Ryder Bredy fights his limits!

By Joan Janzen

Ryder Bredy, from Eatonia, earned the Provincials 2023 medal at the Saskatchewan Provincial Boxing Championships on January 21st in Regina. After boxing for only three years, Ryder is now two-time provincial champion in his age category.

The 12-year-old responded to his recent win, saying, “I have a lot of respect for my opponent, as it was the toughest bout yet.”

Ryder’s coach, Ken Blohm from the Sandhills Boxing Club in Leader, commented on the bout. “His last match up was close right to the end. Both boys fought with their hearts and we came up with a victory.”

“Boxing is not just about that six minutes in that ring, but all the countless hours of training, driving and work before it,” Ryder said. The comment is indicative of maturity beyond his 12 years.

Ryder’s mom, Nicole Bredy said her son’s dedication, hard work and passion paid off as he unanimously defended his provincial title. “Ryder truly embodies what it means to ‘fight your limits’,” Nicole said.

Because Ryder is ‘fighting his limits’, he’s winning far more than a boxing match when he gets in the ring. And his parents and coaches are winning right along with him.

“Ryder started boxing because a kid pulled a knife out and threatened to kill him,” Ryder’s mom explained. “This impacted his sense of safety and mental health. We were advised to use what he loved (sports) as a way to build his self-confidence.”

Ken said his parents couldn’t believe the turn around they witnessed in their son after just six months! “Boxing does two things: it stops a kid from being bullied, and it stops kids from being bullied,” Ken said, emphasizing the importance of respect. All boxing clubs have zero tolerance for fighting outside of the ring.

Throughout his ten years of coaching, he’s seen a lot of people come and go. “Boxing is that kind of sport. Everyone wants to try it until they realize how much work it is. Then you have to find out if you love boxing or you like boxing,” he noted. “Kids with attitude usually wash out, because they realize how much work they have to do. It’s the ones who want to compete, do the work and learn respect for their coaches and competitors, who succeed.”

Ryder’s coach required that he work out and train for a full year before allowing him to have a competitive match. This can be daunting for kids who just want to get out there and compete, but it is required to ensure the safety of the boxer.

“What people don’t see about boxing is the dedication to working out, learning, making mistakes, and having an amazing attitude,” Ryder’s mom said. “His positive attitude, respectfulness, work ethic and resiliency continue to make us beyond proud as parents.”

The sports also requires dedication from his family, who drive him to Leader several times each week for two hours of practice, ensure he eats properly, and displays respect for his coaches, teachers and competitors.

Ken posted his thanks to Ryder and his family, saying, “I couldn’t be more proud of this young man and his family. This was a real battle! Thanks to the Bredy family for the commitment it takes to prepare in this sport.”

In turn, Nicole acknowledges the important part Ryder’s coaches play. “None of this is possible without the amazing coaches who invest in Ryder. Their training, compassion and devotion shines with Ryder. He does this because of his love of sport, and love for them.”

Although Ryder has claimed a provincial championship, he continues to set both short term and long term goals. It helps him focus on his training, while his coach is trying to land him a match in Nova Scotia in May.

“Everybody’s got goals, including myself,” Ken said. “I’m very excited! I’ve been selected as the head coach of the elite provincial team to attend nationals in Brampton, Ontario in February.”

As he sports his new medal, Ryder wanted to give a shout out to everyone, saying, “Thank you to my coaches and community for all the support!”

There’s a quote by an unknown author that says, “Do the work others aren’t willing to do and you’ll get the things others will never have.” Ryder Bredy has proven those words to be undeniably true. Congrats Ryder!