BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Randall Hill and Terry Witzu cast their gaze
on the downtown core.
They know what they're looking for.
Amidst the many faces in the crowds, they see
hidden potential just waiting to be tapped.
The two eager men have recently opened The
Fight Club, located in the heart of the city on Durham Street,
in the old Games Room location, in the hopes of giving the
youth of downtown and Sudbury a shot at realizing their
potential.
"We opened with the intention of helping
inner city youth, who can't transport themselves to other
boxing centres, realize their dreams and goals," said Hill,
head coach. "We felt there was a need for an affordable boxing
club in Sudbury. I grew up in New Sudbury, and we had Roller
Country, Adanac Ski hill, and a million other opportunities to
do stuff. I find today, there's not a lot for the youth to
do."
Hill and Witzu want every person who walks
through the doors of the club to feel it's their own home away
from home.
"This is a place where the youth can call it
their own," said Hill. "When they join, we will encourage them
to pick a spot on the wall and sign their name."
The Fight Club features a boxing ring,
numerous heavy bags and speed bags, and exercise equipment to
shape and define hungry muscles.
Inside the club, a feeling of passion and
dedication can be felt. The men, along with numerous
volunteers, put in hours of sweat and blood to bring The Fight
Club to reality.
They transformed the location into something
right out of a Rocky movie.
The club is bare bones, and only supplies the
necessary elements a potential devoted boxer needs to become a
champion.
Hill and Witzu are looking for youngsters,
possessed with a bright inner fire burning, to hit the heavy
bags and weights.
"We will expect dedication and discipline,"
said Hill. "They will have to apply themselves, but they will
reap great rewards with the devotion. We
want the kids who walk through our doors to
set goals and standards for themselves, and create a better
all-around person."
Witzu used boxing in his younger days as a
means to get him on a positive track. He hopes the club will
make a positive difference in many youngster's lives.
"Boxing got me off the streets and turned my
life around," said Witzu, club president. "It made me feel
proud of myself, and it was something I have kept with me my
whole life."
The club caters to Olympic-style boxing,
where skill and precision are rewarded as opposed to
brawling.
Besides unbridled passion, both men bring
extensive experience for youth to call upon.
Hill has completed the National Coaching
Certification Program (NCCP) with a Level III certification and
has coached elite level athletes and brought many to major
international competitions.
Witzu has been in over 70 professional
contact fights. He's the former World Champion in Open
Invitation Karate. Witzu is currently working on his
NCCP coaching levels.