Ryan Graham, Observer Reporter
2 Rivers Boxing Club had a strong performance April 14 in Fort St. John with all four of their competitors showing what Quesnel boxers have to offer. The club sent James Mott, Rylan Maurice, Landon Schwartz and Emmett Emblau,who all showed their skills in the ring as they built off of their performances from Rumble 22 in Quesnel.
The first match saw Emblau face off against Zach Bower of Grand Prairie in a close contest which saw Bower come away with the split decision. Emblau although facing a lot of disadvantages in the fight, with Bower having the height, age and weight advantage, did not let it deter him during the bout.
He showed off his speed and quickness and was on mark with his jab, delivering a number of accurate shots throughout the match.
“He gave it everything he possibly could and landed a number of punches and gave 100 per cent in each round,” Head coach Wally Doern said.
Emblau has made big strides since his first competitive match and other coaches around B.C. have taken notice.
“A number of coaches have told him that with his head movement and speed in the ring he is going to be a big star,” Doern said.
“That’s quite possible because he is just a natural in the ring.”
The next contest featured Maurice who took on Connor Simagora of Fort St. John in an entertaining initiation bout.
“The other boy was quite aggressive and he backed Rylan up quite a few times,” Doern said.
He adds Maurice has good combinations but needs to use them more.
“Rylan has good jabs and straight rights which would have slowed the other boy down but he hesitated. I wanted Rylan to be more assertive in the match but we will work on that.”
Schwartz was next up for 2 Rivers in another initiation bout which saw him go up against Elvis Walter in a thrilling contest. This was Schwartz’ second competitive bout with his first coming at Rumble 22 in Quesnel and showed great strides as he improved in a number of areas.
Doern said he controlled the pace of the bout in the first round but by the third you could tell he was running out of gas. He adds both Maurice and Schwartz have a great future ahead of them.
“Both these boys have a lot of potential and it’s my job now to bring it out,” Doern said.
“Landon is a hard puncher and can pick his spots and Rylan has to be more assertive when he has the opportunity to score.”
The last match of the night saw James Mott face off against Ray Brown from Grand Prairie in a rematch from the Golden Gloves Championship in Quesnel in 2016, with Mott getting the unanimous decision.
“Right away I came up with a plan once I saw how his opponent started to box,” Doern said.
“His opponent would leave his jab out there are I told James, that is your signal to throw a straight right or a jab. He also outworked Ray in the match.”
Doern also mentioned he is excited to see how Olin Lee will do at nationals which will take place in Quebec City April 24 – 30.
“The odds are tough for him because he is a first year youth and will be boxing second year youths, but Olin is not afraid to be the underdog and has had impressive performances in that role,” Doern said.
It was another great showing by 2 Rivers boxers as they showed what Quesnel boxers have to offer and will only improve as they gain more experience in the ring.
