There was a hush around the arena as the boxers and spectators awaited the decision after three two-minute hard-fought rounds.
“Those five seconds before – not knowing were agonizing,” said Noah Paterson.
The official broke the tension and raised Paterson’s hand, crowning him Boxing Canada’s 2015 Canadian Junior and Youth National Champion in the 66-kilogram junior C open category.
“It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, it was really overwhelming. I burst into tears,” recalls Paterson with a humble smile.”
After winning the B.C. Golden Gloves last month in Cloverdale, Paterson was invited to compete with Team B.C. at the national championships, which ran from Jan. 19 to 24. The 14-year-old Paterson defeated 16-year-old Bryan Ouellet last Tuesday to book his spot in the championship match.
In the final, Paterson went toe-to-toe against 15-year-old David Brzezinski, an orthodox fighter from Ontario, and came out victorious.
“We had a little TV set up in the gym and after the fight there was not dry eye in the gym. Everyone is so proud of Noah,” said an emotional Peggy Maerz, Paterson’s coach and owner of Bulldog Boxing.
After winning the title last Thursday in Quebec City and being named to Canada’s national junior boxing team, Paterson returned home on Sunday and was back in the gym training on Monday.
“He is a remarkable kid, he thanked everyone in the gym for helping him train,” says Maerz with a broad smile. “Noah sets the tone for our whole club. We’ve had many successes at our club, but this… this was remarkable to perform so well on the national stage. To see your athletes’ dreams come to fruition is unexplainable.”
Paterson contributes his success to Maerz, his own determination and dedication and his passion for the sport.
“Without Peggy I wouldn’t be where I am today; she is always there to support me,” said Paterson fondly.
He explains how he will forfeit spending time with his friends to train, or back out of eating unhealthy foods so that he stays in shape.
“I have had to sacrifice a lot to get to where I am now in boxing,” states Paterson modestly.
With a wry smile, Maerz recalls how Paterson’s parents e-mailed her from Italy when they were on a family trip saying Noah wouldn’t eat gelato. Maerz told Noah he would be suspended if he didn’t eat the treat.
“That got him to eat the gelato, but I’m sure he did 25 push ups in the streets of Italy after that,” laughs Maerz.
Paterson got into the sport four years ago after his dad started boxing with Maerz.
At the time Paterson was too young to put the gloves on and box, because of Boxing Canada’s regulations, so he trained and learned the techniques without engaging in a fight.
A couple weeks after his 11th birthday, he entered the ring in his first match. He lost that fight, but has not lost a single bout since then.
Paterson lights up when talking about his future in the ring.
“I want to go to the Olympics, and hopefully turn pro after a successful amateur career,” he says confidently.
Maerz sees no reason Paterson will not achieve his Olympic dream.
When asked if he has the dedication to reach the elite level, Maerz quickly fired back asking, “Do you have all day to talk about his dedication?”