The Lights Out Boxing Club has enjoyed plenty of success around the Lower Mainland. Now it would like to taste victory in its own backyard.
The Richmond club won two of three bouts at an amateur show in Mission last weekend. Competing in the 140-pound junior "B" class, Michael Rankin won his second straight fight in impressive fashion, stopping his opponent 47 seconds into the opening round. Oozman Sharez was also victorious in his junior "C" 150-pound division, earning a split decision.
Zach Smith also fought well in his 165-pound division.
The results follow a strong showing a month earlier in North Vancouver and hope is Lights Out boxers will get a chance to soon compete in front of their hometown fans.
Longtime trainer/coach Ken McInnis operates the club out of Razor Fitness on Westminster Highway where his stable of boxers train three times a week. However, there is no room to host any kind of boxing show and the cost to rent a venue in Richmond is too costly for the club.
Now with the clock ticking and B.C. Amateur Boxing Association wanting confirmation soon for its 2013 schedule, McInnis is hoping someone will step to the plate.
"The rates I have been given when calling around is anywhere between $1,200 and $1,300 a night," said McInnis. "That doesn't cover the cost of renting a ring, paying for a doctor to be on hand or providing trophies.
"I would love to have a show and it would be really exciting for the kids to be able compete in front of their family and friends but the cost has to be reasonable. I want the tickets to be affordable for everyone."
McInnis is pleading for a private hall or facility to offer their venue for the evening. In turn, all the show's proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
"We're not the only Vancouver area club in the same predicament but it would be great if we could pull this thing off and do it for a good cause too.
Anyone interested in helping out can contact McInnis at 604-754-8658.
