For a city once considered a mecca of Canadian amateur boxing, the Sault has gone through a long dry spell over the last 15 years. That’s starting to change. Live boxing returns on November 14th, when Great Lakes Gladiators brings a dozen Boxing Ontario-sanctioned bouts to The Machine Shop.

Led by Frank Nolan Sr., the Sault Boxing Club was one of the most feared clubs in the country through the 1970s and ’80s. It produced a stable of national champions and contenders, including Frank Nolan Jr., Steve Nolan, Steve Beaupre, Danny Ellis and Ken Cassola. In the early 2000s, a resurgence under coach Rob Benne at The Ultimate Fighter Boxing Club saw local boxers succeed provincially and nationally. Since then, there has been little boxing to speak of locally.

Over the last 18 months, a group of competitive boxers has emerged from Steel City MMA, reviving the local scene and creating demand for a hometown event.

“Our boxing program has exploded, both on the competitive and recreational side,” said SCMMA owner Brent Fryia. “It’s really a testament to the work and coaching that Jeremy and Rene have been doing.”

Jeremy Paquin, who leads the program with veteran fighter Rene Chavez, said the growth has been rapid. “Our competition team started with two athletes 18 months ago, and has grown to 12 strong.”

Paquin credits Chavez’s leadership. “Nobody works harder in training than our more experienced fighter and coach, Rene. He leads by example and shows the younger fighters what it takes to excel.”

Originally from Toronto and a veteran of nearly 30 bouts, Chavez takes his role seriously. “These kids are the best. They’re persistent, disciplined and work hard every day. They ask questions, take corrections and are getting better as a result.”

For Chavez, leadership goes beyond results in the ring. “The most important thing is the people that they’re growing up to be. If they become the best fighters in the world, but don’t improve as a person, I haven’t done my job.”

Chavez will be joined on the card by 11 other local boxers: Brent Murray, Belal Ahmadi, Hilal Ahmadi, Van Ngo, Jaron Elie, Karan Singh, Tanner Rutland, Andrew Cormier, Laura Perrault and Julia Dubas, with DJ Major in a youth “fun box” exhibition. The local fighters will be taking on fighters from Thunder Bay, Timmins, Sudbury, Ottawa, Quebec

Tickets for the event can be found at Eventbrite.com.