Two Weyburn boxers from the Soo Line Boxing Club competed strongly at the Western Canadian Championship tournament in Winnipeg over the weekend. Fighters from Saskatchewan to B.C. were on hand for the tournament.

Evan Nyhus of Weyburn lost to Damien Roach of Winnipeg in a Junior C 51 kg matchup. Roach is the Manitoba provincial champion and the Canadian junior champion. Soo Line Boxing Club coach and manager Hank Hartenberger feels it was a good experience for 15-year-old Nyhus.

"Roach is the Canadian champion," Hartenberger says. "He was just too good for Nyhus, but it was a great learning experience for him."

On Friday, Joel Franks of Weyburn lost a close 4-3 decision to Alberta Junior C 60 kg provincial champion Peter Spence of Calgary. The match was voted best junior bout of the night.

"The crowd loved the match," Hartenberger reveals. "It was a close bout that Franks should have won."

In a rematch on Sunday, Franks defeated Spence by a convincing 12-6 decision. The 15-year-old Franks continues to impress junior boxing fans.

"We're satisfied with the results of the matches," Hartenberger adds. "Both these guys are champs in their class and have a great deal to look forward to."

Both Nyhus and Franks are members and provincial champions with the Saskatchewan National Junior Boxing Team.

A major boxing card is being planned for Weyburn on Saturday, Dec. 15, featuring local boxers Ashley Herberholz, Josh Norman, Dean Hodgkins and Will Orr. Also featured on the card is the comeback of popular light middleweight boxer Chad Olsen, who is expected to be one of the main fighters. The card is not finalized and still needs to be confirmed.