The new year starts off with a bang, boxing-wise, this Friday with a much-anticipated B.C. championship match highlighting the 22nd edition of Clash at the Cascades.

The amateur boxing series' first show of 2013 is headlined by B.C. super welterweight titleholder Shawn "Fatty" McDonald defending his belt against Josh Wright of White Rock's Ocean City Boxing Club.

The five-round bout is part of the card at the Coast Convention Centre beside Cascades Casino this Friday, Jan 18.

A Walnut Grove resident, McDonald is coming off an exciting series of bouts that started last March with a split decision loss in Kelowna to hometown boxer Daniel Joseph for the vacant 154 pound strap.

The rubber match took place in Kelowna in July and McDonald won a unanimous decision to take the title.

The match against Wright will be McDonald's second defence of the belt.

Wright is coming off a stoppage of Jamie Chadwick and is known as a puncher.

The winner of McDonald/Wright will be in line to take part in the World Boxing Council (WBC) eliminators that begin in March.

The WBC Canadian championships take place Aug. 19 with the winners to progress to the WBC world championships.

Russ Lavery of Port Kells will also be in action as he takes on Brennan Patterson of Mission's Blue Corner Boxing. Lavery will also enter the WBC eliminators at 135 pounds and needs a good performance Friday, says the event's matchmaker Dave Allison.

In the heavyweight division, Bisla's Pavir Atwal will be in action against Justin Dois of Vancouver.

Jillian Sask of Port Kells is also expected to compete.

As well, the card will also include some junior bouts, and City Boxing newcomer Kyle Thandi, 18, will be competing.

Tickets at the door are $30. Those ages 12 and under get in free.

All bouts are sanctioned by British Columbia Combative Sports Association.

For presale tickets call 604-308-3139.

The event includes a bar service and free parking.

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Bouts begin at 7: 30 p.m.