The Powell Boxing Club is making waves in the Big Horn Basin.

Last Friday at Heart Mountain Hall in the Park County Fairgrounds more than 250 people crowded around to watch 19 matches, listen to the live band Puddle Jumpers during intermission, and enjoy treats from the Powell High School state winning Speech and Debate bake sale. 

The main event marked the first title fight held in Powell in 40 years and pitted local boxer Marco Hernandez, who has been training with 307 Boxing in Powell since last August, against Cain McEachran of Sheridan.

“Marco and Cain definitely delivered a great matchup. The crowd was electric and both fighters gave it their all,” coach David Holland said, noting he and Hernandez would like a rematch. “After talking to Cain’s coaches, they were just as excited as they also would like the rematch. As exciting as their matchup was, the hopes are for them to face off again in the near future.”

 In the end Hernandez lost a close split decision, but the match capped off a big night. 

“We were excited for our main event matchup between Marco and Cain. Marco had been excited for this matchup, as his family traveled to Cody to watch and cheer him on,” Holland said. “Cain … was just excited for the opportunity to be part of the main event.”

It’s now been dubbed the Big Horn Basin Brawler series and the winner received the first belt given out in the area in decades. 

“It was a great night where family and friends got to experience live music, great food, and watch some great combat sport matches,” Holland said. “The Big Horn Basin is really starting to embrace boxing and combat sports in this area, which has been a great outlet for many different people. Seeing the growth has been tremendous. We could not do what we do without the community’s support.”