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A Large Crowd For Boxing

  • Writer: Craig Baird
    Craig Baird
  • Jul 15, 2024
  • 2 min read

In June 1952, Vermilion decided to host a boxing tournament and it proved to be one of the most popular events of the year.

The boxing card presented was full of the best boxers in the area during that time, and from across the province.

The event was such a hit that the four sections of portable bleachers were filled with spectators as soon as the doors opened. Other seats were quickly rushed in and even with those there were still many people standing.

Walter Kozack came in from Edmonton to referee the event. Judges for the bouts were Jim Parsons, Bill Sutherland and Herb McPhee. Dr. Ben King acted as the ring announcer, and his opening remarks paid tribute to Mr. Wynnychuk for starting up the boxing club and teaching so many of the young men in the area how to box.

The first event saw six boys fight through two rounds of boxing while blindfolded. The boys did their best to box while several opponents were swinging their arms around them.

After this, Wilf Little defeated Peter Toner. The second bout featured Ronnie Paulsin and Frank Gremsheld. It was said both of the young men displayed real boxing ability with good coordination, quick thinking and evenness of temper. Paulsin won the bout by a narrow margin.

Marv Little took on Melvin Burnett. While Marv lost, he was only 15 and up against a 22-year-old, but he made the hometown crowd very proud with how well he hung in for the match.

The headline bout was between Vermilion’s Herb Little and Bob Paley from Edmonton. The bout was four rounds of rugged boxing crammed with action but Paley just barely defeated local man Little in the match.

After the boxing was completed, a special award for outstanding performance and sportsmanship was given to Marvin Little. The award was a sport sweater and he received it for his excellent display of boxing against a bigger, older and tougher opponent.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx.com

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