On Friday, Jan. 18, at the Cascades Casino in Langley 12-year-old Beau Smith in the 90-pound weight category and 14-year-old lightweight Ryan Babor, both of Gibsons,represented the Sunshine Coast Boxing Club in their ring debuts.
The boys boxed three-round, no decision bouts.
The Combative Sports Asso-ciation of British Colum-bia (Combsport), which sanctioned the event, allows younger boxers to play three no decision bouts so they may become comfortable in the ring and accustomed to boxing in front of an audience without any pressure to win.
First to box was Ryan. He was led into the ring by coach Randy Hollett for a match against Jack Bae of the Contenders Boxing Club of Vancouver, also making his in-ring debut.
Both boys shook off their nerves as the bout progressed and entertained the audience with three competitive rounds of boxing.
Ryan has been with the club since August and seldom misses a training session. Coast Moving helped sponsor Ryan for his match.
Next to box was Beau, who went up against Josh Laveriente from the Port Kells Boxing Club.
Both boys boxed with skill beyond their age and experience during a busy three-round affair.
Beauhas been aconsistent and hard-working guy inour gym since October, said Sunshine Coast Boxing Club founder and coach Rick Shannon.
His strong performance in the ring is a result of his efforts. Credit should also go to boxing coach Jamie Berthalette who started Beau at his Lower Gibsons Christian Church boxing program with strong fundamental training before Beau joined the Sunshine Coast Boxing Club, Shannon said.
GV Designs helped sponsor Beau for his match.
Beau and Ryan were supported in the ring by Hollett as well as boxers Graham Porter and George Vourtsis who worked their corners. In attendance from the Sunshine Coast were a number of club members and family.
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