Williams Lake’s Laura Klassen improved to an undefeated three wins and no losses after winning a unanimous decision in Edmonton last week.
Klassen travelled to Alberta to take on hometown boxer Lori ‘Mama Dukes’ Porter in a three-round contest on Thursday, Aug. 9 at Edmonton’s Churchill Square. The event, Pink Gloves for Breast Cancer, was hosted as a fundraiser.
Klassen, who’s been training for just two years at the Williams Lake Boxing Club, said it was good to get back in the ring.
“I felt pretty good,” she said. “I felt strong, I knew I was quicker than her, but she came at me a lot — or it seemed that way, anyway.”
Williams Lake Boxing Club coach Gary McLellan, who was on hand to witness the fight, said Laura outmatched her opponent significantly throughout the contest.
“Larua outlanded her about two to one in punches in taking the unanimous decision,” Gary said. “But she [Porter] was tough. She came to fight.”
Klassen said the key to the win was her jab, which she landed repeatedly throughout the fight.
“I landed lots [of good shots],” she said. “I landed my jab a lot, but she got me once really good that I felt.”
For her performance in the fight Klassen was awarded the best female fighter of the night, winning a pair of pink gloves with the honour.
“That was pretty neat and exciting,” she said.
In preparation for the bout Klassen trained Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Williams Lake Boxing Club. As one of the lone female boxers there, she said spending time sparring with local club members Robert McLellan, Stuart McLellan, Harley Mulvahill and Gary helped get her ready.
“Roberto, Stu, Harley and Gary all spar with me,” she said. “The McLellan boys and Harley are always willing to help, and I don’t think I’d be as good as I am without them. They’ve spent a lot of time teaching me.”
She added she’s looking forward to her next fight, although said it’s a bit of a challenge to find women who box.
Gary added the Williams Lake Boxing Club will be opening up for new members at the beginning of September and invites anyone interested to come try the sport.
The club, located beneath Western Wood Heat on Highway 97, trains every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 6 p.m.