CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Lacroix looking to fight his way back to the top

Nov 9, 2017 | 4:46 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A Medicine Hat boxer is hoping to once again return to the National Championship.

Janick Lacroix recently started his boxing season two weeks ago with a win, and is hoping to return to the national championship once again.

“This season, I’m hoping to win provincials, and win a gold medal at nationals,” he said.

Last year, Lacroix made it to the National Championship, losing the gold medal match. He has been putting in as much training as possible to get back to the National Championship, and finishing with a silver medal is motivating him this season.

“I was really close to that goal last year,” he said. “It just gives me more drive this year to get a gold.”

The 15-year-old says he has been focused on all-around training in the gym, which includes lots of sparring and learning new fighting styles.

“We’re pushing him really hard,” said Kerry Fahlman with the Medicine Hat Boxing Club. “We’re trying to get him the best competition we can.

“He’s not going to get as many matches as he did last year. Basically, he’s getting too strong for a lot of these kids in Alberta, and even in the west. The American kids are going to have to travel farther and give us some better competition.”

Adding to his boxing training is a sport Lacroix picked up a couple of months ago. He joined the Hat High Mohawks football team, who play in the provincial quarter-final this weekend.

Lacroix, who plays slotback and halfback on the Mohawks, says football is helping him get better in the ring.

“Football has really helped me with a lot of explosive training and explosive running,” he said. “So, with that, I’ve seen a lot of improvement in my boxing.”

Despite his success on the gridiron, Lacroix remains a dedicated athlete to the Boxing Club.

“Before the game (Tuesday), he called to see if it was okay if he went and played that game instead of coming down to train,” he said. “He’s here to box, and that is his first love.”

Boxing provincials run in Alberta in February. The National Championship takes place in May.