Fight night is back.
A date has been set for Cranbrook’s next MMA event—Battle for the Border 2: Redemption—and tickets go on sale this Friday at Western Financial Place box office.
Following the success from Cranbrook’s first MMA bout last September, H&M Productions has booked Saturday, June 1st, for a rematch of B.C.-based fighters against a field of Albertan challengers.
Organizers hope to have at least 10 fights on the card, said Isaac Hockley of H&M Productions—one of which could be a female bout.
Hockley and his business partner, Jody McInnes, knew right away they wanted to put on another show after their successful debut with Battle for the Border last fall.
“As soon as it was finished,” said Hockley. “We didn’t run into any problems, the way the city council spoke of it after the fight night—they spoke nothing but good things about it, so that was a big boost for us, along with the support from the community.
“The only thing that we weren’t happy about, was the outcome of the fights.”
The Albertan MMA challengers had a successful evening, with only three of B.C.’s fighters coming out on top of their bouts.
This time around, quite a few of the fighters representing B.C. are coming right out of Cranbrook, Kimberley and the surrounding region, according to Hockley.
On the pro card, Cranbrook will be represented by Sheldon Doll, who will be pitted against Dan Walders, while Brandon MacArthur is still searching for an opponent.
Kimberley resident Rob Roy will face Derek Clark, while Fernie native Shone Cotrill needs an opponent.
On the amateur card, Cranbrook will be represented by Adam Wills, who is challenging Connor Derry, while Kimberley will be represented by Jesse Cuthill, who is facing Tom O’Connor.
Local fighters Mike Seguin, John McKinnon and Donovan Hack are also hoping to find opponents to meet in the cage.
Headlining the event is Sparwood native Derek Boyle, who had the title bout last time around with a unanimous decision over Aaron Armstrong. Boyle, with a record of 9-5 will be fighting Eben Kaneshiro, who is 14-9 and has nine more fights under his belt.
Hockley said he’s also been in contact with Charmaine Tweet and hopes to feature a fight with her. Tweet, based out of Regina, is a female MMA fighter who has been in the cage with Rhonda Rousey, the reigning female UFC Bantamweight champion.