Island Boxing continues to make its mark on the national stage, as two of its young athletes secured bronze medals at the 2025 Canada Cup in Calgary, Alta.
Spectrum Community School’s Odin Munns and Codey Manley, who attends Frances Kelsey Secondary in Mill Bay, both reached the podium at the national tournament, adding to Island Boxing’s growing legacy.
“These guys train so hard. They’ve put in so much work to get to this point, and I’m really proud to see them earn such great results on a big stage,” Island Boxing owner and coach Jason Heit said. “Our gym has been growing rapidly over the past couple of years and is becoming increasingly diverse, which makes me excited for the future of our sport.”
Island Boxing has been a cornerstone of the local boxing scene for 25 years, producing numerous success stories. Last year, it was recognized as B.C.’s Boxing Club of the Year.
A veteran fighter with a combined boxing, kickboxing, and MMA record of 42 wins, five losses, and 34 knockouts, Heit has dedicated himself to coaching since retiring from competition.
“This was just the natural transition for me after my fighting career,” Heit said. “I’m lucky to share my passion with the next generation of local athletes.”
For Munns, boxing was the first sport that truly resonated with him.
“I tried a bunch of team sports when I was younger, but none of them really clicked with me,” he said. “A couple of years ago, I told my mom the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a pair of boxing gloves. Thankfully, I got some, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Munns, who competes in the junior light division, now holds an official 5-2 record.
“I remember how nervous I was for my first fight. I’ve learned so much over the last couple of years,” he reflected. “This is the first time I’ve really committed to something, and it feels good to start seeing results.”
Manley, too, found his place in the ring after struggling to connect with team sports. His boxing journey began at age 12, inspired by the 2011 sci-fi film Real Steel and his father’s past experience in the sport.
“This gym is a great home base for me. I feel like this place brings out the best in me,” said Manley, who fights in the super light category. “I make the one-hour drive twice a week to train here, and it always feels worth it.”
Manley has competed in 10 official fights, holding a 5-5 record.
Both Munns and Manley train twice a week under Heit’s guidance while continuing their independent training on other days.
Up next for the pair is the Provincial Championship in Vancouver, taking place from April 18 to 20.
