Fort Kent’s Rob Nichols has successfully defended his Canadian Cruiserweight Championship belt. The highly anticipated rematch between Nichols and Frank “The Hammer” White went down Saturday Night at the Energy Centre.

Check Lakeland Connect’s Live Streams on Facebook for footage of every match. 

The bought went the entire 10 rounds and was determined by judges’ decision:

• Judge 1 98-92 Nichols
• Judge 2 93-92 Nichols
• Judge 3 97-93 Nichols

With the belt secured around his waist, Nichols thanked the crowd, “I know we’re having tough times, here in Cold Lake; with the oilpatch and all. We’re also very fortunate to have the Canadian Forces in our area hosting Maple Flag. So I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out and to the military for your service; we really are proud of you all.” Nichols says he’s proud to be from the Lakeland, “I look forward to coming back and bringing more fights to Cold Lake, thanks for all your support.”

Perhaps even more exciting than the fight came after the match for Nichols. In true boxing theatrics, Roy Jones Jr interrupted the celebrations with a special message. Via video, the former Heavyweight Champion called out Nichols for a match.  To which Nichols responded, “who would turn that down?” The date of the match is yet to be determined, Nichols admits he is still processing Jones’ request.

Other local boxers won big at Saturday’s Dekada Premier Fight Night; including Fishing Lake’s Sheena T Kaine. Kaine has moved on from Fishing Lake, she now lives in Edmonton, training at Alliance Boxing Club. The 5’10, 137 lbs boxer took on Christina Barry and successfully maintained her winning streak; which is now 4-0.

Cold Lake’s Tm Chemilli, trained in both MMA and boxing, won his first professional boxing match. The fighter, who trains at KA Boxing Club in Bonnyville, said after the victory, “I had a real rough time, for a while, with MMA, and a lot of people have stuck behind me. I want to thank the guys who stuck with me.”

Check Lakeland Connect’s Live Streams on Facebook for footage of every match.