Williams Lake boxer Stuart McLellan reached the 20-win mark April 1 when he retired Mexico’s Alvaro Enriquez at Calgary’s Deerfoot Inn and Casino.
The win, which took place at Teofista Boxing Series 23, was the professional boxer’s eighth consecutive victory and was his first on home soil after a six-fight stint competing in Mexico.
“It was nice to have so much support from people here in Williams Lake, from Edmonton and Saskatchewan,” McLellan said, noting he had a large cheering section for the bout.
“He’s [Enriquez] not known as a quitter so it was a surprise when he didn’t come out for the fifth round but he was fast on his feet and hard to catch with clean shots.”
It was the fourth round where McLellan obliterated Enriquez, blasting him with shot after shot, until he caught him with a straight right, then a hard left hook which dropped Enriquez to the canvas.
McLellan now has a pro record of 20 wins, two losses and three draws.
With the defeat, Enriquez — a seasoned veteran — slipped to 13 wins, 18 losses and two draws.
“He went the distance with some other good guys, but it’s another win,” McLellan said of his opponent and the fight, which was scheduled for six rounds.
For the bout, McLellan moved up two weight classes to fight at 165 pounds and said he felt good at the weight.
In his corner for the night were his dad, Gary McLellan, his manager, Eric de Guzman and his friend, Chris Cousineau. Lakecity hip hop artist Bryan ‘Bison’ Delaronde also came out to the ring with McLellan to perform his entrance music.
He’s now waiting in the wings to see what’s next for his career.
“It’s now back to work, stay in the gym, keep the doors open and I’m ready to answer the phone at any time.”