Local boxer making a comeback

By Lethbridge Herald on March 6, 2025.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Kyle Oliver does focus pad training with coach Kevin Oishi.

By Justin Seward

Local amateur boxer Kyle Oliver is making a comeback in the sport after some time away and has been progressing to results in the ring over the last year.

Oliver is a former national champion and national team member, as well as  has been a provincial champion multiple times and has had international experience.

The 2001-born boxer returned to boxing in January 2024 after taking a couple of years off due to injuries and personal issues.

“It was a rough start for sure, but then yeah ended up going to nationals in November of last year and I took eighth place there but it was big because I never even thought I’d be back to  boxing to be honest with you,” said Oliver.

Oliver admits he had to readjust to boxing life after being away for couple of years.

“Definitely some growing pains but honestly it’s been such a surprising journey,” said Oliver.

“So being able to push through that adversity and make it happen again is pretty sweet.”

Oliver progressed forward again recently when he was victorious  against a  Saskatchewan and B.C. provincial champion a couple of weeks ago at an invitational tournament.

“This is something that’s deeply rooted inside of me and I haven’t felt like myself as much as I do in years,” said Oliver.

“It’s been a blessing to be able to come back to the sport and have the success I’ve had.”

Oliver is now preparing for the upcoming Canada Cup later this month in Calgary which will see him box against the best from across the nation.

Oliver says training has been different than it ever has for this event.

“In December, I started a strength and conditioning plan with some nutrition in there and made some huge body composition changes. I’m a little heavier than I was before but it’s not a problem and now I’m switching it back into more boxing-focused training.”

Canada Cup will be a different level of amateur boxing.

“It’s a totally different level than anything you’ll find in regular tournaments in Alberta for sure,” said Oliver.

“It’s fighting people from out east. Most of the time, those guys train way more than we do with way more volume and way more people.”

Oliver will be boxing in the 70-kg category.

Oliver highlighted what is has meant to him to be a leader at the Lethbridge Boxing Club

“This club is a huge piece of pride for me,” said Oliver.

“Being looked at as a leader in the gym, that’s a huge privilege for me. There’s a lot of kids in here that are putting in a lotta hard work and they deserve recognition too.”

Oliver relays that if the  hard work is put in, that will beat the talent.

“No matter what you do, where you came from, what your means are, if you put your head down and put the work in, you’re gonna get somewhere,” said Oliver.

Fahad Abdullah, a Lethbridge Boxing Club coach, said Kyle is a very approachable guy.

“He’s very humble, very respectful, very loving,” said Abdullah.

“It’s nice to see beginner fighters come to Kyle and ask him for advice and ask him for direction. And as busy as Kyle is, he always managed to find that time and work with the younger ones or work with other older athletes and guide them and support them.”