Kyle Brown is a fast learner
The 17-year-old Stelly's Secondary School student first walked through the door at the Capital City Boxing Club last November, and barely six months later he's ready to step into the ring in a B.C. Golden Gloves event.
Brown's not quite sure who he'll be up against in the provincial invitational tournament, which runs today and tomorrow at Langford's Eagle Ridge Community Centre, but that's just fine with him.
"It's going to be good," he said during the club's final pre-tourney practice session. "I'll take it as it comes."
It will also be the first Golden Gloves event in the region since 1999, signalling B.C. Boxing's intent to bring its event to more areas of the province. Making a special appearance at the tournament will be Canadian boxing legend George Chuvalo, who will also be talking about his Fight on Drugs program at Belmont Secondary School and the regional youth-custody centre.
The presence of Chuvalo, who twice fought against Muhammad Ali, means a lot to young boxers like Brown.
"I'd love to meet him, that'd be awesome," Brown said.
Brown, who also plays hockey and lacrosse, said giving boxing a try has been a great decision for him.
"I came here and I loved it."
Not only that, he's in the best shape of his life -- and it's showing in his other athletic pursuits.
"I used to one of the slowest guys in lacrosse and there are times when I'm the fastest now."
Brown said he's been eager to have a real boxing match almost since the day he started, but not everyone shares his enthusiasm for the sport.
"My mom's a little iffy on it, I think my dad likes it," he said, smiling.
His immediate future in boxing depends on where he goes for his post-secondary education in the fall, Brown said.
"It might be a little harder with university, but if I stay here I definitely will continue."
Watching Brown and the rest of the group go through their paces was Diana Life, who will be joining her son, Chris, as a volunteer at the Golden Gloves. Chris, 17, was hoping to take part as a boxer, but is sidelined with an arm injury he suffered while skiing.
Diana Life praised the positive effects that boxing and a dedication to training have had on her son.
"He started a year-and-a-half ago here, and it has been an incredible self-confidence builder."
She also likes the philosophy espoused by Capital City head coach Chris Jones.
"The way Chris teaches is whatever you're doing in here, you don't take outside."
Jones, who also serves as president at Boxing B.C., said that having more events throughout B.C. makes sense, rather than concentrating them on the Lower Mainland.
"We decided at Boxing B.C. that we'd take tournaments around to different areas of the province so that the athletes can box in front of their friends and family. The other thing is we wanted to rejuvenate the sport, it's an Olympic sport."
Having Chuvalo here for a local event is a bonus, Jones said.
"The reason I brought George in is because he's such a good role model to show the guys how they can act after boxing, so they know that boxing is just one step along the way."
The Eagle Ridge tournament is expected to draw more than 20 participants from both Canada and the United States. Boxers will compete in five age groups, from 11- and 12-year-olds up to the 19-and-over division.
Doors open both days at 6 p.m., with the first fight at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and cost $25 for one night or $39 for two nights.
