Williams wins provincial boxing title

Xander Williams

Wallaceburg’s Xander Williams is a third-generation boxer with a promising future in the sport.

Williams won a Novice provincial title in October in the 60 kg category. Provincials were held in Brampton, where Williams had a little help into the finals. He received a bye into the semis and then advanced to the finals as his opponent did not show. Williams faced Abdul Adebiyi from the Beaver Boxing Club in Ottawa in the finals and won by unanimous decision.

The Wallaceburg District Secondary School student, who is also a member of the Walpole Island First Nation, will now advance to the Nationals being held in Alberta in the spring.

Williams joined the Bluewater Boxing Club in Sarnia last year. His family says that the 15-year-old is passionate about the sport. He’s also a tough draw, as he is naturally left-handed, but fights in an orthodox stance, which means he uses his jab with his dominant hand. Williams has yet to lose a boxing match.

Williams’ grandfather Darryl Williams was a boxer and later became a boxing coach at Chatham’s Kayo Boxing Club. Sadly, Williams died in July of 2023.

Xander Williams’ mom, Cassandra Williams was also a boxer, She won two provincial titles and a national title. Williams will head to the National championships in April and attempt to duplicate his mother’s accomplishments.