In its dark, cramped quarters in the basement of New Westminster’s Arenex building, the Queensborough Boxing Club proved to be home for hope.
Looking like the setting for Rod Serling’s classic TV play Requiem for a Heavyweight, the small club was a place where young local scrappers came to learn some form and climb the ranks, and more than a few veteran fighters found a ring to stay fit.
Following the collapse Monday of the 80-year-old Arenex’s roof, the boxing club – along with numerous city-run programs and one of the oldest trampoline clubs in the nation – is left waiting to see if much can be salvaged from the wreckage.
Those who operate Queensborough are also hoping for a break or two, that could help them find a temporary home to continue operating.
“Off the top of my head Queensborough is one of the oldest (boxing clubs) still in existence that is sanctioned by Boxing BC,” remarked Boxing BC president and former Queensborough boxer Ryan O’Shea. “There may be older clubs, but most have branched out to fitness or mixed martial arts... We’re still the same club, and we’ve been (in the Arenex) for more than 30 years.”
Under the tutelage of longtime coach Scotty Jackson, Queensborough produced a number of B.C. and national champions over the years. O’Shea said his own beginnings were in the Arenex as an 11-year-old, where the club constructed a full-sized ring amidst the pillars and crannies of a cramped space lined with photos and posters celebrating the sport’s halycon days.
“The set-up there was very old-school, it was a boxing school and we currently have about 50 members, including 12 who are training competitively.”
O’Shea won a provincial title and competed at a junior world championships. He sees the immediate challenge now as finding a space where Jackson can continue to train the young group of competitive boxers for the upcoming slate of events, including the nationals.
The club had two boxers crowned at the provincials two months ago – Robert Couzens in male 69-kilogram elite division, and Sabri Faruk in the male 81kg category.
What has made Queensborough so accessible for those interested in the art of pugilism is that Jackson kept it affordable, said O’Shea.
“Over the years (Jackson) has kept it an open-door policy at the gym, he didn’t charge anything to come in and train,” said O’Shea. “It wasn’t a business, but a place to get valuable experience.”
Jackson has talked with many of his fighters and former boxers, and is seeking temporary training situations in the area.
Ideally, the club can find some local space here or in a neighbouring community to set up until the city of New Westminster makes its plans on a replacement for the Arenex. While the club didn’t have private insurance, O’Shea is inquiring whether Boxing BC’s insurance would cover some costs of replacing equipment that may have been lost or damaged.
The club, however, isn’t down for a ten-count, he said.
“(Jackson) is reaching out to see what can be done right now. We have seven fighters getting ready for the competitions on the calendar, for nationals. That’s priority No. 1 right now,” said O’Shea.
Anyone who wants to help the Queensborough Boxing Club can reach O’Shea by email: [email protected].
* The Shasta Trampoline Club was also a long-time tenant at the Arenex, and some members are leading a charge to seek both help in finding a new location and funds to replace damaged equipment.
Founder and coach Val Johnson was contacted Tuesday by the Record but did not wish to comment on the club’s situation or future.
But a GoFundMe campaign sprung up in the hours after the collapse and within 24 hours raised $4,150 in support of the Shasta Trampoline Team.
For those interested in supporting the Shasta team, visit:
www.gofundme.com/shasta-trampoline-team-fund.
