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Helminger adds second win to amateur boxing resume

Williams Lake Boxing Gym members got a chance to let their fists fly Saturday in Quesnel at the Two Rivers Boxing Club’s Rumble 25.
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Williams Lake Boxing Gym member Joey Helminger has his arm raised in victory following his second career amateur win at Quesnel’s Two Rivers Boxing Club Rumble 25 on Saturday. (Katie Demois photo)

Williams Lake Boxing Gym members got a chance to let their fists fly Saturday in Quesnel at the Two Rivers Boxing Club’s Rumble 25.

Joey Helminger, Dana Matthews and Kevin Petryshen each tasted some action at the event, which featured 11 bouts and showcased boxers with a wide range in experience, skill, size and age.

While Matthews and Petryshen duked it out in an exhibition bout, Helminger, an 18-year-old pugilist getting his feet wet in the sport, laced up his gloves for his second sanctioned amateur bout.

There, Helminger improved to two wins and no losses after winning a brutal, back-and-forth brawl decision over his opponent, Andrew Michel of Lillooet.

“It went pretty good,” Helminger told the Tribune of the bout. “I was quite a bit less tired than in my last fight.”

READ MORE: Boxers put on a show at packed house in Williams Lake

His previous bout saw Helminger bring the sold-out crowd in Williams Lake to its feet during the club’s Teofista Boxing Unfinished Business this past summer in a victory over Chase Tuftin of Prince George.

“The guy this time hit a lot harder than my last fight, and he was about 10 pounds heavier so that might have had something to do with it,” he said.

“I watched the video after the fight and I just felt a lot smoother, landing some combinations and different types of punches in there.”

Helminger now has two amateur bouts and two exhibition contests under his belt, and hopes to continue to keep the ball rolling in the sport.

“I want to thank all the McLellans for training with me,” he said. “Duncan, especially, he was supposed to fight [Saturday] but got injured. We trained together quite a bit.

“I was just even more prepared this time. I think I was more nervous the last fight, and this time I felt a lot better.”



sports@wltribune.com

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Katie Demois photo Joey Helminger of the Williams Lake Boxing Gym lands a stiff right on his opponent, Andrew Michel of Lillooet, en route to a victory Saturday in Quesnel.
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Williams Lake Boxing Gym members Dana Matthews (left) and Kevin Petryshen square off in an exhibition bout at Quesnel’s Rumble 25 Saturday. (Katie Demois photo)


Greg Sabatino

About the Author: Greg Sabatino

Greg Sabatino graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 2008.
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