The North Augusta Boxing Club hosts 2000 Silver Gloves Championships

December 4th - Clearwater, SC       The North Augusta Boxing Club was host to the 2000 Silver Gloves Championships on Saturday night. The success of club programs and leaders' commitment to its members was reflected in the faces of the spirited crowd and motivated boxers. The determination of each contestant proved that they came to compete, but more than that, they came to win. As this reporter saw it, all the boxers were winners. Making it to the championship matches proves each one had the right stuff. Jonathan Weathers of The North Augusta Boxing Club pictured at left.

The Club facility was filled to capacity with standing room only. Wow!  Amateur boxers traveled from all over South Carolina and Georgia to compete. Clubs represented were Aiken, Alpharetta, Georgia, Greenville, Hilda, hard Knocks, North Augusta, Rock Hill and York, SC.  The boxers ranged from age 9 to 15 and weights ranged from 65 to 178 pounds.  Organizers Jo-Anne and Noah Newman were busy right up to the opening bell re-arranging the fight card because of no-shows.  But, as Jo-Anne promised, the first fight began promptly at 7:00 PM with very little break in the action.  Over 12 fights in all and not a dull moment in any round.  It is a tribute to the coaches and dedication of these young men and women to see the level of professionalism and training.  Mohammad Ali would be proud. The judges had their hands full with every fight because most of the opponents were very closely matched. Many of the fights could have gone either way. I can recall only one fight in which the boxers were not closely matched, and the corner very wisely called the match to a halt. Dr. William Welsh, North Augusta Police Athletic League Team Physician, was ringside checking every boxer as he exited the ring. Safety is all important, gloves are designed to be safe and protective headgear is worn by each boxer while fighting. Officals for the night included Dr. William Welsh, Team Physician, Charlie Hammond, Chief Officer, Nelson Sayfor, Marge Hammond, Sheryll Durden, Keith Tapley, Wanda Green, Billy Sharpe, Brian Sloan, Dandy Biles and Jo-Anne Newman. Pictured at right is Alen Abramyan and his proud father, from the Alpharetta, GA Boxing Club. Notice the Silver Metal around his neck? He fought a great fight, toe to toe for all three rounds. Christopher Osoria of the Aiken Boxing Club gave him quite a fight. This young boxer is Jacob Williams from the Alpharetta Boxing Club, and also knows as "Cool J". He fought Willie Thomas of the Aiken Boxing Club for one of the most exiting matches of the evening. Young Jacob win in the Silver Gloves Championship brought his titles to 6: 50 Pound State Champion, 60 Pound Champion, Jr. Olympics Champion, Golden Gloves Champion, Gold Metal in the Georgia Games and now Silver Gloves Champ in the 60 Pound Class. What makes this so impressive is Jacob accomplished all of this in his first year of boxing, while also a member of the basketball and baseball teams. And, on yes, he's only 9 years old! Click here for more pictures.