WOMEN IN BOXING: 2012 Nominees for
BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING
HALL of FAME: By Brian Zelley, administrator
*What began in 2010 has expanded in 2010 to include a category
for women in boxing. For 2012, the first ever women nominees
are builder MARGARET O'REILLY and
the boxer MANDY LAPOINTE.
Although the selection process is taking place in June 2012
it is expected that both Marg and Mandy will be the first
two women in boxers to be recognized as inductees.
Marg's husband, the late Pat O'Reilly was the founder
of the Hasting's Community Centtre boxing club which
operated for a few decades in Vancouver. Mandy LaPointe
is a former amateur boxer and current professional boxer
from Prince George.
Following the completion of the process that is expected
to be complete on or before July 1, 2012 the appropriate
announcement will be made.
The importance of this will coincide with another historical
moment for Women in Boxing when women boxers will
compete in the 2012 London summer olympic games.
The Canadian boxer MARY SPENCER is the lone
woman boxer to compete in London and one of her
toughest competitors will be the English boxer but
the USA boxer Clarissa Shields with a victory over Mary will also
be a medal threat. In the other weight divisions, one of the
expected medal winners is Ireland's Katie Taylor.
Women in Boxing in British Columbia
In decades past, many women involved with boxing were often in
various volunteer roles such as the women's auxiliary or helping
out at boxing shows. Over time some would serve as a board
member for Boxing BC such as Marg O'Reilly, Shirley Knopp
Jean Bayne and many others. And, in the Nineties there would be
women's boxing in amateur bouts.
Some of the names of women involved in the auxiliary were
Jean Bayne, Nadine Bayne, Audrey Wilson, Stella Fuller,
Carole Brown and ida Smith.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
SEVENTIES BOXING in VICTORIA
"SEVENTIES BOXING BIRTH GROWTH COMMENDABLE:
(as published in the "Sportcaster" on January 9, 1980)
-story by Brian Zelley, boxing coach and VAA director)
(note: this story was to look back at the boxing scene in
Victoria, BC, Canada and document some of the changes
However, it was not intended to be an in-depth history of
every club show and tournament. One important change
was when Nanaimo Boxing Club co-founders Dan Wright
and Britan Zelley joined with the local Victoria boxing
community to begin a re-building of the sport of amateur
boxing.)
"Amateur boxing in Victoria started the Seventies in a
decade of doubt, but closes out the 1970's with a record
of growth and achievement.
In the early years, boxing was on the ropes with limited
activity and public exposure. In the last six years,
amateur boxing in Victoria has made a strong comeback
and has created a new wave of interest. Prior to this
period, boxing was in a rebuilding stage as a result of the
decline in top level boxers in British Columbia after the
1968 Olympics.
From 1970 to 1973, boxing was kept alive through the
efforts of Gordie McGaw, Larry Montgomery and
Mike Caird. At this time, the local boxers were
competing in club shows on the Island and several
boxers entering tournaments in Vancouver.
(Reprint from "The Victorian", November 22, 1974)
The revival of boxing: Ian Weir, Mike Caird, Brian Zelley)
In 1974, three veteran boxers moved to Victoria to be part of the rebuilding
program. With the arrival of Brian Zelley, Dan Wright and Ian Weir, Caird
was able to expand the boxing program.
The first local boxer to achieve National attention was Wayne Crowe who
was a silver medalist in the 1974 Canadian Amateur Boxing Championships.
in 1975, the boxing program received a boost when the London Boxing Club
helped with financial assistance ...On June 6, 1976, boxing back with the LBC
hosted an English Schoolboy vs BC Junior Selects tournament, and on
August 31, 1976 the Victoria Athletic Association was formed at took over
sponsorship of the boxing program. Due to increased help provided by the
directors and other members and improved training facility at the
Quadra Recreation Centre, the coaches (Mike Caird, Brian Zelley
and Lou Bujdoso) were able to develop better qualified and more
experienced boxers. As a result Victoria boxers won many
provincial tournament championships.
The top three junior boxers to emerge were Gary Robinson,
Cliff Ballendine and Matt Montgomery.
(note the story listed some of championships won by the boxers)
Boxing in Victoria expanded when Lou Bujdoso left the VAA
to form his own club which became the Victoria Jaycees.
(Quadra Recreation Centre)
The combined boxing programs in Victoria joined together
to sponsor the revived 1980 Diamond Belt Championship
in February. "
End of Story, or will the story be repeated in a town or village
somewhere at some future date, or will some critical points
be found that can begin a new journey for one or many.
(as published in the "Sportcaster" on January 9, 1980)
-story by Brian Zelley, boxing coach and VAA director)
(note: this story was to look back at the boxing scene in
Victoria, BC, Canada and document some of the changes
However, it was not intended to be an in-depth history of
every club show and tournament. One important change
was when Nanaimo Boxing Club co-founders Dan Wright
and Britan Zelley joined with the local Victoria boxing
community to begin a re-building of the sport of amateur
boxing.)
"Amateur boxing in Victoria started the Seventies in a
decade of doubt, but closes out the 1970's with a record
of growth and achievement.
In the early years, boxing was on the ropes with limited
activity and public exposure. In the last six years,
amateur boxing in Victoria has made a strong comeback
and has created a new wave of interest. Prior to this
period, boxing was in a rebuilding stage as a result of the
decline in top level boxers in British Columbia after the
1968 Olympics.
From 1970 to 1973, boxing was kept alive through the
efforts of Gordie McGaw, Larry Montgomery and
Mike Caird. At this time, the local boxers were
competing in club shows on the Island and several
boxers entering tournaments in Vancouver.
The revival of boxing: Ian Weir, Mike Caird, Brian Zelley)
In 1974, three veteran boxers moved to Victoria to be part of the rebuilding
program. With the arrival of Brian Zelley, Dan Wright and Ian Weir, Caird
was able to expand the boxing program.
The first local boxer to achieve National attention was Wayne Crowe who
was a silver medalist in the 1974 Canadian Amateur Boxing Championships.
in 1975, the boxing program received a boost when the London Boxing Club
helped with financial assistance ...On June 6, 1976, boxing back with the LBC
hosted an English Schoolboy vs BC Junior Selects tournament, and on
August 31, 1976 the Victoria Athletic Association was formed at took over
sponsorship of the boxing program. Due to increased help provided by the
directors and other members and improved training facility at the
Quadra Recreation Centre, the coaches (Mike Caird, Brian Zelley
and Lou Bujdoso) were able to develop better qualified and more
experienced boxers. As a result Victoria boxers won many
provincial tournament championships.
The top three junior boxers to emerge were Gary Robinson,
Cliff Ballendine and Matt Montgomery.
(note the story listed some of championships won by the boxers)
Boxing in Victoria expanded when Lou Bujdoso left the VAA
to form his own club which became the Victoria Jaycees.
(Quadra Recreation Centre)
The combined boxing programs in Victoria joined together
to sponsor the revived 1980 Diamond Belt Championship
in February. "
End of Story, or will the story be repeated in a town or village
somewhere at some future date, or will some critical points
be found that can begin a new journey for one or many.
Monday, June 18, 2012
VAA BOXING ROUNDUP
VAA BOXING ROUNDUP: By Brian Zelley
Introduction
This article is a story that appeared in the Sportcaster
on June 7, 1977 as was the end of the season for
the Victoria Athletic Association.
Amateur boxing for the 1976/77 season came to an official
end recently when the Annual Awards were presented at the
first annual awards ceremony for the VICTORIA ATHLETICS
ASSOCIATION. Sharing awards for the boxing program were
Malcolm Montgomery, Matt Montgomery, Gary Robinson and
Tom Turnbull.
Malcolm Montgomery who showed steady improvement
throughout the year, received the award for
The Most Improved Boxer.
Matt Montgomery went from a novice boxer to an open
junior contender. His most important bouts were against
top rated Dale Walters from Burnaby. For his effort over
over the year, Matt received the award for the
Most Sportsmanlike Boxer. In all his bouts< Matt showed
compassion for lesser foes and courage against the likes
of Walters and John Herman of Richmond.
Gary Robinson was selected as the best VAA boxer.
Throughout the year Robinson faced the best boxers
in his weight division. Many of the toughest bouts ended
in split decisions. Having faced the best in many close
bouts Robinson was top choice for VAA Boxer of the Year.
Tom Turnbull who boxed in the novice welterweight division
was the first recipient of a perpetual trophy dedicated to
the late Nick Lystar. Tom won the best left hand trophy
for his excellent use of the left jab and left hook in all of
his bouts.
In the words of former flyweight champion Jimmy Wilde:
"The young boxer must develop punching power with the
left. Learn to use it swiftly, powerfully and accurately".
Aside from the individual awards, the VAA boxing
program has resulted in renewed interest in the
sport of amateur boxing in Victoria. Many persons
including the boxers, coaches, parents, officials and
fans contributed to this success. The key persons
involved - coaches: Mike Caird, Brian Zelley and
Lou Bujdoso, manager Ian Duddy, and Jack Dillon,
Bob Perry and Don Shaw.
This article is a story that appeared in the Sportcaster
on June 7, 1977 as was the end of the season for
the Victoria Athletic Association.
Amateur boxing for the 1976/77 season came to an official
end recently when the Annual Awards were presented at the
first annual awards ceremony for the VICTORIA ATHLETICS
ASSOCIATION. Sharing awards for the boxing program were
Malcolm Montgomery, Matt Montgomery, Gary Robinson and
Tom Turnbull.
Malcolm Montgomery who showed steady improvement
throughout the year, received the award for
The Most Improved Boxer.
Matt Montgomery went from a novice boxer to an open
junior contender. His most important bouts were against
top rated Dale Walters from Burnaby. For his effort over
over the year, Matt received the award for the
Most Sportsmanlike Boxer. In all his bouts< Matt showed
compassion for lesser foes and courage against the likes
of Walters and John Herman of Richmond.
Gary Robinson was selected as the best VAA boxer.
Throughout the year Robinson faced the best boxers
in his weight division. Many of the toughest bouts ended
in split decisions. Having faced the best in many close
bouts Robinson was top choice for VAA Boxer of the Year.
Tom Turnbull who boxed in the novice welterweight division
was the first recipient of a perpetual trophy dedicated to
the late Nick Lystar. Tom won the best left hand trophy
for his excellent use of the left jab and left hook in all of
his bouts.
In the words of former flyweight champion Jimmy Wilde:
"The young boxer must develop punching power with the
left. Learn to use it swiftly, powerfully and accurately".
Aside from the individual awards, the VAA boxing
program has resulted in renewed interest in the
sport of amateur boxing in Victoria. Many persons
including the boxers, coaches, parents, officials and
fans contributed to this success. The key persons
involved - coaches: Mike Caird, Brian Zelley and
Lou Bujdoso, manager Ian Duddy, and Jack Dillon,
Bob Perry and Don Shaw.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
BOXING NEWS: ZELLEY's ROUND
PAGES FROM BOXING FILES 1983:
Introduction:
The following story was prepared by me for the sports paper
the "Sportcaster" and was published October 26, 1983
with a Vancouver Island focus.
BOXING NEWS - ZELLEY'S ROUND: by Brian Zelley
*Victoria Jaycees boxer Mike Kennedy defeated two opponents
to win the 147 lb. senior novice championships in the 1983'"
"S.I.N. Tournament" for senior and intermediate novice
boxers at Burnaby's Development Training Centre on
October 22. Other Greater Victoria participants were
Augusto dos Reis, Lyle Ritchie, Paul Wade and Ian Middleditch.
Parksville boxers were Tim Cessford, Darryl Gurrier,
Glenn McMillan and Darryl Clarke. Island coaches were
Mike Sartori, Art Shiels and Brian Sacho. The lone Island
official was Brian Zelley (Victoria).
KENNEDY stopped Mike Parsons of Prince George in the
third round of a prelim bout and decisioned Eddie Lee of
Vancouver to win the title. Augusto dos Reis was declared
uncontested in the 106 lb. intermediate novice division.
In an all Island bout Parksville's Tim Cessford won a decision
over Victoria's Paul Wade in the 139 lb. intermediate class.
In the first round , Cessford edged Wade. In round two
Wade bounced back midway through the round to
knock Cessford into the ropes with a well times left hook
and right cross combination. Tim weathered the storm to
hear the bell. In the third round both boxers showed good
boxing basics. But, a couple of well placed jabs by Cessford
earned the round for him. The final decision was a 4-1
majority decision for Cessford. In the finals, Cessford
dropped a 4-1 majority decision to Todd Hartley of Prince George.
In other matches featuring Island boxers, Ray Abraham of
Vancouver defeated Lyle Ritchie, Duncan Murdoch (Carnegie)
edged Ian Middleditch, Brent Kollen (Vancouver) defeated
Gurrier, Peter Martin (Williams Lake) over McMillan,
Jim Cumberland (Shamrock) edged Darryl Clarke.
In other competition JASON TROTTIER defeated Ray Abraham to
win the 132 lb. intermediate title, and was named
BEST INTERMEDIATE BOXER. And, ISAAC GOCK of the
Hastings Community Centre outclassed Tonka Young of Shamrock
and Duncan Murdoch of Cargegie to win the 139b senior title
and be named best senior boxer
Other participants included:
Brent Lackie, Bob Steeves Leonard Starr, Jessie Kaelus,
Khiem Lawlor, Mark Smith, Darryl Starzuk, Ed Beaucage,
Ted Kinna, Vincent Schryver, Richard Orozco, Terry Dermott,
Greg Singh and Werner Kirschner.
Head official was Bert Lowes, and other officials were
Fred Fuller, Sid Knopp, Rudy Bianco, Larry Krangle,
Jack Mellor, Brian Zelley, Lindy Lindmoser, Bill Gurvich,
Alan Young and Vic Murdoch. Ring announcer was
Larry Carney, head timekeeper was George Armson,
registration was handled by Shirley Knopp and Marg
O'Reilly, and gloving dutiies were handled by
Tommy Yule and Gordon Miller.
Other News:
Victoria boxers Kirk Ranneris, Paul Deluca and Kit Munro
are slated for activity in Campbell River on October 29th.
There will also be a rematch between GARY WOOD
(1983 Canada Games silver medalist) and DAVE
HENDRICKSON (1983 BC Winter Games gold medalist)
Other Island boxers will compete in the 1983 Bronze Gloves
championships on November 5th.
The Victoria Jaycees will host their first amateur boxing card
of the current season at the Gordon Head Recreation Centee
on Sunday November 13th. at 2:00 pm The card will
feature twelve bouts with Victoria boxers competing against
other Island boxers and competitors from the mainland.
Introduction:
the "Sportcaster" and was published October 26, 1983
with a Vancouver Island focus.
BOXING NEWS - ZELLEY'S ROUND: by Brian Zelley
*Victoria Jaycees boxer Mike Kennedy defeated two opponents
to win the 147 lb. senior novice championships in the 1983'"
"S.I.N. Tournament" for senior and intermediate novice
boxers at Burnaby's Development Training Centre on
October 22. Other Greater Victoria participants were
Augusto dos Reis, Lyle Ritchie, Paul Wade and Ian Middleditch.
Parksville boxers were Tim Cessford, Darryl Gurrier,
Glenn McMillan and Darryl Clarke. Island coaches were
Mike Sartori, Art Shiels and Brian Sacho. The lone Island
official was Brian Zelley (Victoria).
KENNEDY stopped Mike Parsons of Prince George in the
third round of a prelim bout and decisioned Eddie Lee of
Vancouver to win the title. Augusto dos Reis was declared
uncontested in the 106 lb. intermediate novice division.
In an all Island bout Parksville's Tim Cessford won a decision
over Victoria's Paul Wade in the 139 lb. intermediate class.
In the first round , Cessford edged Wade. In round two
Wade bounced back midway through the round to
knock Cessford into the ropes with a well times left hook
and right cross combination. Tim weathered the storm to
hear the bell. In the third round both boxers showed good
boxing basics. But, a couple of well placed jabs by Cessford
earned the round for him. The final decision was a 4-1
majority decision for Cessford. In the finals, Cessford
dropped a 4-1 majority decision to Todd Hartley of Prince George.
In other matches featuring Island boxers, Ray Abraham of
Vancouver defeated Lyle Ritchie, Duncan Murdoch (Carnegie)
edged Ian Middleditch, Brent Kollen (Vancouver) defeated
Gurrier, Peter Martin (Williams Lake) over McMillan,
Jim Cumberland (Shamrock) edged Darryl Clarke.
In other competition JASON TROTTIER defeated Ray Abraham to
win the 132 lb. intermediate title, and was named
BEST INTERMEDIATE BOXER. And, ISAAC GOCK of the
Hastings Community Centre outclassed Tonka Young of Shamrock
and Duncan Murdoch of Cargegie to win the 139b senior title
and be named best senior boxer
Other participants included:
Brent Lackie, Bob Steeves Leonard Starr, Jessie Kaelus,
Khiem Lawlor, Mark Smith, Darryl Starzuk, Ed Beaucage,
Ted Kinna, Vincent Schryver, Richard Orozco, Terry Dermott,
Greg Singh and Werner Kirschner.
Head official was Bert Lowes, and other officials were
Fred Fuller, Sid Knopp, Rudy Bianco, Larry Krangle,
Jack Mellor, Brian Zelley, Lindy Lindmoser, Bill Gurvich,
Alan Young and Vic Murdoch. Ring announcer was
Larry Carney, head timekeeper was George Armson,
registration was handled by Shirley Knopp and Marg
O'Reilly, and gloving dutiies were handled by
Tommy Yule and Gordon Miller.
Other News:
Victoria boxers Kirk Ranneris, Paul Deluca and Kit Munro
are slated for activity in Campbell River on October 29th.
There will also be a rematch between GARY WOOD
(1983 Canada Games silver medalist) and DAVE
HENDRICKSON (1983 BC Winter Games gold medalist)
Other Island boxers will compete in the 1983 Bronze Gloves
championships on November 5th.
The Victoria Jaycees will host their first amateur boxing card
of the current season at the Gordon Head Recreation Centee
on Sunday November 13th. at 2:00 pm The card will
feature twelve bouts with Victoria boxers competing against
other Island boxers and competitors from the mainland.
Friday, June 8, 2012
THE COMPLETE BC BOXING STORY, 1939 to 2012
THE BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR
BOXING STORY THROUGH MY
EYES and EARS: BY Brian Zelley
Introduction:
Starting in 1983, I determined that the story of amateur
boxing in British Columbia has not been told. So
starting with the "Vancouver Island Boxing News",
I began a journey to tell the story through my eyes and ears.
FROM 1939 to 2012: Or, from the journey of Kenny:
One could say it is the story of the many boxers from the
likes of KENNY LINDSAY in 1939 to
boxer KENNY LALLY in 2012. But, of course, there have
been many more that have made an impact on the sport
and hundreds that participated with any International
or National recognition.
Following the production of two issues of the Island boxing news,
I became the editor of the "BC Amateur Boxing News".
FLASHBACKS and GOLDEN MEMORIES
*This story will attempt to cover some of the highlights of the stories.
(photo: Kenny Lindsay, 1940)
THE MANY FACES AND NAMES OF BC BOXING
*A good starting point for the story is to touch base on the many coaches
and officials of amateur boxing and some of theese are found in the
flurry of stories under the title of "BOXING BC OIFFICIALS AND COACHES:
and can be found at http://zelley-boxing.blogspot.ca/
The first story in the above link was in 2009 and takes us back
to 1980 and the re-election of FRED FULLER as president of
the BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING ASSOCIATION.
THE MANY TOURNAMENTS OF BOXING IN BC BOXING
*Throughout the decades there have been many tournaments but
the ultimate tournament on an bais is the GOLDEN GLOVES
that began in 1939 and was heldd in Vancouver. Other tournaments
have been introduced along the way with a range of stories including
the various revivals from Silver Gloves to Buckskin Gloves and the
various lives of the Diamond Belt tournaments in the Fifties, Sixties
and the 1980 revival in Victoria, BC. Some of the history is found
on the LINK: http://bzgloves.blogspot.ca/
The above link covers Golden Gloves and Diamond Belt action.
I have also documented some of the history in Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/BC_Golden_Gloves
This includes reference to the first Golden Gloves
tournament called "The Sun Golden Gloves" of 1939,
also some early winners of the Seattle Golden Gloves
in the Forties such as Gordon Grayson, Jackie Turner
and Vic Murdoch. Also, reference to the 1945
Golden Boy, Chester Orr.
RECOGNIZING SOME THROUGH A HALL OF FAME:
*Based on the history of the sport and the many contributions
to the sport, more past members in boxing should have been
recognized in the BC SPORTS HALL of FAME. But, alas
that as of 2012, it is just restricted to Seven members with a boxing
connection and for some of those seven it was not easy getting them inducted,
"VAST VISION MUST IMPROVE OUR SIGHT"
*One alternative to the various provincial and regional halls of fame,
was for persons that have been involved in amateur boxing to take
the initiative and create a hall of fame. Now, although it was firs
mentioned in the BC AMATEUR BOXING NEWS in 1985,
it would take 25 years to establish the British Columbia Amateur
Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010 and in the first two years there are
now 25 inductees which include the 1967 Diamond Belt
tournament and the Campbell River Eagles Boxing Club
and various individuals and categories including a Pioneer
section that has one inductee by the name of Tommy Paonessa.
Scattered Pages of BC Amateur Boxing History:
*There are many ways and
methods to tell the story.
One such series of methods
is through the public pages
of news and views:
http://www.nowpublic.com/b-zelley
BC CLUBS PAST AND PRESENT
*If the boxing club is the classroom for boxers, then it is a must
that we tell the story of past and present clubs and retell a piece
of their history. Starting in the west, the logical beginning would
be Vancouver Island and one area for two clubs with a combined
history that begins in 1963 in Nanaimo Boxing history:
http://nanaimoboxing.blogspot.ca/ This link covers some
of the history of the Newcastle and Nanaimo Boxing Clubs.
But there have been many more clubs ins such places as
Golde River, Campbell River, Comox, Parksville, Port Alberni,
Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, Sooke and Greater Victoria.
*A club that began in 1976
to replace the London Boxing Club
Other clubs have since replaced
the athletics boxing program
beginning with the Victoria
Jaycees that began in the late
Seventies through Lou Bujdoso,
and a recent club is the
Capital City Boxing Club.
CLUBS DECADE BY DECADE
Over the decades there have been many clubs, and over time they
pass into the history books. Some of the long running clubs in
British Columbia still active include the Prince George club
the Spruce Capital Warriors Boxing Club with one of the first
persons to be involved was Irving Mann, father of Harold and
grandfather of Laurie Mann. Another club of long term
activity is the Cranbrook Eagles Boxing Club with one of the
early coaches being Michael Moore and one of the early stars
of the club being Derrick Hoyt, who now lives in Victoria and is
a ring official and at one time was a coach of the Sooke Amateur
Boxing Club which recently has been revived.
Cranbrook Boxing in the here and now
CLUBS of THE SIXTIES:
Starting with Vancouver Island, some of the boxing clubs
included the London Boxing Club in Victoria, the
Newcastle Boxing Club in Nanaimo, and the
Port Alberni Boxing Club in Port Alberni. In 1969,
a club in Campbell River was starting to take shape
but the Campbell River Eagles Boxing Club would
not be registered until 1970.
Some well known clubs in the Greater Vancover and
Lower Mainland includes the Richmond Boxing Club,
Ladner Boxing Club, Langley Boxing Club, the
Vancouver Firefighters, Astoria Boxing Club, the
East Vancouver Optimists Boxing Club, the Hastings
Community Centre Boxing Club, the Surrey Club,
the South Burnaby Boxing Club and the North West
Eagles boxing club. Then at one time there was a club
based in the Haney Correctional facility, and ones in
such places as 100 Mile House and then a high profile
one was the Prince George based Spruce Capital Boxing
Club.
BOXING CLUBS of 1972\
* AAC * Astoria * Chilliwac * Cloverdale * Coquitlam
* Cranbrook * Firefighters * Hastings * Ladner * Langley
* Mount Pleasant * MSA * Nanaimo * North West Eagles
* Police Coup Legion * Richmond * Simon Fraser *
* Spruce Capital (Prince George) Surrey * Victoria Boy's Club.
The Vancouver Firefighters and the North Vancouver
North West Eagles were coming to the end of their life cycle,
but throughout the Seventies other clubs would appear
such as the revival of the London Boxing Club, but in 1976
it would be replaced by the Victoria Athletic Association.
BOXING CLUBS of 1985:
*Astoria * Burnaby Eagles * Burns Lake
* Campbell River Eagles * Capital Hill
* Cranbrook EE * Crofton * Douglas College
* Elk Valley * Gold River * Hastings
* Invermere * Kelowna * Kamloops
* Kamloops Lions * Kimberley * Kingsway
* Comox Valley * Ladner * Falkland * Kermide
* Lake Babine * Maple Ridge * Nanaimo
* Olympus * Parksville-Qualicum * Pavilion
* Port Kells * Spruce Capitol * Prince Rupert
* Firt St, John * Queensborough * North Shore
* Point Grey * Revelstoke * Richmond * Seton Lake
* Shamrock * Squamish * Sunshine Coast * Trojan Horse
* Vernon * Victoria Jaycees * Williams Lake Boxing Club
1972 THE NAMES BEHIND THE BOXING CLUBS OF BC
* Over time nothing stays the same, as the years rolled by
many of these clubs would fade away, but some would remain
but even then the names of those in charge would change.
By the mid-Seventies, two of the top two clubs would end
including the North West Eagles in North Vancouver and
the Firefighters in Vancouver. One of the last warriors of
the Firefighters boxing club was Gordie Lawson.
Also, the boxing club at the Victoria Boy's Club would
fold and be re-sponsored by the London Boxing Club
until 1976 when it was replaced by the
Victoria Athletic Association:
But, over time as we moved in the active years of the Eighties,
the Victoria Jaycees Boxing Club that was started by
Lou Bujdoso would be the only club in the capital city.
THE EIGHTIES would be a good decade for boxing
on a local level, a provincial level and on a National basis
along with International competition.
THE CANADIAN AMATEUR BOXING WALL OF FAME
*The selection of 55 included some from British Columbia
including: Roger Adolph, Pat O'Reilly sn., Harold Mann,
Dick Findlay, Freddy Fuller and Frankie Scott.
for details for the first list of inductees for January 1, 2013
http://cabhof.blogspot.ca/
BOXING STORY THROUGH MY
EYES and EARS: BY Brian Zelley
Introduction:
Starting in 1983, I determined that the story of amateur
boxing in British Columbia has not been told. So
starting with the "Vancouver Island Boxing News",
I began a journey to tell the story through my eyes and ears.
FROM 1939 to 2012: Or, from the journey of Kenny:
One could say it is the story of the many boxers from the
likes of KENNY LINDSAY in 1939 to
boxer KENNY LALLY in 2012. But, of course, there have
been many more that have made an impact on the sport
and hundreds that participated with any International
or National recognition.
Following the production of two issues of the Island boxing news,
I became the editor of the "BC Amateur Boxing News".
FLASHBACKS and GOLDEN MEMORIES
*This story will attempt to cover some of the highlights of the stories.
(photo: Kenny Lindsay, 1940)
THE MANY FACES AND NAMES OF BC BOXING
*A good starting point for the story is to touch base on the many coaches
and officials of amateur boxing and some of theese are found in the
flurry of stories under the title of "BOXING BC OIFFICIALS AND COACHES:
and can be found at http://zelley-boxing.blogspot.ca/
The first story in the above link was in 2009 and takes us back
to 1980 and the re-election of FRED FULLER as president of
the BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING ASSOCIATION.
THE MANY TOURNAMENTS OF BOXING IN BC BOXING
*Throughout the decades there have been many tournaments but
the ultimate tournament on an bais is the GOLDEN GLOVES
that began in 1939 and was heldd in Vancouver. Other tournaments
have been introduced along the way with a range of stories including
the various revivals from Silver Gloves to Buckskin Gloves and the
various lives of the Diamond Belt tournaments in the Fifties, Sixties
and the 1980 revival in Victoria, BC. Some of the history is found
on the LINK: http://bzgloves.blogspot.ca/
The above link covers Golden Gloves and Diamond Belt action.
I have also documented some of the history in Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/BC_Golden_Gloves
This includes reference to the first Golden Gloves
tournament called "The Sun Golden Gloves" of 1939,
also some early winners of the Seattle Golden Gloves
in the Forties such as Gordon Grayson, Jackie Turner
and Vic Murdoch. Also, reference to the 1945
Golden Boy, Chester Orr.
RECOGNIZING SOME THROUGH A HALL OF FAME:
*Based on the history of the sport and the many contributions
to the sport, more past members in boxing should have been
recognized in the BC SPORTS HALL of FAME. But, alas
that as of 2012, it is just restricted to Seven members with a boxing
connection and for some of those seven it was not easy getting them inducted,
"VAST VISION MUST IMPROVE OUR SIGHT"
*One alternative to the various provincial and regional halls of fame,
was for persons that have been involved in amateur boxing to take
the initiative and create a hall of fame. Now, although it was firs
mentioned in the BC AMATEUR BOXING NEWS in 1985,
it would take 25 years to establish the British Columbia Amateur
Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010 and in the first two years there are
now 25 inductees which include the 1967 Diamond Belt
tournament and the Campbell River Eagles Boxing Club
and various individuals and categories including a Pioneer
section that has one inductee by the name of Tommy Paonessa.
Scattered Pages of BC Amateur Boxing History:
*There are many ways and
methods to tell the story.
One such series of methods
is through the public pages
of news and views:
http://www.nowpublic.com/b-zelley
BC CLUBS PAST AND PRESENT
*If the boxing club is the classroom for boxers, then it is a must
that we tell the story of past and present clubs and retell a piece
of their history. Starting in the west, the logical beginning would
be Vancouver Island and one area for two clubs with a combined
history that begins in 1963 in Nanaimo Boxing history:
http://nanaimoboxing.blogspot.ca/ This link covers some
of the history of the Newcastle and Nanaimo Boxing Clubs.
But there have been many more clubs ins such places as
Golde River, Campbell River, Comox, Parksville, Port Alberni,
Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, Sooke and Greater Victoria.
to replace the London Boxing Club
Other clubs have since replaced
the athletics boxing program
beginning with the Victoria
Jaycees that began in the late
Seventies through Lou Bujdoso,
and a recent club is the
Capital City Boxing Club.
CLUBS DECADE BY DECADE
Over the decades there have been many clubs, and over time they
pass into the history books. Some of the long running clubs in
British Columbia still active include the Prince George club
the Spruce Capital Warriors Boxing Club with one of the first
persons to be involved was Irving Mann, father of Harold and
grandfather of Laurie Mann. Another club of long term
activity is the Cranbrook Eagles Boxing Club with one of the
early coaches being Michael Moore and one of the early stars
of the club being Derrick Hoyt, who now lives in Victoria and is
a ring official and at one time was a coach of the Sooke Amateur
Boxing Club which recently has been revived.
Cranbrook Boxing in the here and now
CLUBS of THE SIXTIES:
Starting with Vancouver Island, some of the boxing clubs
included the London Boxing Club in Victoria, the
Newcastle Boxing Club in Nanaimo, and the
Port Alberni Boxing Club in Port Alberni. In 1969,
a club in Campbell River was starting to take shape
but the Campbell River Eagles Boxing Club would
not be registered until 1970.
Some well known clubs in the Greater Vancover and
Lower Mainland includes the Richmond Boxing Club,
Ladner Boxing Club, Langley Boxing Club, the
Vancouver Firefighters, Astoria Boxing Club, the
East Vancouver Optimists Boxing Club, the Hastings
Community Centre Boxing Club, the Surrey Club,
the South Burnaby Boxing Club and the North West
Eagles boxing club. Then at one time there was a club
based in the Haney Correctional facility, and ones in
such places as 100 Mile House and then a high profile
one was the Prince George based Spruce Capital Boxing
Club.
BOXING CLUBS of 1972\
* AAC * Astoria * Chilliwac * Cloverdale * Coquitlam
* Cranbrook * Firefighters * Hastings * Ladner * Langley
* Mount Pleasant * MSA * Nanaimo * North West Eagles
* Police Coup Legion * Richmond * Simon Fraser *
* Spruce Capital (Prince George) Surrey * Victoria Boy's Club.
The Vancouver Firefighters and the North Vancouver
North West Eagles were coming to the end of their life cycle,
but throughout the Seventies other clubs would appear
such as the revival of the London Boxing Club, but in 1976
it would be replaced by the Victoria Athletic Association.
BOXING CLUBS of 1985:
*Astoria * Burnaby Eagles * Burns Lake
* Campbell River Eagles * Capital Hill
* Cranbrook EE * Crofton * Douglas College
* Elk Valley * Gold River * Hastings
* Invermere * Kelowna * Kamloops
* Kamloops Lions * Kimberley * Kingsway
* Comox Valley * Ladner * Falkland * Kermide
* Lake Babine * Maple Ridge * Nanaimo
* Olympus * Parksville-Qualicum * Pavilion
* Port Kells * Spruce Capitol * Prince Rupert
* Firt St, John * Queensborough * North Shore
* Point Grey * Revelstoke * Richmond * Seton Lake
* Shamrock * Squamish * Sunshine Coast * Trojan Horse
* Vernon * Victoria Jaycees * Williams Lake Boxing Club
1972 THE NAMES BEHIND THE BOXING CLUBS OF BC
* Over time nothing stays the same, as the years rolled by
many of these clubs would fade away, but some would remain
but even then the names of those in charge would change.
By the mid-Seventies, two of the top two clubs would end
including the North West Eagles in North Vancouver and
the Firefighters in Vancouver. One of the last warriors of
the Firefighters boxing club was Gordie Lawson.
Also, the boxing club at the Victoria Boy's Club would
fold and be re-sponsored by the London Boxing Club
until 1976 when it was replaced by the
Victoria Athletic Association:
But, over time as we moved in the active years of the Eighties,
the Victoria Jaycees Boxing Club that was started by
Lou Bujdoso would be the only club in the capital city.
THE EIGHTIES would be a good decade for boxing
on a local level, a provincial level and on a National basis
along with International competition.
THE CANADIAN AMATEUR BOXING WALL OF FAME
*The selection of 55 included some from British Columbia
including: Roger Adolph, Pat O'Reilly sn., Harold Mann,
Dick Findlay, Freddy Fuller and Frankie Scott.
for details for the first list of inductees for January 1, 2013
http://cabhof.blogspot.ca/
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