The young boxers under the watch of head coach Gord Apolloni may not have a thorough appreciation for the rich Italian heritage of the man who has forever header up the Top Gloves Boxing Academy, nor the rich history of their sport in Sudbury.

While both of those elements were front and centre for Apolloni and friends of his era a couple of weeks ago at the 35th Anniversary Gala - Canada vs Italy card at the Caruso Club, the athletes were simply thankful for a chance to perform in front of hometown friends and supporters.

"It's a nice big open venue with lots of people in the crowd," noted 15 year-old hometown favourite Jackson Savoie, competing in his ninth bout in the feature event to close out the festivities.

"I'm looking to hear some noise."

Noise was indeed plentiful as the grade nine student at Sudbury Secondary School captured a split decision (3/2) over Alessandro Curri representing the Academiz Pugilistica Valcona.

Chatting earlier in the day, Savoie was giving his opponent due respect, even if he had never seen him box.

"They (Italian boxers) have a lot of gas and they don't like to lose," said Savoie. "I'm looking forward to some good exchanges."

If nothing else, the fight would be something of a contrast in styles.

"I'm maybe more of a Russian or Irish style, nice and long and not necessarily on the inside," said Savoie. "I need to be using my long arms and my height to my advantage."

A 19 year-old who makes the drive in four times a week from Sagamok, Hyram Hiebert is still defining his style to a certain degree, beaten in a unanimous decision on this nmight by Ahmadche Chedid from the Border City Boxing Club in Windsor.

"One of the things that we have been working on is not over-punching, not throwing too many punches," explained the well-spoken young man of native American descent. "One-two-three, step out and then go back in."

"In my previous bouts, I might be throwing as many as six punches and then be at risk of getting countered back. That's one thing I have been working on."

While not all pre-fight strategies play out as planned, Hiebert was not about to let his opponent dictate the pace from the opening bell. "I like to set the tone - attacking right out of the gate," he said. "I want to make sure that I am the first one that lands a punch."

Now three and a half years into his relationship with Top Glove Boxing and coach Gord, the middleweight (75kg) local fighter has no reservations whatsoever about his commitment to the sport of boxing.

"I love challenges, I love to challenge myself and boxing was a good way of doing it - and getting in shape as well," said Hiebert.

Following are results from the remaining eight bouts on the card at the Gala:

Bipesh Rai (Border City Boxing Club) 5-0 win vs
Sean Vivier (Top Glove Boxing Academy

Giancarlo Scopazzi (Top Glove Boxing Academy) 5-0 win vs
Mark Smith (Kayo Athletic Boxing Club - Chatham)

Yebon Yang (Cheriki Boxing Academy - Richmond Hill) winner by injury vs
Owen Gliese-Thomas (Top Glove Boxing Academy)

Ethan Toulouse (Top Glove Boxing Academy) winner split 3/2 vs
Tomaso Colella (Boxe Riccone - Italy)

Andrea Palazzi (Boxe Riccone - Italy) winner - third stoppage vs
Riley Davidson (Top Glove Boxing Academy)

Alfonso Izzo (Boxe Riccone - Italy) winner split 3/2 vs
Sepehr Hqhsemi (Cheriki Boxing Academy)

Jeremy Duguay (Gold City Boxing - Timmins) winner - unanimous vs
Cristiano De Astis (Boxe Riccone - Italy)

Diego Manca (Scarberian Boxing Club - Scarborough) winner split 3/2 vs
Stefano Cusick (Beaver Boxing Club - Ottawa)