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Davies boxes to B.C. silver medal

Boxing BC Provincial Championships
boxing
Boxer Marcus Davies made it to the finals at the 2020 Boxing BC Provincial Championships.

Sunshine Coast boxer Marcus Davies put on a strong showing in Richmond on Feb. 14, 15 and 16 at the 2020 Boxing BC Provincial Championships, making it to the final where he lost a points decision to a North Vancouver boxer.

The three-day event drew more than 90 boxers, including some of the best in Canada, who put on a show with great boxing, upsets and a few dramatic KOs

In the middleweight semifinal Davies drew seasoned veteran Michael Kechichian fighting out of Vancouver’s Eastside Boxing Club.

This bout was evenly matched with both boxers good enough to turn professional if they wanted.

Now in his 23rd fight, Davies held back on his usual steamroller style on the advice of coach Tariq Abdualrahman and did some very good technical boxing, allowing him to score points instead of trying to KO his opponent.

“Marcus knew Michael was too good and too smart to be drawn into a brawl so Marcus adapted his boxing style for this fight and won a razor-thin but unanimous decision in a bout between two of boxing’s good guys,” said Sunshine Coast Boxing Club founder Rick Shannon.

In the final the following day, Davies was matched with North Vancouver’s Jonathon Hannah, who is an 18-year-old boxing phenom, fighting out of Griffins Boxing Club.

In the past year Hanna has won bouts internationally and across Canada. Hannah is considered a prospect for the 2022 Olympics.

Davies gave the bout his best effort but Hannah was just a bit better boxer this day, winning a unanimous decision to take the gold medal and punch his ticket to the Canadian Championships to be held in Eastern Canada this spring.

There is still a chance for Davies to get to the nationals as he can still compete for the second spot on the B.C. squad with a strong showing at the B.C. Golden Gloves in March.

At the provincials, Davies was supported by his wife Kristina who spent the weekend at ringside while expecting a baby on a due date of Feb. 18. Marcus and Kristina welcomed the birth of a boy after midnight on Feb. 25, naming him Denzel.

In 2017, the two were engaged in the ring moments after Davies won a BC Championship title fight. Having had a difficult younger life, Davies has become a speaker to youth in schools in Vancouver, sharing his story of recovery and becoming a carpenter, boxing champion and father. Most recently, he spoke to the students at Pender Harbour Secondary on Feb. 13.

“One day I’m gonna write a book about Marcus Davies,” Shannon said. “He is BC Boxing’s most interesting man!”

The Sunshine Coast Boxing Club trains at the Lift Strength and Conditioning Centre located in Wilson Creek.

For information about recreational, box fit or competitive boxing contact Tariq Abdualrahman at 604-989-1166 or visit the gym Monday through Friday at 6:30 p.m.

– Submitted