09/27/2026
The Cranbrook Eagles were in Chilliwack, BC for the '2026 Bronze Gloves + Provincial Championship' from September 25â27. Our Eagles soared out of Chilliwack sporting some shiny new hardware (two gold medals and three silver medals).
Damian Lepsis boxed in the gold medal match today against highly ranked, Thunder Innis, of Inner City Boxing PG. Coach Tom said, âIt was a back-and-forth technical battle with both boxers hesitant to throw, but when the exchanges happened, they were fast and ferocious.â His coaches are so proud of his performance as he secured a Provincial silver medal today. The club looks forward to their MAIN EVENT rematch at âNight of the War Dogsâ in Prince George in a couple of weeks. Coach Tom is optimistic that both Thunder and Damian will be selected to represent BC in Cape Breton, NS at Nationals.
Edric Berg Van Steinburg boxed his heart out at the Bronze Gloves final today and left everything in the ring. He was in very tough today in this gold medal match. Unfortunately, he took three standing eight counts and the match was then stopped in the third round (with ten seconds remaining). Coach Tom remarked, âEdric worked hard to control the distance, fought with great heart and determination, but it just wasnât his day, and that happens in boxing.â However, he walked away with very proud and impressed coaches and a shiny silver medal around his neck.
Layton Gronlund was in the Bronze Gloves final today and won by unanimous decision despite receiving an eight count. Adjustments in the third round (specifically to block punches) resulted in him out-performing his opponent which was a big learning moment and will pay dividends down the road. He continued to push the pace forward, and it was non-stop action. Coach Tom said, âLayton took to heart the Eagles saying that every second matters.â Pure grit and determination helped Layton secure the gold medal victory.
Brantley Campbell (who won the silver medal on Saturday at the Bronze Gloves) boxed in his third match today as an exhibition. He had a very challenging first round, but the corner crew managed to settle him, and he took in what his coaches were telling him, that resulted in a huge comeback in the second round, that then catapulted him into having a tremendous third round. Although this exhibition was not scored, his coaches were impressed with his ability to shake it off, listen, adapt, and come out on top.
Luther Sawatzky who was previously awarded the Provincial gold medal, had eight rounds of sparring; four rounds with a Vancouver athlete, and four rounds with a Nelson athlete today. His team took advantage of the opportunity with the rings being set up and available, and banked some valuable practice time sparring high-level athletes in the same weight division.
Coach Tom noted, âWe walk away from this tournament exhausted, extremely proud of ALL of our boxers, and excited to have such a great experience under our belts, as this new season begins.â
Thank you to the parents who travelled to cheer on the team and provide photo captures for us!
Lastly, thank you to Sylvain Carrier of the Chilliwack Boxing Club and Rebecca Quinit of Quinit Boxing for organizing and hosting the event.
-M. White
Boxing BC Association
Boxing Canada