletes. He worked with countless boxers and children but kept an arms distance at the beginning of Natalie’s pro career. Natalie and Chris wed in Jamaica and accomplished trainer, Jerome Coffee coached Natalie. They had a successful collaboration and together went 4-0 (3 KO’s). Johnson would take over as Natalie’s trainer eventually and while there has been inactivity in her career, she has remained sharp

Chris Johnson holds hand pads for Trinity Wambolt

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as she proved in her last fight on December 1, 2012, when she dispatched her opponent at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario in two rounds. Natalie Brown 6-2 (4 KO’s) was unable to secure any fights in 2013 but looks to compete at the end of February 2014.

Chris Johnson currently trains fighters out of Kim’s Gym at 170 Lakeshore Road West in Mississauga. He continues to work with up and coming amateurs and professional fighters, bringing his experience and knowledge to try and develop them into world class athletes. Chris used those skills to guide his most notable fighter, Steve Molitor to a world title in 2006, and Chris looks to use those same skills to move his talented amateur boxers to the upcoming Pan-Am Games in Toronto, Ontario in 2015. BTB

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The 2014 Boxing Consumer TRADE SHOW

At The Hansa Haus Hall – 6650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2B5

Saturday, May 3, 2014 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendors Magazines Boxing Equipment Amateur fighters Professional fighters Fight memorabilia

$ 5.00 in advance $ 8.00 at the door Children 0 - 4 years old free For ticket and Vendor information call: Dameon Okposio at 647-224-2199 Email: okposio@hotmail.com