Of all the sporting events that have taken place at the Banff high school field, amateur boxing might have been a first.

But it was a perfect day for an outdoor boxing card, and with no snow - unlike the first KO Cancer event that was held in Canmore two years ago - promoter Nick Martin was happy.

Hosted by the Canmore Fight Club, the annual boxing event raises money for cancer research, with 50 per cent of the takings going to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the other 50 per cent going to Blessed Are The Children Foundation. This year's event raised just over $5,000.

It was the first time the event was held in Banff, but not the first time the boxing club has brought fights to town, as Wild Bill's has hosted a few bouts.

But this outdoor event was a new experience for Banff.

"It went really well. We're really happy with it and everyone had a good time," Martin said.

Five amateur bouts took place, with one local stepping into the ring.

Canmore's Craig Wilson - by way of the Gold Coast of Australia - fought his third fight and earned his third win by referee stoppage.

Emerging with a swollen nose but no worse for wear, the 30-year-old fighter defeated Hani Hashen of Calgary's Teofista Boxing Gym with ease.

"It went right to plan," said Wilson. "Nick said in the first round, feel him out and we trained for the third round."

But they never got there, and Martin isn't sure Wilson has ever seen the third round of a fight.

"It was pretty one sided. That's just the way Craig is. He's not there to be your friend. He's the nicest guy in the world out of the ring, but he's there to fight," Martin said.

"You could tell Hani was out of his league a bit."

Wilson's opponent left his chin out a few too many times and that left him open to attack. Wilson capitalized on every opportunity, keeping the intensity up and Hashen off balance.

The rest of the card saw boxers from Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary travel to Banff for the event with one exhibition match being fought.

Martin said all KO Cancer fight nights will be fought outside, and while their Wild Bill's events have been successful, he's not planning to organize any more this year, but "as long as they'll have us in the future, we'll be there."

larissa.barlow@sunmedia.ca