Boxing event to revive Acadian fan base
Former QMJHL tough guy Kevin Cormier of Cap-Pelé makes pro debut
As the biggest boxing event the Town of Shediac has ever seen approaches, promoter Dwayne Storey has made the revival of the Acadian support for the sport a priority.
Over the past two years, the New Generation Boxing promoter has been diligently building Shediac Fight Fest 2011, a star-studded, nine-bout card slated for Aug. 6 in the Festival Arena with 10 francophone fighters from the region entering the ring.
In the latter part of the 20th century, a number of Acadian fighters made headway into the world of boxing. However, the movement retreated significantly at their turn of the century and Storey intentionally sought francophone fighters to resuscitate it.
He recalled when the late Yvon Durelle had tremendous success in the 1950s. The Baie-Ste-Anne native topped out the world rankings at No. 3 in 1958. Decades later, Memramcook's Jacques LeBlanc entered the scene in the 1980s, winning the Canadian middleweight title in 1989 in front of a sold out crowd in Moncton.Both fighters developed a strong cult-like following during their careers.
"I know there was a fan base that was kind of dormant for a long time. There was a boxing following in the days those guys were fighting, so we've awakened that I think," Storey explained.
"People are getting excited about boxing again."
One of the challenges New Generation Boxing faced was not only reeling in Acadian boxers, but Acadian boxers that would, in turn, reel in the crowds.
By chance, the perfect personnel fell into Storey's lap.
The club often works with current and former major junior hockey players in the offseason, one of which is Cap-Pelé's Patrice Cormier. The Winnipeg Jets forward handed Storey the contact for his brother Kevin, a local fighter and former Halifax Mooseheads tough guy.
"I'm always promoting, always trying to think of a guy who could have future in the sport of boxing and who people love to watch of course," said Storey.It was a match made in heaven. Cormier was more than excited to lose hockey skates and strap on the boxing gloves and Storey had his prized attraction: a renowned fighter and a local francophone star.
"He was the heavyweight champ for (Halifax) and of course when he came to Moncton to play against the Wildcats, the local fans would get to the game."Cormier will face Saint John heavyweight Jeff Lundberg in his first professional bout.
Joining Cormier on the impressive card is the No. 10 ranked heavyweight boxex in Canada, Julien Collette. The Bouctouche fighter is looking to improve on his 6-1 record and continue his streak of three straight knockout victories. It will be far from an easy task for the local star as he challenges Prince Edward Island's monster. MMA veteran Matt Acorn stands at six-foot-five and tips the scales at 240 pounds.
As the pair will duke it out for the eastern heavyweight crown, Storey gave the edge to Collette's boxing background."I think a boxer always has an advantage over a MMA fighter if they're boxing."
However, Acorn's definite size and reach advantage could pose problems for the Acadian bruiser. Acorn, too, will be carrying momentum into the ring, having won his last two fights.
"When you're talking heavyweights, one punch can change everything," said Storey. "It's going to be Julien's biggest challenge because it's the biggest opponent he's ever faced. This guy is huge."
The nine-fight lineup is one that boasts six fights worthy of main event status, according to Storey. He said developing the local fighters has increased interest in the sport and the club is already reaping the benefits.
"I'm excited because business has evolved over the past couple of years where we could put a show on of that magnitude," said Storey."Now we've reached the point where we can have one night with several title matches."
The other bouts are:
Chris Norrad of Boiestown vs. Dale Simmonds of Moncton (Maritimes Cruiserweight Championship)Eric Roy of St. Basile vs. Jonah Arbuckle of Moncton (Eastern Canadian Super-Middleweight Championship)Emile Arsenault of Shediac vs. Russ LeBlanc of Bouctouche (N.B. Cruiserweight Championship)Mark Sock of Elsipogtog vs. Sylvain Roy of St. Basile (N.B. Heavyweight Championship)Travis Connors of Miramichi vs. Guy Desforges of Eel River Crossing (Maritime Light-Heavyweight Championship)Patrick Arsenault of Shediac vs. Jeff Black of Cape Breton
He mentioned tickets were selling at an abnormally fast pace compared to previous events, which he couldn't even sell out. There are only five VIP tables presently remaining.
Tickets are available at Frank's Music in Moncton, Try us Video and Gaudet Grovery in Cap-Pelé, Johanne's Video in Bouctouche, Bayou and CC's Lounge in Shediac or by calling 961-4265.
This article was taken from: http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com
