Demers Boxing packed a knockout punch Saturday night (Oct. 17), delivering a night of hard-hitting action, rising talent and championship-calibre bouts at Knocktoberfist 2, its second dinner gala held at the Meadow Lake Civic Centre. In addition to local talent, the event featured boxers from Regina, Saskatoon, Lac la Biche and Cold Lake while the main event featured a fighter who came all the way from Greeley, Colorado.
“Kicking the show off were two teammates when Avery Neale took on Adie Friesen in an exhibition match,” remarked Quenten Demers of the Rapid View-based Demers Boxing. “Both really gave it their all. They both boxed well and got an opportunity to showcase their improvements over the last 10 months.” Next up, Caden Friesen of Demers Boxing battled his training partner, Will Lenko, in another exhibition fight. “Both of these boys really boxed well and each had their moments in this fun box bout – Lenko with his speed and flurries, and Caden with his big power shots,” Demers said. The third bout of the evening saw Luke Lenko of Demers Boxing take on Zeke Keeler from the Kopas Boxing Club in Saskatoon in a competitive matchup. “Lenko faced Keeler a few weeks ago, losing a decision to Keeler at the Kopas Boxing Pro Am show held at Dakota Dunes,” Demers explained. “This time, Lenko took direction and implemented the game plan, beating Zeke handily. Luke is a really competitive kid. He’s got loads of potential. The sky’s the limit for this kid. Not only did Luke win a unanimous decision over Keeler, but he was selected as the best junior boxer of the show, which earned him a custom belt. I’m really proud of this kid.”
Next on the card was Tommy “Gun “ Dvoracek who Demers said lived up to his moniker by peppering his opponent, Everett Fehr of Titans Boxing in Cold Lake. “Tommy was able to keep his opponent’s back to the ropes and really get to work,” Demers said. “Everett was no slouch. He was able to get some good work in as well. Both of these boys put on an interesting exhibition bout.” Kody Coullioneur of Demers Boxing took the stage next to face the undefeated Ethan Frostad boxing out of the Kopas Boxing Club. “Kody was able to cut the ring off and get inside using a strong high guard,” Demers noted. “Frostad failed to really land many clean shots. Kody on the other hand was able to unleash nasty combos on the inside, putting Frostad down to the canvas at the end of the first round. It didn’t take Kody long to get the job done in the second round, putting him down twice more. I’m really proud of Kody. He’s a great athlete who’s really coachable. This young man has got potential. This was Kody’s fifth bout and two of the last three have resulted in referee stoppages.” Next, the co-main event saw Jacey Kasakan of Kopas Boxing take on Canadian silver medalist and 2026 Canadian national champion Jayden St. Croix of Titans Boxing. “Jacey was able to outfight Jayden,” Demers said. “I’m not sure how Jacey wasn’t picked for best boxer of the evening after beating the champ.”
Meanwhile, the other co-main event saw Havanna Demers of Demers Boxing face Braylynn Ramirez of Greeley Colorado. “Havanna started off well, fending off an aggressive Ramirez with movement and a good one-two,” Quenten Demers stated. “Havanna was gassed after the first round. Normally, she’s got a huge gas tank. The second round was much the same with Ramirez coming forward, Havanna circling away and keeping her jab and one-two in Braylynn’s face. Both rounds were ultra competitive. The third round saw Ramirez really find a gear. She came out swinging and Havanna, exhausted, could not deal with the pressure and had to stand her ground and trade. She took some big shots in the third, but kept fighting back until the last moment of the round. Ramirez won it fair and square in the third. My hat is off to her. She’s tough.”
Demers went on to say that’s why she was invited to compete in Meadow Lake. “Havanna had complications coming in and still went toe-to-toe with Ramirez,” he added. “She wanted to put on a show for everyone. I’m so proud of her for stepping up against world class competition. I was sad for her to lose, but Ramirez earned it fair and square. Although she lost, Havanna boxed well until she ran out of steam. The rest of our club made a statement. They are now not just prepped to compete at the provincial level, but I believe we have a roster we can win titles with, as well as one who aspires to continue to compete at the world stage.” In closing, Demers acknowledged everyone who made Saturday’s boxing card a success. “We would like to thank all the sponsors who bought tables, all the spectators, Jon Blatz Roofing for not only a table but sponsorship for gym equipment and Just like Mom’s Catering for really knocking it out of the park with a delicious meal and concession,” he said. “We thank everyone in the community for their support.”