By Scott Roblin

Lacroix relishing in national title, looking ahead to upcoming fights

Apr 13, 2018 | 7:02 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Safe to say it’s been a month to remember for local boxer Janick Lacroix, who is less than two weeks removed from a national junior title.

Returning from Edmonton, Lacroix is back training at the Medicine Hat Boxing Club for his next tournament.

On April 1, Lacroix defeated Thomas Gordon by unanimous decision in the 70 kilogram junior division at the 2018 Super Channel National Championships.

A two-time provincial champion in his weight class, it’s the first national title for the 16-year-old.

Lacroix said winning national gold was something that he’s envisioned for quite some time.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

“I was really thinking over the whole time in training for nationals, like it all comes down to this round,” said Lacroix. “If I don’t win this, then I go home with another silver and I didn’t want that.”

It’s redemption for Lacroix as well, after losing the gold medal bout to Christopher Guerrero from Quebec at 2017 junior nationals.

Lacroix added he had that loss on his mind when he stepped into the ring earlier this month in Edmonton.

“I had a lot of pressure on me, but I used that as motivation to get me through it.”

Medicine Hat Boxing Club head coach Kerry Fahlman has seen the young boxer develop over the years and said he saw some incredible growth since his silver medal in 2017.

“He’s learned a lot this year,” said Fahlman. “Gino Nardari, another one of our coaches and ex-national team member worked with him a lot this year too, which helped a lot. So, he was focused all year.”

Lacroix is planning to fight at the Alberta Golden Gloves tournament in Red Deer next month, while he’s also trying to earn a berth at the Roy Jones Jr. Tournament in Las Vegas in June.