Louisiana's Own Compete in Sugar Bert Boxing National Qualifier WBC Green Belt Challenge

YOUNGSVILLE, La. - Nov. 9, 2020 - PRLog -- YOUNGSVILLE, La. – Two of Louisiana's own amateur boxers are competing alongside other fighters from across the United States in the Sugar Bert Boxing National Qualifier WBC Green Belt Challenge tournament for a spot in the upcoming national championship tournament. The qualifier tournament takes place this Saturday, Nov. 13 - 15, 2020 at Youngsville Sports Complex located at 801 Savoy Rd. Youngsville, La 70592.

Representing Carencro Backstreet Boxing Club, founded by former National Golden Gloves champion Shelton LeBlanc, Isreal "Izzy" Ledet and Aaron Thibodeaux have their sights set on bringing the national championship title to the Pelican State alongside their teammates.

Ledet and Thibodeaux are fighting in the three-day tournament, sanctioned by USA Boxing and its Back to Boxing program, and is expected to draw over 300 competitors. The event adheres to CDC guidelines for gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limiting spectator seating, conducting temperature checks at the door, and wearing face masks.

"Covid-19 really affected preparing for this tournament," says Izzy. "We really couldn't get a lot of people to the gym. It was harder to do solo training, like running everyday and doing exercises, because you have to really dig deep and find that motivation to go that extra mile; to do that extra set of calisthenic exercises."

"It was hard at first," says Aaron. "There was a period of not much movement because of the uncertainty. Running everyday and doing calisthenics has helped me stay focused."

Both amateur boxers have different techniques that they want their fans to focus on throughout the tournament. For Izzy, it is his "feetwork, stamina, and his will to win" while Aaron says, "keep a close eye on my counterpunches." Their respective fighting techniques are influenced by some of the boxing world's best fighters. Aaron's style of fighting is influenced by WBC lightweight Devin Haney, former WBO featherweight Shakur Stevenson, WBA lightweight and WBA super featherweight Geronta Davis, and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. Izzy's style of fighting is influenced by boxing legends Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker and Floyd Mayweather.

Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions (https://www.sugarbertboxing.com/) (SBBP) is sponsoring the event with USA Boxing (https://wp.usaboxing.org/wp15/Events2/ViewEvt.wp?EventID=...), Title Boxing, World Boxing Council (WBC), WBC Cares, KO Addition, Raynelo Management, Lafayette Louisiana Convention & Sports Bureau, and Youngsville Convention & Sports CVB. Boxers, coaches and officials General Registration takes place on Friday, Nov. 13 at Youngsville Sports Complex, and the tournament kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.  Doors open at noon for spectators on both Saturday and Sunday. Walk-ons will be at 2336 Kaliste Saloom Rd. Lafayette, La 70508 for sponsoring officials, SBBP staff, and all special guests. Only 200 tickets will be sold per day to limit seating.

Special guests at the event include undefeated professional boxer Evan "Young Holy" Holyfield, son of boxing titan Evander Holyfield; former middleweight champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson; Nelson Lopez, Jr.; Backstreet Boxing Club President Shelton LeBlanc; USA Boxing Events & Operations Manager Mike Campbell; Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission Chief Sales Officer Mike Roebuck; and Lafayette Convention and Visitors CommissionConvention & Sports Sales Manager Carl Toups.

Each fighter has their own measure of success in this tournament. For Lafayette native Thibodeaux, "Victory is winning in front of my family who is coming out to support." As for Ledet, the current Breaux Bridge resident, "I will win. It's written in me. The work was put in and the fight was won weeks ago. It is won during training."

General admission tickets for the championship event are $25 per person; children ages 4 and under get in free. Log on to www.sugarbertboxingpromotions.com for registration and event information or call (770) 833-7888.