By David F. Rooney
The BC Boxing Championships are, for the very first time, coming to town this weekend.
“It’s a great honour — it’s only the second time they’ve been held in the Interior,” says Sam Lerose of the Revelstoke Boxing Club, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.
He said the two-day event will draw 60-70 boxers and 300 – 400 people here from all over the province.
“The kids who win at the provincials are the only ones who can go on to the Nationals, Worlds or Olympics,” Lerose said.
With 50 members, the Revelstoke Boxing club is one of the fastest-growing clubs in the province and has received a fair amount of local support from the Knights of Pythias and other community organizations, he said.
“The community is great and I’d really like to thank everyone, especially the Knights for their support. Thanks to them our equipment is always top-notch.”
Local boys, Conner Null and Dawson Hill are expected to do very well and AJ Lerose will box in an exhibition fight.
The club has also scored a major coup — Dr. Roger Morrison is now acting as the team’s physician.
Lerose said the lack of a team physician had forced the club to stop holding its popular Rumble in the Mountains events.
“For a small club we do all right,” he said, adding that he’s looking forward to renewing the Rumble series of fights.
“And it’s good for the kids. You can see their self-esteem grow. They come in overweight and lacking in self-confidence. That changes as they learn how to box.”
Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. On Saturday there will be an afternoon show at 1 pm and night show at 6:30 pm. The finals will be held on Sunday starting at noon.
The event will be held in the boxing gym located at 1000 Begbie Road (the former Big Eddy Elementary School).
For more information or to purchase tickets in advance please contact Sam LeRose at 250-837-6619.
