| SPARROW ARCHIE WILFRID THE CHAMPPASSE | LifeNews.ca
*The above link relates to the death of ARCHIE SPARROW,
former boxer in the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame.
*Of interest the book "Memoirs of Brant Inn"by Stewart Brown
has a caption: "More Like An Eagle Than A Sparrow" in
reference to Archie.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
THE MARC LEDUC BOXING STORY
It was 1989 and Marc Leduc and Dominic Filane Figliomeni were there.
THREE YEARS LATER - 1992
Canadian Olympic Boxing team with the
following boxers:
domenic figliomeni
ray downey
marty o'donnell
chris johnson
michael strange
dale brown
billy irwin kirk johnson
marc leduc tom glesby
1992: Special Reception for Mark in Kingston
mark leduc (1962 - 2009)
*It was the saddest day of the year
for many in the boxing world who
knew marc as a club mate or a team
mate, a friend and a leader:
the saddest song of the year - 2009
*One of the reports was by Danielle Wong who reported
the sad news for the "Sun" that Marc Leduc, a silver
medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics died at
St. Michael's Hospital.
Marc's brother- in-law Mark Johnson was quoted
with the following two comments among others:
"They thought that he would be the worst (of '92 taam)
but he knew how to hit...and not get hit", and to
measure the character of the man, Mark stated:
"He was a caring giving person who would
give the shirt off his back for you."
*FOREVER REMEMBERED: MARC LEDUC*
Canada's own Billy "the Kid" Irwin
sums it up with two words:
**********"Friend" & "Leader"**********
HALLS OF FAME:
Marc Leduc is one of 18 select inductees
for the ONTARIO AMATEUR BOXING
HALL OF FAME.
Marc is presently one of about 55 amateur
boxing folks that are presently nominees for
a new CANADIAN AMATEUR BOXING
WALL of FAME included in the list are some
of his former team mates from Canadian teams.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
NANAIMO's MICKEY GRIFFIN
MICKEY GRIFFIN ** The Nanaimo Boxer: by Brian Zelley
Mickey Griffin in the middle with Bob Pegues
Nanaimo Boxing Club activity about 1975
Mickey is one of many that has
boxed in Nanaimo and Vancouver Island
**** some of the faces in the mix ****
The following sums-up the general feeling in Nanaimo:
During the Seventies, Mickey would have a very interesting
boxing journey with some rock solid victories. His first
significan victory was a decision over former club mate
and 1973 Canadian champion JACK SNAITH.
During those early years, he would become a top
junior boxer and would earn the important special
award for junior boxers in British Columbia and
that was the JIMMY SYME award. Mickey was the
first Vancover Island boxer to win this award, and
in subsequent years two other Island recipients
would be CLIFF BALLENDINE and ALAN BROWN.
It was August 1975, and the opening headline in the
local Nanaimo paper read: "Boxer Off To Games"
and this news about Mickey's trip to Regina for
the Western Summer Games included some names
of other BC boxers with great experience including
Ed and Joe McCaffrey, Jamie Ollenberger and others.
The final news had a more interesting headline:
"Griffin strikes Gold" with the key part of the narrative
being: "Nanaimo boxer MICKEY GRIFFIN brings home
a gold medal from the Western Summer Games held in
Regina,Saskatchewan.
Mickey would announce his retirement and would later
earn a title in kickboxing. Years later, Mickey would
turn to coaching boxing in Victoria. For awhile in
Nanaimo, in the late Seventies he would assist in
coaching duties. Some of his well known Nanaimo
club mates that would also turn to coaching would
be BOB PEGUES in Prince George and
then BARRY CRESWELL in Nanaimo.
(photo: Mickey Griffin, 1974)
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT - Mid Seventies
*although the Cubans were high in the ratings, the
Canadians were there in force to compete in
Montreal including Nanaimo's MICKEY GRIFFIN
who joined the tournament on short notice as a
replacement for Pan Am Gold Medalist Chris Clarke.
Canadian boxers in addition to Griffin were:
Chris Ius, Pietro Contarini, Carmen Rinke,
ian Clyde and Tim Taylor.
Mickey would face USA boxer james Kenty in the
lightweight division.
A SPECIAL TOURNAMENT IN NANAIMO: NOVEMBER 1975
*In the days leading up to a special bout that
would be featured in what was billed as the
Vancouver Island Bronze Gloves, local boxer
MICKEY GRIFFIN would work with coach
CLARK MACLELLAN punching a medicine ball
among other training routines has he prepared for his
main event bout against Canada's 1972 Olympic Team
boxer CHRIS IUS. But, the ending proved to be a
controversial ending with Ius getting a split-decision win.
The claim was there was referee interference which sided
with Ius. However, claims of referee and judges bias that
have effected the outcome has been a rock solid claim
before the Seventies and well beyond the Nineties.
FROM THE BEST JUNIOR BOXER IN 1974 to
setbacks in 1975 took their toll on Mickey so
he would announce his retirement in February 1976
with no real hope to make the Canadian Olympic team.
BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING HALL of FAME
Authorize by 2013 Administrators
Ray Beaulieu, Dean Bruckshaw Steven Kodiak,
Seth Gotro, Steve Wood, Brian Zelley
Mickey Griffin in the middle with Bob Pegues
Nanaimo Boxing Club activity about 1975
Mickey is one of many that has
boxed in Nanaimo and Vancouver Island
**** some of the faces in the mix ****
The following sums-up the general feeling in Nanaimo:
During the Seventies, Mickey would have a very interesting
boxing journey with some rock solid victories. His first
significan victory was a decision over former club mate
and 1973 Canadian champion JACK SNAITH.
During those early years, he would become a top
junior boxer and would earn the important special
award for junior boxers in British Columbia and
that was the JIMMY SYME award. Mickey was the
first Vancover Island boxer to win this award, and
in subsequent years two other Island recipients
would be CLIFF BALLENDINE and ALAN BROWN.
It was August 1975, and the opening headline in the
local Nanaimo paper read: "Boxer Off To Games"
and this news about Mickey's trip to Regina for
the Western Summer Games included some names
of other BC boxers with great experience including
Ed and Joe McCaffrey, Jamie Ollenberger and others.
The final news had a more interesting headline:
"Griffin strikes Gold" with the key part of the narrative
being: "Nanaimo boxer MICKEY GRIFFIN brings home
a gold medal from the Western Summer Games held in
Regina,Saskatchewan.
Mickey would announce his retirement and would later
earn a title in kickboxing. Years later, Mickey would
turn to coaching boxing in Victoria. For awhile in
Nanaimo, in the late Seventies he would assist in
coaching duties. Some of his well known Nanaimo
club mates that would also turn to coaching would
be BOB PEGUES in Prince George and
then BARRY CRESWELL in Nanaimo.
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT - Mid Seventies
*although the Cubans were high in the ratings, the
Canadians were there in force to compete in
Montreal including Nanaimo's MICKEY GRIFFIN
who joined the tournament on short notice as a
replacement for Pan Am Gold Medalist Chris Clarke.
Canadian boxers in addition to Griffin were:
Chris Ius, Pietro Contarini, Carmen Rinke,
ian Clyde and Tim Taylor.
Mickey would face USA boxer james Kenty in the
lightweight division.
A SPECIAL TOURNAMENT IN NANAIMO: NOVEMBER 1975
*In the days leading up to a special bout that
would be featured in what was billed as the
Vancouver Island Bronze Gloves, local boxer
MICKEY GRIFFIN would work with coach
CLARK MACLELLAN punching a medicine ball
among other training routines has he prepared for his
main event bout against Canada's 1972 Olympic Team
boxer CHRIS IUS. But, the ending proved to be a
controversial ending with Ius getting a split-decision win.
The claim was there was referee interference which sided
with Ius. However, claims of referee and judges bias that
have effected the outcome has been a rock solid claim
before the Seventies and well beyond the Nineties.
FROM THE BEST JUNIOR BOXER IN 1974 to
setbacks in 1975 took their toll on Mickey so
he would announce his retirement in February 1976
with no real hope to make the Canadian Olympic team.
BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING HALL of FAME
Authorize by 2013 Administrators
Ray Beaulieu, Dean Bruckshaw Steven Kodiak,
Seth Gotro, Steve Wood, Brian Zelley
Saturday, September 1, 2012
ONTARIO AMATEUR BOXING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
ontario amateur boxing hall of fame
THE INDUCTEES for 2012: by brian zelley
Asif Dar, Billy Irwin, Chris Johnson, Dennis Bradley, Egerton Marcus, George Chuvalo,
George Fraser, Horace Gwynne, Ian Clyde,
Jerome McComb, Joe Sandulo, Lennox Lewis,
Marc Leduc, Mark Simmons, Michael Strange,
Nicky Furlano, Shawn O'Sullivan, Walter Henry .
selection committee:
Lou Joshua Eisen, Bill Mackie, Leo Marsh, and Brian Zelley
THE INDUCTEES for 2012: by brian zelley
Asif Dar, Billy Irwin, Chris Johnson, Dennis Bradley, Egerton Marcus, George Chuvalo,
George Fraser, Horace Gwynne, Ian Clyde,
Jerome McComb, Joe Sandulo, Lennox Lewis,
Marc Leduc, Mark Simmons, Michael Strange,
Nicky Furlano, Shawn O'Sullivan, Walter Henry .
selection committee:
Lou Joshua Eisen, Bill Mackie, Leo Marsh, and Brian Zelley
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
ONTARIO AMATEUR BOXING HALL OF FAME NOMINEES
THE FIRST 50 NOMINEES:
ONTARIO AMATEUR BOXING HALL OF FAME
Asif Dar, Bev Cartier, Billy Haines, Billy Irwin, Billy Lehman,
Bobby Proulx Chris Johnson, Domenic Filane Figliomeni,
Dave Vent, Dennis Bradley, Dennis McNeil jr., Doug Trembley,
Earl Walls, Egerton Marcus, Frank Bricker, Gary Broughton,
George Chuvalo, George Fraser, Hank Boone, Horace Gwynne,
Ian Clyde, Jerome "Hook" McComb, Joe Sandulo,
Jamie Pagendam, Jerry Doiron sr, John Kalbhenn,
Ken Hamilton, Lennox Lewis, Marc Leduc, Mark Simmons,
Michael Strange, Nicky Furlano, Patsy Fern, Peter Wylie
Sammy Luftspring, Shawn O'Sullivan, Steve Beaupre,
Steve Molitor,Steve Pagendam, Troy Ross, Walter Henry,
and Willie Feathersrone
Bobby Proulx Chris Johnson, Domenic Filane Figliomeni,
Dave Vent, Dennis Bradley, Dennis McNeil jr., Doug Trembley,
Earl Walls, Egerton Marcus, Frank Bricker, Gary Broughton,
George Chuvalo, George Fraser, Hank Boone, Horace Gwynne,
Ian Clyde, Jerome "Hook" McComb, Joe Sandulo,
Jamie Pagendam, Jerry Doiron sr, John Kalbhenn,
Ken Hamilton, Lennox Lewis, Marc Leduc, Mark Simmons,
Michael Strange, Nicky Furlano, Patsy Fern, Peter Wylie
Sammy Luftspring, Shawn O'Sullivan, Steve Beaupre,
Steve Molitor,Steve Pagendam, Troy Ross, Walter Henry,
and Willie Feathersrone
FAMILIES: Baggio, Bland, Doiron, Nolan, Marsh,
MacDonald, Rannelli, Summerhayes,
PARTICIPATION, ACHIEVEMENTS and HISTORY
Blasting through the decades, it is likely that there is more
information on the amateur boxing achievements of those
boxers that participated subsequent to 1969 with the formtion
of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, but some of
others such as Sammy Luftspring, Earl Walls
and George Chuvalo are better known due to their professional
records. Others are recognized by BOXING CANADA
for their medal victories such as
MacDonald, Rannelli, Summerhayes,
PARTICIPATION, ACHIEVEMENTS and HISTORY
Blasting through the decades, it is likely that there is more
information on the amateur boxing achievements of those
boxers that participated subsequent to 1969 with the formtion
of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, but some of
others such as Sammy Luftspring, Earl Walls
and George Chuvalo are better known due to their professional
records. Others are recognized by BOXING CANADA
for their medal victories such as
Horace "Lefty" Gwynne, Lennox Lewis, and Marc Leduc.
Some are recognized for being long term National champions
since 1969 which would include WALTER HENRY who was in
the Olympic Games in 1968 and was a National champion in 1970.
Some of the multi-term champions would include a number of the
other boxers starting with IAN CLYDE and followed by names
such as Billy Irwin, Domenic Figliomeni, Steve Beaupre,,
and Michael Strange.
Some are recognized in various Boxing or Sports
Halls of Fame such as GEORGE FRASER, STEVE BEAUPRE,
at least two members of the NOLAN family and others.
But when we get back to where it all begins, we cannot
forget that it should be the folks of Ontario that decide.
There are some names that are well known in Ontario
and/or some of the cities and towns some examples
include HANK BOONE and KEN HAMILTON.
From ASIF DAR to the RANNELLI and SUMMERHAYES
families, there are many positive and progressive
moments that have been produced by the select 50.
Some are recognized for being long term National champions
since 1969 which would include WALTER HENRY who was in
the Olympic Games in 1968 and was a National champion in 1970.
Some of the multi-term champions would include a number of the
other boxers starting with IAN CLYDE and followed by names
such as Billy Irwin, Domenic Figliomeni, Steve Beaupre,,
and Michael Strange.
Some are recognized in various Boxing or Sports
Halls of Fame such as GEORGE FRASER, STEVE BEAUPRE,
at least two members of the NOLAN family and others.
But when we get back to where it all begins, we cannot
forget that it should be the folks of Ontario that decide.
There are some names that are well known in Ontario
and/or some of the cities and towns some examples
include HANK BOONE and KEN HAMILTON.
From ASIF DAR to the RANNELLI and SUMMERHAYES
families, there are many positive and progressive
moments that have been produced by the select 50.
Monday, July 2, 2012
BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: NANAIMO BOXING
THE NANAIMO BOXING CLUB INDUCTED IN 2012
TO THE BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING
HALL OF FAME: By Brian Zelley
The above photo is one that highlights the big revival of amateur boxing in
Victoria, BC in the mid Seventies. After this photo, the London Boxing &Athletic
club renewed there support of amateur boxing in 1974/75 season. In 1976,
boxer Wayne Crowe would win the 1976 BC Golden Gloves and fight in
the 1976 Nationals. And in June 1976 the club would host one of the
English schoolboy vs BC juniors tournaments.
In August 1976, with formation of the Victoria Athletic Association, they
would sponser amateur boxing and the first three coaches would be
Mike Caird, Brian Zelley and Lou Bujdose.
TO THE BRITISH COLUMBIA AMATEUR BOXING
HALL OF FAME: By Brian Zelley
*BUT THE STORY BEGINS IN 1963 with GEORGE J. NEPPER
AND THE NEWCASTLE BOXING CLUB.
To understand the Nanaimo
Boxing Club history, it is
important to recognize and
remember where it all began
in the history of amateur boxing
in Nanaimo during the Sixties.
For the opening round of the
story we need to revisit the
1964 story that appeared in
Nanaimo Daily Free Press
titled: "Boxing Club Operates Despite All Handicaps"
with sub-headings "Shoemaker By Day, Trainer By Night".
The opening paragraph introduces the main star as
follows:
"George J. Nepper dusted off the rough and rickety bench
in the cramped basement quarters which houses his
Newcastle Boxing Club...Leaning on his cane...
George apologized for the lack of space in the dingy
clubrooms of what probably is one of the most
important but least publicized sports organizations
in Nanaimo."
As the story continues about the boxing club and George,
it describes his role in the following words:
"...the former athlete, manager, trainer, coach and janitor,
matchmaker and father confessor to a small group of
boxing hopefuls who train night after night for a chance
to take part in a boxing show."
For a number of years, Nepper was hoping to start his
own boxing club, but it wasn't until 1963 that Jim Clark
offered the use of his hotel basement free of charge,
the NEWCASTLE BOXING CLUB came into being.
The active members at that time were Nepper's sons
Rene, Leon, Jules, Roger and Gilles, the Balatti
brothers Chris and Ted, Brian Zelley and Leo Rock.
But, there were other trainees, of which, some would
engage in ring competition. Those early members
were Brian Adam, Gerry Matson, Ron Wheatly,
Reid Mitchell, Mike Lazare, Phillip Joe, Dave Ballance,
Don Brown, Wayne Barnes, Jim Brown,
Leonard Brown and Lloyd Hepplewaite.
Those that helped in the training were:
Harry Pollitt, Frank and Albert Seriani,
Lorne Roberts and Skimp Williams. Rene
Nepper would also help in that first year of
operation.
As the years flashed by, there would be many
other trainees to fill the various gym locations
such as Rick Johnson, Ken Stant, Alan Windecker,
Larry McFadden, Tony James and others.
At the end of the 1968 season, the club would
end it's days of activity, but all of the equipment
was retained by George J. Nepper who had the
hope and the dream, that the club could begin
anew. That day would come when the newly
created Nanaimo Boxing Club was formed in 1971.
So, through the vision of one, came the hopes and dreams
of many over 41 years ago in the summer of '71.
BOXING CHEMISTRY 101:
*From those pre-1971 days, to the formation of the club
in 1971 and the long journey into the start of the fifth
decade there have been many involved in the progress
and the success. But, when all is said and done it was
boxing chemistry 101 that provided the fuel that would
see the club operating with many achievements for so
many yars. That chemistry would be found in the form
of: the old shoemaker, George Nepper, the force behind
the old Newcastle boxing club, the teenage exploits of a
current Prince George coach named Bob Pegues.
That chemistry would be the wisdom and vision
of the old shoemaker, and the hope, wishes and
dreams of the young teenager.
BOB PEGUES in the mid-Seventies
BEYOND NANAIMO and onto VICTORIA
*Another new beginning: 1974
***** IAN WEIR ***** MIKE CAIRD ***** BRIAN ZELLEY *****
Boxing Club history, it is
important to recognize and
remember where it all began
in the history of amateur boxing
in Nanaimo during the Sixties.
For the opening round of the
story we need to revisit the
1964 story that appeared in
Nanaimo Daily Free Press
titled: "Boxing Club Operates Despite All Handicaps"
with sub-headings "Shoemaker By Day, Trainer By Night".
The opening paragraph introduces the main star as
follows:
"George J. Nepper dusted off the rough and rickety bench
in the cramped basement quarters which houses his
Newcastle Boxing Club...Leaning on his cane...
George apologized for the lack of space in the dingy
clubrooms of what probably is one of the most
important but least publicized sports organizations
in Nanaimo."
As the story continues about the boxing club and George,
it describes his role in the following words:
"...the former athlete, manager, trainer, coach and janitor,
matchmaker and father confessor to a small group of
boxing hopefuls who train night after night for a chance
to take part in a boxing show."
For a number of years, Nepper was hoping to start his
own boxing club, but it wasn't until 1963 that Jim Clark
offered the use of his hotel basement free of charge,
the NEWCASTLE BOXING CLUB came into being.
The active members at that time were Nepper's sons
Rene, Leon, Jules, Roger and Gilles, the Balatti
brothers Chris and Ted, Brian Zelley and Leo Rock.
But, there were other trainees, of which, some would
engage in ring competition. Those early members
were Brian Adam, Gerry Matson, Ron Wheatly,
Reid Mitchell, Mike Lazare, Phillip Joe, Dave Ballance,
Don Brown, Wayne Barnes, Jim Brown,
Leonard Brown and Lloyd Hepplewaite.
Those that helped in the training were:
Harry Pollitt, Frank and Albert Seriani,
Lorne Roberts and Skimp Williams. Rene
Nepper would also help in that first year of
operation.
As the years flashed by, there would be many
other trainees to fill the various gym locations
such as Rick Johnson, Ken Stant, Alan Windecker,
Larry McFadden, Tony James and others.
At the end of the 1968 season, the club would
end it's days of activity, but all of the equipment
was retained by George J. Nepper who had the
hope and the dream, that the club could begin
anew. That day would come when the newly
created Nanaimo Boxing Club was formed in 1971.
So, through the vision of one, came the hopes and dreams
of many over 41 years ago in the summer of '71.
BOXING CHEMISTRY 101:
*From those pre-1971 days, to the formation of the club
in 1971 and the long journey into the start of the fifth
decade there have been many involved in the progress
and the success. But, when all is said and done it was
boxing chemistry 101 that provided the fuel that would
see the club operating with many achievements for so
many yars. That chemistry would be found in the form
of: the old shoemaker, George Nepper, the force behind
the old Newcastle boxing club, the teenage exploits of a
current Prince George coach named Bob Pegues.
That chemistry would be the wisdom and vision
of the old shoemaker, and the hope, wishes and
dreams of the young teenager.
BOB PEGUES in the mid-Seventies
Bob Peues, the coach
2010
(with Prince George boxer Jag Seehra)
BEYOND NANAIMO and onto VICTORIA
*Another new beginning: 1974
The above photo is one that highlights the big revival of amateur boxing in
Victoria, BC in the mid Seventies. After this photo, the London Boxing &Athletic
club renewed there support of amateur boxing in 1974/75 season. In 1976,
boxer Wayne Crowe would win the 1976 BC Golden Gloves and fight in
the 1976 Nationals. And in June 1976 the club would host one of the
English schoolboy vs BC juniors tournaments.
In August 1976, with formation of the Victoria Athletic Association, they
would sponser amateur boxing and the first three coaches would be
Mike Caird, Brian Zelley and Lou Bujdose.
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