Parksville’s battlin’ Brandon Busby heads into the Christmas break having unwrapped his main present early — a trophy and brand new title, which he won after ripping into his opponent at Boxing BC’s Provincial Championships.
Busby was the only boxer from the area to make the trip to this year’s big annual amateur showcase, held in Revelstoke Nov. 26 and 27.
There were nearly 100 entries in all, representing all weight classes, and it was the BSS grad’s first time competing in the tournament.
“It was pretty cool; it was a good event — they did a good job putting it on,” he said when The News caught up with him this week at Genesis Boxing and Fitness.
Busby, 21, was competing in the 165 pound (Middleweight) Novice division along with one other boxer from the mainland, who he demolished in the gold medal bout.
Busby’s opponent was given his first of two standing eight counts midway through the opening round — the second one came in the opening minute of the third and final round after much the same — a steady diet of left hooks and uppercuts.
“I was a bit rusty,” he shrugged, “I hadn’t had any sparring before the event, so it was tougher than it should have been.”
On day two he had a match fight against an Open fighter (anyone with 10 or more bouts), “and I lost by one point,” he chuckled.
“It was a close one ... it was tough. I was fighting a different style than I’m used to; it was points before damage, so ...”
Part of an impressive stable of local first-year boxers that represented Genesis Boxing at the BC Bronze Gloves held at Oceanside Place last year, Busby was disqualified in his main event, a decision later ruled incorrect, and won his exhibition match in convincing fashion the following day.
Perhaps not that surprising to those that know him, Busby said the disqualification was disappointing at the time but there were no thoughts of redemption as he made the trip to Revelstoke.
“None at all; it was just the next event on the schedule.”
Through it all he agreed he’s grateful for the learning opportunity, and is enjoying the process as he continues his quest for success in the ring.
“I just want to see how far I can go with it.”
Revelstoke Boxing Club head coach, tournament chair and head official Sam Le Rose said they had 37 bouts, approximately 80 boxers ranging in age from 11 years old up through to seniors (18-plus) at the B.C.s.
“We had some of the best boxers in the country here,” he surmised proudly (the winners of each open division earned a spot on Team BC bound for the Nationals), and said as far as he’s concerned “the state of boxing in this province is great.”
Asked for some insight into Busby’s showing at the B.C.s, Genesis’ head coach and founder Rick Rae made the point that “Brandon started when we opened the doors a year and nine months ago. He’s made excellent process, he’s a very committed boxer ... it’s a huge accomplishment to win the provincials in that short of time.
NEXT UP
“We have a sparring event and a competitive event in January, and we have a four day Canadian national camp in February (dates and times to be determined), so stay tuned,” said Rae.
Beyond the boxing, Genesis has a bunch of new fitness programs starting up in January and there are lots of specials on right now.
For details go to www.genesisboxingandfitness.com.