Medina helping relay team in fight against cancer
Sandpoint boxer Favio Medina, left, displays his Canadian-American-Mexican Welterweight belt during the Lost in the 50’s parade recently. Medina will be signing autographs and posing for photos today at the STCU bank in Ponderay from 3-6 p.m. (Photo courtesy ERIC PLUMMER)
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint fighter Favio Medina has been taking on all comers in the boxing ring for years, but today he’s helping to fight a different opponent, teaming up with a local bank to raise money for the fight against cancer.
Medina, one of the most popular boxers in the region, will be at the Spokane Teachers Credit Union’s Bonner County branch (located in the plaza across from Wal-Mart, next to Verizon Wireless) today from 3-6 p.m. He’ll be posing for pictures and signing autographs, and there will also be face painting for anyone in the community who would like to come down and support both a local fighter and a wonderful cause.
The Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Relay for Life team will be holding the fundraiser, and was excited when Medina, who has lost a family member to cancer, offered to help them raise money.
“We love Favio, but in the end it’s about helping so many that are fighting cancer,” said Sherri Richardson of STCU, who is spearheading the fundraiser and will also be painting faces. “We’re doing the Relay for Life for locals who are fighting cancer. Tyler Cordle, Nate Rench, Eric Statler and Shannon McNall — it’s in honor of them.”
Medina (21-2-2, 8 KOs) won last month in a 10 round unanimous decision over Gary Bergeron, whom Medina called a tough and well-conditioned fighter. His next big fight will be a much-awaited rematch with Orlando Lora, who knocked out Medina back in February. That fight is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino’s House of Fury, and figures to be the biggest of Medina’s career to this point.
“It’s gonna be different this time, let me tell you that,” said Medina of the rematch with Lora. “I’m hoping to get a tune-up fight in before that.”
The North Idaho Relay for Life will be held on June 12-13 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, and anyone who would like to join the Rock ‘em Sock ‘em team can call Richardson at (208) 619-4044.