THE DONNIE ORR BOXING STORY

THE BOXING JOURNEY OF DONNIE ORR:  by Brian Zelley

      DONNIE (BOY) ORR - 2000 Olympic Games


Introduction
As we look back to the nineties and the year 2000, the steps
 leadingto the selection of Donnie Orr onto the 
2000 Canadian Olympic  boxing team was a story of dedication, 
determinaton and courage.  Beyond  Olympic Games, Donnie 
won a 2001 Canadian amateur boxing champion and then began 
a professional boxing journey from Boston to Hollywood and Arizona.

The Road To The Olympic Games


An Important Starting Point for Boxing in Vitoria in the Nineties:


*An important event that took place in Victoria, BC in the Nineties
was the 1994 Commonwealth Games.  After 1986, there was not 
much activity in boxing in the Greater Victoria area.  But, starting
in 1989, a boxing committee was formed on hehalf of the 
Victoria Commonwealth Games Society.  The initial members wer
Hassan Sunderani, Brian Zelley, Mike Sartori and Glynn Jones.
One of the objectives of the committee was to have a revival in
amateur boxing in the Greater Victoria area and obtain a group
of volunteers to help organize boxing and be part of the 
Commonwealth Games boxing which also included
a test tournament in 1993.  Three of the various
volunteers would be  Don Orr, Mike Caird, and Ian Weir.
Prior to the '94 Games they would work to get an active
club operating, and one of the boxers would be DONNIE ORR. 


Fighting for the trip:
It all began in the year 2000 in the Canadian boxing box-offs.
To make the team, Orr would need to earn two victories over
the champion CODY KELLY.  Donnie met the challenge and
scored two wins to be on the Canadian A-team, but that was
only the first step.  The next step would be the Olympic box-offs
in Tampa.


Along the way, Orr suffered a broken thumb, but that did not
eliminate him from box-off competition.  In the semi-finals, his
victory over the boxer from the Dominic Repubublic earned him
a spot on the 2000 Olympic boxing team.


THE GOLDEN MEMORIES OF DONNIE and OTHERS:


Itroduction:


Over the years, Donnie has paid an important part in amateur
boxing in Victoria from the Nineties, but he has also been part
of the history of BC, Canadian and Olympic boxing:

THE BERT LOWES BOXING STORY

THE LONG BOXING JOURNEY OF BERT LOWES
- by brian Zelley


Introduction


The story of the Bert Lowes boxing story,
covers many decades and hundreds of boxers
from the South Hill and Firefighters Boxing
Clubs, to his role as head boxing official in
British columbia and Canada.

He was well known in boxing circles on
an International basis for officiating in numerous International 
tournaments such as the Olympic Games, and in 1994
served on the security detail at the 1994 Commonwealth Games

                     PAT WEST and BERT LOWES and their boxers

                    SOME OF THE ALUMNI OF BERT'S BOXING CLUBS
                      Freddy Fuller   Dick Findlay   Dave Wylie
                     Brian Zelley   Gordie Lawson  Jimmy Walters
                     John Gamble  Frankie Scott  Lindy Lindmoser
    

BRITISH COLUMBIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME - INDUCTEE
As of 2011, Bert Lowes is one of seven boxing names in the 
British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame.  The others to share this 
distinction are Jimmy McLarnin, Billy Townsend, Harold Mann,
Tommy Paonessa,  Dale Walters and Lennie Walters.

                HERBERT A LOWES - INDUCTED 1993 - BUILDER


AWARDS and RECOGNITION
Bert Lowes has received and given many awards.  One of the
most cherished non-boxing awards in the Harold Mann
Achievement Award for distinguished long-term service
to the sport of amateur boxing in British Columbia.  Lowes
was one of the early recipients of this annual award.


For several years in the Eighties, there was a special
"Bert Lowes Award" presented to a excellent boxer

from British Columbia.  One of the boxers was GARY ROBINSON.

THE HERE AND NOW  2011
Herbert (Bert) Lowes has been gone for 11 years,
but his image and influence remains in the footprints 
of amateur boxing history.  In October 2011, Bert was 
nominated for a place in the 
BC AMATEUR BOXING HALL OF FAME. 

THE TONY DUFFY BOXING STORY

THE TONY DUFFY BOXING JOURNEY:
  By Brian Zelley and Barry Krangle
(note part of the information was from the Vancouver Island
  Boxing News and the British Columbia Amateur Boxing News)




Introduction:
TONY DUFFY
1984 BC JUNIOR
GOLDEN BOY

In recent days, former boxer Tony Duffy of the 
Sunshine Boxing Club in Gibsons was nominated
in the JUNIOR/YOUTH BOXING CATEGORY
for the 2012 selection to the BRITISH COLUMBIA
AMATEUR BOXING HALL OF FAME.


I first watched Tony compete in boxing shows in the
early Eighties.  In the May 1984 issue of the 
BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING NEWS
I featured him on page 4 with the photo of him with 
the 1984 Junior Golden Boy Award and remember
him in a special elimination bout with Victoria boxer
Paul DeLuca to determine which boxer would be 
selected for the BOXING BC team to compete in
the 1984 JUNIOR NATIONALS to be held at
the BC amateur boxing training centre in Burnaby.
In that bout, young Duffy won to join the BC team
that included:
Curtis Peterson,  Aaron Wolfe, John Turner,
Suraj Jaswal, Tony Francis, Manny Sobral,
Clint Dumais, and Willy Curry.


                 coached by BARRY KRANGLE
                          TONY DUFFY, 1984 
                   BC JUNIOR GOLDEN BOY


RING ACTION


MARCH 12, 1983 Campbell River Club Show
One of the many club shows that Tony participated in
took place in the spring of '83 was that 19 bout card 
hosted by the Campbell River Eagles Boxing Club.


In that bout, Tony faced home town boy CORY WILLCOX
in seventh bout of the night.  For tough Tony it turned out to
be lucky number 7 with a victory.  Some other well known 
boxers in action among the 38 boxers were Paul Deluca,
Lyle Jack, Mike Wood, Kit Munro, Jita Nagra, Gordy Jones,
Tim Cessford, Alan Brown, Gary Wood and Ron Young.
Host Club coaches were:  George Shiels, Jim Howie and 
Charles John.  Head official was Rick Brough, and other
officials were Joe Swift, Bernie Brisch, Bill Donnelly,
Bob Perry, Brian Zelley, Art Shiels, and Carson Samuels.
Medical official was Dr. John Ross and announcer was
T. Bently whie timekeeping duties by Jim Hardy.


EMERALD GLOVES CHAMPION -  November 1984
One of the post 1984 Junior National tournaments that
Duffy took part in was the 1984 Emerald Gloves that 
took place on November 17th. Tony would become one
on nine contested champions in junior open bouts.  In the
final Tony won the championship with a victory over
Victoria boxer Paul Deluca Jr.  in the featherweight 
(125C) division.  Other C division champions were
Mike Marrello, Suraj Jaswal and Manny Sobral.
For his efforts TONY DUFFY was the Emerald Boy
runner-up with B class boxer Troy Taylor as top boxer.
The Emerald Gloves was founded by Brother O'Grady
and the first Emerald Boy was Mel Jacobs of the 
St. Paul's Indian School in 1951.


JUNIOR GOLDEN GLOVES -  February 17,  1985
1984 Junior Golden Boy TONY DUFFY entered the
1985 Junior Golden Gloves in the lightweight division
and in the championship bout he defeated Bud Rellor
of Kelso.  Some of the other champions in the C class
were Curtis Peterson, Mike Marrello, John Allen, 
Kevin Lyons and Justin Migneault.  RING OFFICIALS:
Chief of Officials:  Bert Lowes, and officials:
Fred Fuller, Al Young, Jim Gallagher, Jack Mellor, 
Larry Carney, Rene Serriani, Bob Seckler, and 
Brian Zelley.  Others:  Dot Lowes, Dr. Sandhu,
Gordie Jones and Boyd Bayne.


There would be many other club shows and tournaments
and training under the capable hands of BARRY KRANGLE


April 1, 1985:  Maple Ridge Club show, and as reported
in the "BC Amateur Boxing News", two of the standouts
in the show were Gordie Jones and Tony Duffy.


1985 TONY DUFFY, CANADIAN CHAMPION

COACHES' CORNER -  The Golden Memories of Barry Krangle:


The early years - stepping into the Sunshine:

Following the 1984 and 1985 Nationals, Tony continued to engage in activity.
The following are some thoughts by coach Krangle about 1987 activity

BACK TO TRAINING:

1988 THE OLYMPIC YEAR, Tony's moments, through the eyes 
of the coach with a few words from Tony about some of the
 moments and the continued friendships with those he fought
 or trained with throughout the Eighties.

FAST FORWARD TO 2011 -  A Date With 2012
Tony was nominated in October 2011 in the Junior/Youth
category of the BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING
HALL OF FAME for 2012.  The final decision will be made
by September 2012.  Looking through the many years of 
activity, Tony would be a worthy inductee. 

2012 Inductees video

 

THE ROGER ADOLPH BOXING JOURNEY

THE ROGER ADOLPH BOXING STORY: by Brian Zelley

              SIXTIES CANADIAN FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION
                                        ROGER ADOLPH


The Early Years of the long journey


Throughout the 1950's and 60's, it was part of the Golden Age of 
Amateur Boxing in British Columbia with many excellent boxers,
coaches and trainers.  Of the many boxers, one of the finest was
ROGER ADOLPH.   Roger started his boxing at the 
Kamloops Indian Residential School, but would also move
to the Vancouver region and become a valuable member of
the South Hill Boxing Club later known as the Firefighters
under the coaching of BERT LOWES and PAT WEST.

In 1963, he would win his first National title on the team
coached by coaches Bert Lowes and Elio Ius.  Also,
Roger would be engaged in numerous club shows and
tournaments in the Pacific Northwest.


Recent Activity
In recent years, Roger has been involved with the 
Just-Do-It organization in Lillooet, BC  also he is
a coach along with others.

 ENGLAND SWINGS - 1966 to 1968

Roger would turn pro in the Sixties and move to London, England
and live in North London in the land of the Spurs and Gunners.
However, his pro experience was cut short due to problems with cuts.
Many of his ten bouts were fought at the Town Hall in Shoreditch.

THE ROGER ADOLPH BOXING STORY

THE ROGER ADOLPH BOXING JOURNEY:  by brian zelley

              A Sixties Canadian Featherweight Champion

                             ROGER ADOLPH


Introduction:
As we look back into the history of amateur boxing in the Sixties
there are many excellent boxers.  One of those was Roger Adolph.
In 1966, he moved to London, England as a professional boxer.
As a pro boxer, cuts made his time as a professional boxer cut short.
He returned to Canada in 1968 and would become a First Nstions
Chief, a position that he would hold for many years during the
time when excellent leaders were necessary in dealing with treaties
and self-determination for the Native Indians of Canada.






In recent years, he has been involved with the "Just-Do-It Society"

                                         

                           

PAUL "P-Mac" MACKENZIE BOXING STORY

THE P-MAC BOXING JOURNEY:  by Brian Zelley

Introduction

One of our fine young amateur boxers from the Province of Alberta

is expected to make his professional debut in December 2011. 

Before the pro debut, PAUL "P-Mac" MACKENZIE had an

interesting amateur journey with multi-Provincial titles and 

activity in many bouts from local club shows to National 

competition.  This story is about Paul's first journey in
amateur boxing and continues with  the next journey
of his pro debut.

THE CROSSROADS - TURNING PRO
All senior open boxers reach the crossroads when they must make
an important decision and select one of three positions.  Remain
an amateur boxer, turn to professional boxing or retire from active
competition.  For PAUL MACKENZIE, he has arrived at the
crossroads of his amateur boxing journey, and the decision was
made official in a story by Murray Greig titled:
"P-Mac eyes pro career".  The announcement appeared in the
"Edmonton Sun", October 7, 2011.

One of the quotes by P-Mac in the article tells us a lot:
"After seven years of amateur boxing wars
I'm at the right age, the right maturity level.
And, of course, I'm excited by the crowd.  I've
dreamed about it.  I love the crowd." - Paul MacKenzie


He will be trained by John Mendonca at the Sheldon
Hinton's "Beverley Bronx Gym" along with boxer
Adam Trupish and is expected to make his pro debut on
the KO's boxing card on December 9th.

P-MAC'S AMATEUR BOXING JOURNEY


It all began in Edmonton's COUGAR BOXING CLUB.
One of the first important individuals in his boxing journey
was the late LARRY  FLEMING who served as a coach and
motivator for P-Mac's positive journey along the amateur
path.  Paul will always remember Larry and in his own words
says:

"I owe a lot to Larry  Fleming and will never 
forget him or the Cougar Boxing Club."


2009 International Event
Great Britain vs Western Canada
Doug's Place Challenge, Edmonton
October 2, 2009.


As documented by BOXING ALBERTA,  P-Mac
was named Best Boxer in the all-star event:

Over the years, Paul would engage in many boxing shows/
In the 2010/2011 season, he was Alberta Provincial champion
 and engaged in the Senior Open National Boxing Championship.

Golden Memories from the Boxing Treasure Chest:


A number of boxers, coaches and others have
said some positive comments about Paul:
      
Prince George, BC boxer Marcus Hume:

Also, Paul has been a great supporter of amateur boxing in Canada
and has issued praise to many other boxers such as Calgary's
ALEX TORRES RYNN, senior national champion and 2011 A-team.

THE PERSONAL GOLDEN MEMORIES with more in the future:
.No story is complete until the final bell rings and the bright lights
fade to black.  This story has just touched on some of the steps in
the journey, as time flashes by there will be many more to add to
the treasure chest of Paul's Golden Memories.  But, only Paul can
outline the memories and fill his treasure chest of boxing memories:

A FEW OF THE MANY GOLDEN MOMENTS WITH SILVER LININGS:

LAS VEGAS WITH EYES WIDE OPEN:

Prior to the pro announcement, Paul took time to visit
the Floyd Mayweather Gym to meet various boxers and
trainers in the sport of professional boxing.

           Paul MacKenzie and boxing champion Zab Judah


BEYOND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE ROAR OF THE CROWD
Beyond bright lights and the glow of the boxing ring, Paul is very
active in fund raising efforts for a worthy cause or stepping up
to the plate to score a home run for some boxing promotion
be it an event or a cause.


FUTURE DAYS and the PRO JOURNEY


There can be no predictions as to how long
the journey will be or where it will take P-Mac.
Beyond the twist and turns in the road, from
December 2011 and into future years all we 
can hope for is that Paul has "The time of his life
with many positive experiences and a treasure chest
full of magic and golden moments to remember."


VOICES FROM THE HEART - ROUND ONE:
.As one moves forward along a new path, there is a time
to look back and remember how one got to the opening
bell of another round.  For P-MAC, a few of his thoughts
as he stands by for the opening bell to ring and the bright
lights to shine on his every move as he slowly moves from
the ring corner to the center of the ring to shake hands
and come out fighting.

P-MAC "THE WARRIOR"

                        ( photo from the Paul MacKenzie collection -  the fights) 


P-MAC and FRIENDS -  ALL THE SMILING FACES - TREASURED  MOMENTS

COACHES CORNER - A John Mendonca Moment of P-Mac:
(No story of a boxer is complete without a few comments from the coaches' corner)


"...we fought the British Army, Paul was just a boy fighting a man, and I was worried
about the power difference.  So, I told Paul to fight cautious.  He tells me with confidence
'I GOT THIS COACH', and sure enough he had this."


A NEW JOURNEY BEGINS WITH PRO DEBUT

                        (a "P-Mac"  creation)


SUPPORT AT HOME WHILE THE HOME FIRES BURN


Throughout the month of October, there has been a steady
wave of support for Paul during the training stage of this
important journey.  Not only past and present club mates
but former and active pros such as  ALAN FORD,
 SCOTTY OLSON and ADAM TRUPISH. 
 Both Scotty and Adam are Olympic boxers,
 and Scotty was a former IBO world champion.
Adam is an active pro boxer that began following
his participation in the 2008 Olympic Games.
Alan Ford was also a skilled amateur and pro
boxer that made it to the top rankings in the
lightweight division.


THE FIRE and THE ICE
(b z comment - It is hoped that following his last day of training,
he will bring into the fight, the perfect blend of "Fire and Ice"
The FIRE to be the DESIRE and DETERMINATION 
and the HOT FLASHING FISTS, the ICE will be his
patience and thought process with a cool mind and 
the right amount of ice in his veins to strike when
the opportunity arises.)


Adam Trupish speaks about the P0Mac journey

                             (thoughts from Jamie Yablonski)




The Here and Now *** March 2014
Paul has now retired from boxing competition.
but he still is involved in giving back.