On Friday, March 13 George Vourtsis, representing the Sunshine Coast Boxing Club, lost a five-round split-decision to defending 147-pound champion Oliver Vadja who fights out of Carlson Gracie Martial Arts in Maple Ridge.
The fight was a co-main event held at the Cascaded Casino in Langley.
Vourtsis walked down the superbly skilled champion and turned the fight into a brawl on a number of occasions. Vadja preferred to keep his distance and chose when he would engage his opponent. Vourtsis would not give Vadja any breaks and pressed the fight, which soon turned into the usual highlight reel fight that has become the Vourtsis trademark.
Vourtsis scored a knock down in the second round and Vadja dropped Vourtsis for a quick count at the end of round three.
Both fighters gutted out the final two rounds of intense fighting that had the 300-plus fight fans in attendance on their feet.
After the three judges’ scorecards were carefully double checked by the officials, Vadja was awarded a split-decision victory and kept his championship belt.
Vourtsis and coach Rick Shannon graciously accepted the decision.
Two dozen of Vourtsis’ supporters made the trip to Langley to cheer him on.
Of interest, Vourtsis last boxed in October 2014 at 168 pounds and cut 21 pounds for his title shot.
Former Coast resident Julia Budd, who is now a professional MMA fighter, shared her weight cutting methods with Vourtsis in his fight preparation.
“George put in a huge effort to get ready for this fight,” Shannon said. “He sets an example that the kids at the Sunshine Coast boxing Club can follow.”
Vourtsis has asked to have a re-match with Vadja on Saturday, April 25 in Gibsons when the Sunshine Coast Boxing Club hosts the War on the Shore 3 amateur boxing event at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
The return fight is being negotiated.
To learn more about the Sunshine Coast Boxing Club located at 851 Gibsons Way in Andy’s Plaza, contact club president Randy Hollett at 604-989-5180 or visit the gym.
