Rock now rolling in the ring

Central Winnipeg

While boxer Isaiah Rock’s 2025 didn’t always go according to plan, the year ended where he wanted it to —as Canadian champion.

Rock captured the gold medal in the 50-kilogram weight class at Boxing Canada’s 2025 Elite National Championships. Held in Winnipeg in late November, the match saw Rock outlast fellow Winnipegger Victor Cheung for the win.

The four-year veteran began 2025 on a good note after winning a silver medal at the 2024 Canadian National Championships in Sarnia, Ont. That close, 3-2 decision left Rock wanting more in 2025.

However, Rock suffered a serious back injury early in the year, leaving the 22-year-old pugilist out of action for four months.

“I woke up one day and couldn’t move my head,” Rock said. “I was a little upset and remember asking ‘Why now?’”

Upon his return to the gym at Power Boxing Club, Rock had to be careful in training, lest he reaggravate the problem. Under the tutelage of coach Jerome Peters, Rock put in the work, improving his conditioning and focusing on technique.

“I just stayed patient, kept myself active, and continued training,” Rock said.

Rock had to contend with another change, too. Peters received several calls suggesting Rock should drop down a weight class. He’d previously fought at 55 kilograms, but now he’d be at 50.

The shift benefited Rock. He was always among the smallest competitors at the heavier weight, and he soon found himself in the ring with fighters of a similar size.

His early bouts, while successful, showed Rock had to shake off some of the rust that accumulated while recovering from his injury. He did that and more over the summer, setting the stage for the 2025 nationals.

The bout with Cheung was a back-and-forth affair, with Peters chiding Rock for taking his foot off the gas and letting Cheung get in close. Rock corrected, kept Cheung at bay and took the decision.

“He was a little faster with his hands; he was lighter, but faster,” Peters said of Rock, while noting that Cheung has a longer resume at 50 kilos “For a guy to drop weight and come into his weight class, speed is what matters. Speed is equal to power, and (Rock) had both of them.”

Rock is on the radar of the national team and aims to earn a spot. Peters’ strategy is to keep him busy in the ring. Trips to Regina, Minneapolis and Bemidji are planned. A showcase opportunity in Spain is also on the schedule as Rock pursues his Olympic dream.

“He’s got to be physically and mentally prepared,” Peters explained. “In order to do that, you have to get him a lot of fights.”