Boxing card Saturday night at MTCC
Francis to headline Membertou Toe-to-Toe fight card
Aaron Francis has put in plenty of hours in the gym to prepare for Saturday’s main event bout, but it’s his training elsewhere that may be just as beneficial.
The 23-year-old from Membertou is a lobster fisherman by trade, and hauling traps on the boat for hours on end is as good a workout as any.
“My captain calls it Rocky Balboa training,” he said with a laugh. “You’re hauling 100pound traps 275 times a day, I definitely feel the strength build.
“I can’t notice the difference, but the guys I spar with say I’m hitting harder.”
Francis hopes to get his claws on a victory against Oshane Allen of Toronto on Saturday’s Toe-to-Toe fight card hosted by the Membertou Boxing Club under the bright lights of the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.
The 6-3 fighter credits his reach as one of his strengths in the ring. He sports a 3-1 record and took home a silver medal from the Brampton Cup in Ontario last year.
Francis aims to fight at nationals some day, but also looks to inspire young people to come to the Membertou club and give boxing a try. It’s his first bout in front of his home community since he began fighting two years ago.
“I want to inspire young people to come in and give them a safe place to come and do something positive, get them off the streets,” he said. “Even if I could motivate one or two kids to come in here and stay away from trouble, that’s good enough for me.”
Membertou Boxing Club coach Greg Martin said hosting a fight card is good motivation for his fighters.
“It’s essential to get as much competition as we can get to keep these guys active and keep them sharp,” he said.
Doors for Saturday’s event open at 7 p.m., with bouts to begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets are on sale at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre box office or by calling 902-539-2300.
Many of the fighters will be in action again on Sunday in Eskasoni for the Red Tribe Boxing Club’s card at 4 p.m. at the school gymnasium.