Team BC boxers finished their competition at the 2019 Canada Winter Games with a podium result.
Brayden Sims (Fort St. John) was in tough against Justice Harborne of Manitoba, but came out as the 60kg champion, winning the gold medal on a judges’ decision of 3–2. Sims started with a tough first round, with all five judges giving the round to Harborne. He quickly turned it around for rounds two and three, where he took the majority of judges’ scores to get the win. It was British Columbia’s first gold medal in boxing since Jessy Brown won the 56kg event at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.
Dylan Clark (Cranbrook) was next up on the card, fighting Matthew Ross of Nova Scotia in the 69kg bronze medal bout. Clark started the bout with a strong first round, but ultimately lost to Ross on points 5–0.
“We have a good rough fight. It wasn’t much of a boxing match. We fought each other. I don’t necessarily agree with the decision but it’s only going to help me in the future. It doesn’t mean anything at this point; it’s over. On to the next one, the nationals," said Clark.
Jonathan Hannah (North Vancouver) then took on Mohammed Makhlouf of Manitoba in the bronze medal 75kg bout. Hannah fought a hard fight, and pulled out a win on point 4–1 to take home the bronze medal.
For the final Team BC fight of the Games, Brayden Hellekson (Nelson) went out with a bang against Seamus O’Brien from Newfoundland and Labrador. Part way through the second round, the referee stopped the contest in favour of Hellekson, solidifying the bronze for the Nelson boxer. It was the second time of the Games that won a match when the referee stopped the contest.
“I feel great about tonight, having the win in the second round like that. And having the bronze to bring home to Nelson which is just amazing. It’s a great feeling to be able to do this," said Hellekson.