WADENA — The first boxing events in Wadena since COVID-19 halted the action are set for the end of February and again in March.
The events are set to start at 3 p.m. on February 26 and March 26, both at the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center. The February event promises a chance for some local boxers to gain some time in the ring, while the event in March looks to bring boxers from across the United States and Canada to face off in a format not seen for many months. Coordinator Jeremy Umland said these events will not disappoint as it brings boxers from far and wide, excited to meet some new opponents.
The March event puts members of Team USA against Team Canada for a great showing of talent.
"It's going to be a pretty good event," Umland said.
Umland began planning for the event back in December when he ran into the head coach of USA Boxing Billy Walsh during a clinic to become certified as a clinician with Team USA. Umland told him he'd always wanted to bring a USA vs. Canada boxing card to the area, to which Walsh responded positively. So, here it comes.
Umland said since he put out word of the event, boxers have been pouring in to join in the event without much pushing from the promoter.
"It's kind of actually doing the work itself," Umland said.
Putting on an event like this just makes sense for boxing coach Umland as he has two sons that have been traveling the country looking for new opponents. Both are national champions, with Adam having over 100 bouts and Adam now over 50.
It's clear that boxers are hungry for competition as the usual bout in Wadena has been closer to eight to 12 matches. This March event is stacking up to include 25-30 bouts, offering several hours of boxing. Those boxers coming from Canada are putting in some serious time to get here. First they fly in to Winnipeg than they drive to Wadena to stay the night here. All for maybe 10 minutes of fighting in the ring.
"It's the craziest thing," Umland said.
Umland explains that finding new opponents has been tough for the last two years for these boxers.
"They have the same issue up there (Canada)," Umland said. "Trying to find quality matches is really tough. With COVID they were just competing against themselves over and over. So this is a breath of fresh air to go somewhere else."
For boxers looking to learn and grow, this type of event is necessary. Umland knows that well as his oldest son Matt is looking to go pro, while his younger son Adam is hoping to qualify for the 2024 Olympics for USA Boxing.
This event in Wadena serves as a chance to see if the boxers have what it takes to box at the National Championship event in Ohio in April. It could become an annual affair in Wadena.
The public is welcome to attend these events. It's $10 admission for the entire event. Doors open by 2 p.m. to the public.
