Blue Ridge Boxers compete in Bronze Gloves Tournament

By Nerissa McNaughton

The 2015 Bronze Gloves boxing tournament took place in Whitecourt this year and boxers from the local Blue Ridge Club were on hand to demonstrate their skills.

“They are all winners. They fought their hearts out,” says head coach Perry Sawyer of his hardworking boxers. It is commonly said that in boxing, one person may have a better score than an opponent, but there are no losers. The willingness to train at the level you need to survive round after round in the ring, and the willingness to walk willingly into a fight means every boy or girl, man or woman that puts on those gloves has already won.

When it comes to points, however, Tommy McLean beat everyone in the Junior A Class and, while Pacon Levey came up short on points, he made it up in stamina. He was the only fighter who had two matches in the tournament. Note that a seasoned boxer once stated “boxing is like running a marathon uphill while being punched in the face.” Knowing that, you can better appreciate Mr. Levey’s endurance.

The fan favourite fight of the night went to Alex Williams who had the crowd on its feet. He rocked the ring and showed his opponent that points didn’t matter if you could get such an emotional reaction from the crowd.

Big congratulations go out to all our local boxers for their hard work and for competing in the tournament. Keep it up and we’ll be cheering for you in the Olympics.