Boxing Gym Targeted by Gunfire
An Iranian-owned boxing gym in Thornhill, Ontario was targeted by gunfire early Sunday, in what appears to be a threat against activists critical of the Iranian government. In other boxing news, Keith Thurman criticized Sebastian Fundora, claiming Fundora "has not faced elite competition" at 154 pounds. Regis Prograis cast doubt on Conor Benn's standing, suggesting Benn's fame is tied to his surname ahead of their April 11 fight.
The boxing gym, Saliwan Boxing, is owned by Salar Gholami, a prominent activist and organizer of protests against the Iranian government in the Greater Toronto Area. The shooting, which involved 17 bullets fired into the gym, occurred just one hour after a gathering celebrating the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. Gholami believes the attack was a direct result of his activism and alleges it was carried out by individuals linked to the Islamic Republic. York Regional Police are investigating the incident, which took place around 3 a.m. on Sunday, as a targeted shooting. While no motive has been officially confirmed, police have acknowledged the community's concerns about potential links to "broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East." Surveillance footage captured a dark-coloured SUV fleeing the scene, and police are appealing for witnesses and video evidence. The gym's windows displayed the Lion and Sun flag, a symbol of pre-revolutionary Iran that is banned by the current government. This incident is part of a larger pattern of intimidation and threats against Iranian dissidents in Canada. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has previously acknowledged investigating "credible" death threats from Iran aimed at individuals in Canada. These threats have included monitoring, harassment, and cyber espionage against activists and journalists who speak out against the Iranian regime. Keith Thurman, a former unified welterweight world champion with a record of 31 wins and 1 loss, has a history of facing top-tier opponents like Manny Pacquiao, Danny Garcia, and Shawn Porter. His criticism of Sebastian Fundora's level of competition comes from a veteran who has consistently fought at the highest echelons of the 147-pound division. Fundora, known as "The Towering Inferno," recently captured the WBC and WBO junior middleweight titles. Regis Prograis, a two-time world champion in the super lightweight division, has built a reputation on his aggressive style and punching power, holding a record of 30 wins with 24 knockouts. His comments about Conor Benn's fame highlight the significant legacy of Conor's father, Nigel Benn, a two-division world champion known as "The Dark Destroyer." Nigel Benn's intense rivalry with Chris Eubank Sr. in the 1990s was a defining feature of British boxing, creating a famous surname that Regis Prograis suggests has greatly benefited his son's career.
