By Scott Roblin

Local boxers showcased at Nieman/Page Memorial Card event

Jan 21, 2018 | 7:46 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A packed house at the Clarion Hotel over the weekend to watch some of western Canada’s top boxing talents.

The 14th annual Nieman/Page Boxing Card was held on Saturday and Sunday, featuring around 90 athletes from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

On Saturday night, the main event in the 152 pound bracket featured national contender and Medicine Hat native Janick Lacroix battle Jonathan Hannah from Vancouver.

The first two rounds were controlled by Lacroix keeping Hannah along the ropes, but the Vancouverite fought back in the third round with a few big shots with his right hand.

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After deliberating, the judges awarded the victory to Hannah by split-decision.

Lacroix said he was thrown off by Hannah’s fighting style in the early rounds and had to try to adapt.

“First and second round, found out he was pretty awkward,” said Lacroix. “So, I tried to do some adjustments. Third round, got him in the corner and hit him in the body and that was working for my. But, lost in a close split-decision.”

It was a surprising loss to say the least, as Lacroix is the reigning provincial champion and national silver medallist in his age group.

Despite Saturday’s loss, Lacroix said he was pleased with his bout and appreciated the support shown from the hometown crowd.

“Felt pretty good, felt good having everyone there watching,” he said. “I thought I fought a pretty hard battle.”

Just before Lacroix’s and Hannah’s match, it was Medicine Hat newcomer Logan Lindsay squaring off against Cochrane’s Farid Mandani in the 160 pound division.

Less than a minute into the fight, it appeared as though Mandani suffered an injury to his left shoulder.

After a short break, the duo squared off again with Lindsay landing a few big punches before Mandani stopped the match again holding his left arm.

Officials decided to end the match at that point, handing a first round victory to the hometown product Lindsay.

He said although it was a short fight, he was able to get things going following Mandani’s first stoppage.

“I felt a little bit more confident after he went down the first time, still not knowing,” said Lindsay. “He looked tough, he’s a good fighter, not used to a southpaw.”

Other results on Saturday night involving local fighters included J.P. Guerra defeating Bindloss’ Ryan Niwa by TKO in the second round, while veteran Jamie Deveau lost his 185 pound matchup with Chase Willford.