Pro boxing comes to Langley April 1 with the return of Langley’s Sarah Pucek to the boxing ring.
Pucek holds the Canadian Featherweight championship and will face tough southpaw Stephanie Essensa from Red Deer Alberta in a non-title bout. Pucek has been ranked as high as #10 in the world by the WBC, however, has been inactive recently due to school commitments.
Although she is still in collage she has reduced her work load, allowing her to continue her promising boxing career. Pucek has done most of her boxing in the U.S. and was an attraction at the Emerald Queen Casino Complex between 2008 and 2012. She hopes to build the same following in her hometown if possible.
Sarah is a Langley girl and has lived in both Aldergrove and Fort Langley. Her roots are very much in this community. She works for Thunderbird Equestrian Centre. Thunderbird has sponsored her and supports her boxing career in all ways possible.
Her long time trainer Dave Allison says Pucek can win a world title if she allows for time to develop her timing.
"She needs fights and we need to keep her busy," says Allison.
"She is a dedicated athlete with a work ethic second to none. She also possesses natural ability that is rare, this matched with her athleticism is a great combination. At 28 she is in her prime and came back to the sport with a great attitude," says Allison.
The Pucek/Essensa fight will be a five-round fight and the only pro fight on the card. Essensa will be the first southpaw Pucek has ever faced and since Essensa's only loss is to former world champion Lindsay Garbatt she is going to be formidable.
Pucek has never lost a featherweight fight and has been sparring with world renowned kickboxing champion Farinaz Lari, who is a southpaw.
The amateur semi main even will be a rematch between Ari Ashari, the B.C. Super Welterweight champion who will be rematched with Josh Wright the former champion. The two fought on March 11 in a very close fight in what many fans thought went to the wrong guy.
This amateur fight will be accompanied with other amateur fights including a four-round elimination between Tyson Gemby and Cody Robertson in a super middleweight fight. The winner will fight Branden Kim for Kim’s City title on May 6.
There will be an amateur undercard that will feature all senior boxers and six amateur bouts are expected. The fights take place at the Coast Convention Centre in downtown Langley. Tickets are general $40, ringside $60, and kids 12 years and under are free. Ringside tickets only can be reserved by calling 604-530-7897 or email cityfite@telus.net. Parking is free and there is a bar service at the venue. The doors open at 7 and the action starts at 7:30 p.m.