The Revelstoke Boxing Club led a three-person contingent out of their new digs at Mount Begbie Elementary to a weekend tournament in Prince George and returned undefeated.
17-year-old Conner Null won a close split decision that moved him up to the number one ranking in B.C. in the youth 140-pound category. “They’ll have to come to him if they want to move up with him,” said coach Sam LeRose of the win.
Two new fighters doubled up on their winless records, each improving to 2-0.
17-year-old Connor Makarewicz was “way too strong and better skilled than his opponent,” LeRose said. The relatively new member of the Revelstoke club earned a standing eight count and a unanimous decision in the three-round bout.
14-year-old Cody Folden-Edwards also subjected his opponent to a standing eight count before the unanimous decision.
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PHOTO: 17-year-old Connor Makarewicz (right) was “way too strong and better skilled than his opponent,” said Revelstoke Boxing Club coach Sam LeRose.
LeRose credited volunteers and coach Jason Stewardson for assists in the wins.
LeRose said the new facility is continuing to grow the club, which is now amongst the biggest in B.C. “It’s great, it’s wonderful. We have one of the best facilities in all of Canada.”
The new location in the gym at Mount Begbie is one of several recent changes for the club.
Coach LeRose explained that the Revelstoke Boxing Club has joined an exodus away from Boxing BC to upstart organization Combsport – the British Columbia Combative Sports Association.
Why? LeRose said in the few years since it was founded, many clubs have jumped ship, meaning the numbers and better competition was with the new organization. “The shows are great. Better boxers,” he said, adding the Prince George show was sold out, with about 500 attending.
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PHOTO: 14-year-old Revelstoke boxer Cody Folden-Edwards also subjected his opponent to a standing eight count before the unanimous decision.
LeRose said he was dissatisfied with a lack of transparency and democratic process in Boxing BC. He predicted the momentum swing would continue in the coming years.
He welcomes everyone to come down and train – men, women, young, old, fit or not. The women’s boxercise program is popular. They’re also looking to offer services to disabled club members.
Even old-timers? “All you do is hit the bags for a couple of minutes and sit around for an hour and a half,” LeRose joked.
The Revelstoke Boxing Club will showcase its new location at an April 6 club show.
Coach and heavyweight fighter Jason Stewardson will attempt to take a provincial senior men’s belt away from Kamloops fighter Ken Huber. It will be Stewardson’s first fight since he hung up his gloves in the late ‘90s.
There are several undercard fights featuring youth boxers. The evening event starts at 6 p.m.