There are two more Golden Glove champs in the Bulldog Boxing Club ranks, after Dominic Barbosa and Emma Morrison-Turley each claimed titles in their respective divisions over the weekend.
“For our club this shows that we are able to produce consistent champions both male and female and across all divisions and weight classes,” said Bulldog Boxing coach Peggy Maerz proudly.
The tournament, which was held in Quesnel over the weekend, was an open format, allowing boxers with less than 10 bouts to compete in the prestigious Golden Glove tournament.
After being crowned the champion in the 60-kilogram novice junior C category, 15-year-old Barbosa carried on to box twice outside the tournament winning one and losing one.
The second match was Barbosa’s 10th bout meaning he only has to compete in one more fight before he can be considered for the provincial team.
“It’s important that I have more than 10 matches on my record so I can box at the provincials and hopefully go on to represent B.C. at the national level,” Barbosa said.
The 16-year-old Morrison-Turley was named a double Golden Glove champion at the tournament after winning the 54-kg novice junior C category, and challenging and winning the weight category above, the 57-kg division. Morrison-Turley’s opponent in the 57-kg bout was a fighter she had faced twice before, losing once and winning by a split decision. This time around she won by unanimous decision.
“Having faced her before I was confident going into the fight, and I knew I would have the endurance to go all three rounds,” Morrison-Turley said.
Also joining coach Maerz and Barbosa and Morrison-Turley in Quesnel was Brody Butts, who helped out as the corner man.
“He (Butts) attends all the practices and fundraisers for the community and the club but never gets to attend trips as he doesn’t compete. So I brought him along to assist in the corner and help get the boxers ready,” Maerz said.
About five years ago, Butts was diagnosed with high functioning autism, known as Asperger’s.
Butts said when he first learned of his syndrome he was withdrawn and he gained a lot of weight, but since joining the club he has come out of his shell.
“Boxing has really helped me to cope with my Asperger’s,” said Butts.
This was the first tournament Butts had attended and he thoroughly enjoyed his role as the corner man.
“My job was to set the stool, get the water, and do whatever else had to be done. Knowing I had such an important role to play was very rewarding,” Butts said. In addition to working the corner, Butts also helped Barbosa and Morrison-Turley in their preparation before their bouts.
“Brody was such a huge help for us, he was in our corner for the whole weekend,” Morrison-Turley said.
Both boxers were also quick to point out that the entire club is to thank for their recent success.
“Our success belongs to everyone at the club, from our class and the adult classes. It was a team effort,” Barbosa said.
