Nelson Teen Boxers Earn Spots on Canada’s National Team
By Contributor
The Nelson Boxing and Athletics Club made history recently when the team attended the Youth National Selection camp in Montreal Quebec.
Lola Brouillette and Riel Martinez, both 17, passed through the rigorous challenges to land spots on the national team, being selected from more than 60 athletes from all over the country.
“These kids have come a long way and gone through alot to be where they are," explains Jesse Pinero, head coach and club founder.
"Boxing is not an easy sport at any level but the National Team is a huge achievement and it takes a great amount of hard work and dedication to get there.”
“I am so proud of them, and the entire Nelson team,” Pinero adds.
Brouillette said she is very excited to capture a spot on the National Team.
“This sport is my passion," Brouillette said.
"I feed off the energy at the club and from my teammates and I see myself at the Olympics in 2028. That’s the goal.”
Martinez, who started boxing at seven years of age, said all the hard work is finally paying off.
"I know I belong at this level among the very best in the country," Martinez said.
"I want to fight for Canada internationally and then go professional.”
Four other boxers from BC also made the national team from Chilliwack, Cranbrook, and Quesnel.
This makes it an unusual “win” for British Columbia with this many boxers from the province being in the conversation at a national level, says Pineiro.
The public can see Lola Brouillette and Riel Martinez in person at “Fight Night” coming up on June 10th being held at The Nelson and District Rod and Gun Club.
Tickets can be picked up at The Nelson Boxing Club, 685b Baker Street in Nelson.
Coming up in August, Nelson’s national team members will be going to Cali, Colombia in South America for the AMBC Continental Championships.
The trip is self-funded and represents a big cost for our athletes.
Anyone who would like to support the journey can email the Nelson Boxing Club at [email protected]or or call at 778-463-2013.
Any donations towards travel will be gladly accepted.
For additional information, go to https://www.nelsonboxingclub.com/or look us up on Facebook or Instagram.
Riel Martinez joins Nelson Boxing Club teammate Lola Brouillette on the National Team. — Submitted photo
