Nanaimo Boxing Club

[Zelley10]

Although this thread is primarily for persons that were involved in the Newcastle and/or Nanaimo Boxing Clubs.
now that I have had a chance to present a framework, I
now welcome a few comments from others that may not have been involved.

[Zelley10]

Although Nanaimo hosted its fair share of boxing cards and tournaments
over the years, an important one for the Nanaimo Boxing Club
took place in 1975 at St. Peter's Hall.

It was part of the BC Winter Festival of Sports.

[Zelley10]

It is important to recognize that the role of the Newcastle Boxing Club
(1963 to 1968) compared to the Nanaimo Boxing Club (1971 to today)
in Nanaimo's sports history are vastly different.

The primary difference is no boxing cards were hosted in Nanaimo
during the period of activity, but the club paid an important role
in Vancouver Island boxing history during the 1960's.

For instance in 1965, boxers from Nanaimo competed in four shows in Victoria. In three of those shows Nanaimo Boxers were involved in
16 of the 33 bouts, and winning 8 of the 16 bouts. The results even
in close competition against home town boxers from the
London Boxing or the James Bay Boxing Clubs indicated
excellent and fair judging and refereeing. For Island boxers
this was not always the case when they ventured to Vancouver for major tournaments. Sadly, the history of the sport in British Columbia
is scattered with the smashed hopes and dreams of Island boxers
as they tried to compete for positions on Provincial teams.
Likewise, the selection of Island officials for an elevation
to the International level was a non starter. Of course,
those in positions of power to operate the "elevator"
would disagree that there were barriers and roadblocks.

Names of Nanaimo boxers that competed in the 1965 cards:
Barker, Budzinski, Glover, McFadden, Nepper. Stant, Tait, Zelley.
Of interest, an Island name that became better known in Lacrosse rather
than boxing were members of the Alexander family. The Alexanders not only competed in Lacrosse but were popular boxing competitors in the
mid-Sixties. And no amateur boxing card was complete without
the appearance of Mr. & Mrs. Alexander at ringside to cheer on all the competitors regardless of the club.
"
Using a metaphor - the Newcastle club was the "calm" while the
Nanaimo club would become the storm in BC Boxing
when it rolled through the Seventies.

[Zelley10]

To continue the metaphor - In 1971, the newly formed
club would start out like a gentle Ocean Breeze, but by
1973, the club would set the stage for a whirlwind of activity
throughout the Seventies and into the 1980's.

[Zelley10]

In any fair and reasonable historical review of the
club, it is important to sift through the local coverage
to sort out the facts from the fantasy and fiction.

It is reasonable to belief that on a local level
some of the spin in the newspapers would
highlight the strengths and overlook the
weaknesses.

[Zelley10]

The "Nanaimo Daily Free Press" article in 1964 said it well:
"Boxing Club Operates Despite All Handicaps". The article focused on George "the shoemaker" Nepper and his long road to establish the Newcastle Boxing Club. During the day, he would work away at his shop on Victoria Crescent.

For a number of years, the would be Nanaimo boxers would train with
the Ladysmith-Chemainus club, but one fine day in 1963 Jim Clark gave the Nanaimo folks an opportunity to establish their own club in the basement of the Newcastle Hotel and the rest is a five year story with many twists
and turns. But when the light faded, a glimmer of hope remained for the
big return of amateur boxing in Nanaimo.

Not to be forgotten in the first year of operation were the folks that helped with the training and coaching such as the old pro boxer Harry Pollitt,
Frank and Albert Seriani, Lorne Roberts and Skimp
Williams.

The late Harry Pollitt, never received any real recognition over
the last Forty years, but he was one of the best teachers of boxing.
Also, Skimp Williams must rate as the best cornerman in the
history of Amateur Boxing in British Columbia. But, confining his talents
to a few years on Vancouver Island will not earn him a spot in
any Provincial or National Boxing Hall of Fame.

George Nepper passed away in 1975, but lived to help with the
formation of the Nanaimo Boxing Club. And, if anyone asks
what the color Gold represents in the Green & Gold of the
Nanaimo Boxing Club, think of the dearly departed shoemaker
and the members of the Newcastle Boxing Club 1963 - 1968.

[Zelley10]

This will likely be my final message on this thread. However, if any members
have any questions on the sport - history, how to, etc., I will do my best to respond.

However, this would be a good opportunity for those folks in Nanaimo
that are involved in the club to step forward and promote the organization.
Also, the time is due for a new round of club shows and tournaments in the City.
However, rather than some large arena, it would be grand to have a small club show
with a couple of 100 devoted fans in a church hall or a school gym to
relive the golden years and revive the sport at the grass roots level, or
are those days lost and gone forever?

[Zelley10]

Does anyone have any information on the
activities of the Nanaimo Boxing Club after
1985?

[Zelley10]

Picture of George Nepper and four boxers of the
Newcastle Boxing Club (1963 - 1968)

[riverrat]

Is that you third from right, Zelley10?
Great thread, thanks a lot! I too hope that someone in the biz finds your posts.
And where is/was the Newcastle Hotel?