From A Boxer To A Fighter
Photograph of Fortin By Marc Robitaille
By Raquel Ruiz
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The expected battle between Canadian national gold medal champion and the silver medalist in the 75 kg will be taking place within 48 hours.
Mary Spencer of Ontario and Ariane Fortin of Quebec, each won their bouts today and the right to contest for the amateur national championship of Canada, which will take place at the convention center in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
If Spencer wins the national championship for the ninth time, she will also pocket a ticket to the world championships in China where she can gain the right to go to the Olympics in London.
On Friday the 13th, at 7:00 PM, Spencer and Fortin, considered by many the two best boxers in the world in their category, will face each other. These two virtuousos of the sport went from friends to rivals in the ring, but that’s boxing.
Prior to August 2009, when it was announced that women could box in the Olympics, Spencer and Fortin had a close friendship. Now their friendship has turned into respect and they admire each other, but their closeness is reduced when they climb into the ring where each wants to be chosen the one and only.
“It’s time to take care of business. Friday is the main event, and I am prepared. We’ve been fighting each other for three years. I’m ready to go into the ring, it’s time to shine.” Said former world champion Fortin after winning her bout on Wednesday in the second assault against Lara Thacker, when the referee stopped the fight.
For her part, the triple world champion, Pan-American champion and eight-time national champion in several divisions, Mary Spencer, said she was lucky that today she boxed with a great opponent, Melinda Watpool, during the semifinals. During all four rounds, Watpool was down in the score and ended up losing 20-7.
“All the preparation for the final has been done in the gym and I’m ready.” Spencer said about the fight on Friday against Fortin.
Should the victory go to Fortin, there will be another bout during the first week of March in Quebec at the box offs which will be the last chance to win the ticket to China.
This battle between Spencer and Fortin will open the first page of the historic book for the female boxers of this country where they can earn the right to go to the Olympics.
When the two gifted boxers, Spencer who is known for her technique and movement, and Fortin for her aggressiveness and strength, climb into the ring Friday night, the stage will shake from their power and the lucky fans who will be witnessing the fight, will have the pleasure of seeing the best Canadian amateur boxers in their class.
Tags:Ariane Fortin, Mary Spencer
Filed Under: News Flash
