Melee Gala promises plenty of ring action

Transcona

Osborne Village

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/09/2024 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Lights! Music! Celebrities! International-calibre bouts!

The United Boxing Club promises the full Las Vegas treatment at its Melee Gala IX, scheduled for Sept. 26 at Club Regent Event Centre. The evening’s card will feature Olympic-level boxers from Team Canada and Team U.S.A. and an appearance by 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Wyatt Sanford.

Phil Natividad, a UBC board member and manager of the club’s competitive team, said this is the gala’s debut at the Club Regent Event Centre. He’s excited because the site offers great sound and lighting along with an intimate experience, where fans are right on top of the action. They’ll be treated to Bev Wynne singing the national anthems, CJOB radio host Jim Toth as emcee, and super-lightweight Sanford, Canada’s first Olympic medalist in 28 years.

“It’ll be just like Vegas, with the fanfare, lighting and music,” Natividad said. “Typically, a local boxing show has none of that.”

Natividad also guarantees that the quality of the boxing will match, if not exceed, the venue. Several past Melee Gala participants have competed at the Olympics, while many on the Sept. 26 card are ready for the big time. Scarlett Delgado has competed at the Pan Am Games.

“Quite a few have competed at Olympic qualifiers,” Natividad said. “They’re skilled, up-and-coming athletes.”

An annual highlight of the Melee Gala is the United Boxing Corporate Challenge, whereby new boxers compete to raise funds for the United Way while sparring in the ring. This year, 12 competitors, ranging from nurses to engineers to contractors, will get a taste of the sweet science. They are Jehad Harb, Emma Coyston, Patrick Yutuc, Matthew Sharpe, Justin Lancaster, Kim Cao, Sam Ebrahimi, Alex Giesbrecht, Angel VI Clemeno, Jem Marundan, Aadi Sugumaran, and Cesar Najera. You can support them at bit.ly/4gyX2y6

“They get a sponsor company to donate a base amount as they train and garner more donations,” Natividad explained.

Natividad said UBC, which is based on Scott Street in Osborne Village, has supported various causes over the years, but was introduced to the United Way through event sponsor M Builds.

“I think the United Way is one we want to have a long-term relationship with,” Natividad said. “Ultimately, we want to raise as much money as we can for the United Way of Winnipeg. They do such important work in the community.”

“Melee IX is not just about showcasing incredible boxing talent; it’s also about making a meaningful impact in our community,” said Ryan Savage, UBC president. “By teaming up with United Way Winnipeg, we aim to support vital services that enhance the well-being of individuals and families across Winnipeg.”

The evening, which begins at 6:30 p.m., features six corporate challenges and five amateur bouts. Tickets start at $43 and are available at Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6 p.m.

If you leave Club Regent on Sept. 26 wanting more, Natividad invites you back on Sept. 28 for The United Boxing Classic IV. Canadian and American national teams will square off, with local and regional athletes participating. Doors open at noon, with matches beginning at 1 p.m. You can learn more about United Boxing Club at unitedboxingclub.ca