BEAUMONT, TEXAS
ORANGE COUNT BOXING
July 15th, 2006

Orange County Boxing Club recently moved to Beaumont at a Gym at 495 4th Street and they held their first show at their new Gym on Saturday, July 15th.

We took 5 eligible boxers to the event in the motorhome and returned with a 1st place trophy with 4 runner-up medals.  Several family members and friends of our boxers drove about an hour from Newton to support their boys.  Two of our boxers, Chris Gaona and Billy Ray Bobbitt, fought their first amateur bout at this meet and we are all proud of their bravery and performance.

Skylar Conner, pictured with his mother Amanda, took first place honors against a strong and determined opponent.  Conner applied his quick footwork and powerful right hand to decisively outpoint his rival.  "Skylar has learned well what we teach in the Gym ... Be Everywhere But Be Nowhere", Coach Tracy stated.  Skylar moves well and pivots better than most boxers his age and experience level.  That's the advantage.  Deliver punches in bunches and reposition yourself to place your opponent on defense.

A victory celebration once the decision was announced.  His tough and quick adversary worked hard during the bout but came up short due to Skylar's hand and foot speed. 

Zane Conner, left, worked his skilled opponent for all three rounds.  This was the upset decision of the night as the crowd ... even other coaches could not believe that the judges awarded the split decision to the boxer from Louisiana.  Zane was disappointed but this was only Zane's 3rd amateur fight and his 9 year old opponent's 32nd fight!  "We felt comfortable matching Zane to this more experienced boxer because we know what Zane can do and our judgment in matching was good.  We are proud of Zane and felt like he won without a doubt," Coach Karpel commented following the match.

Billy Ray Bobbitt, left, delivers a perfect jab to his the more skilled boxer from Ray's Boxing Club in Houston.  Billy Ray kept the heat on and was relentless in pursuing his opponent.  We expect great accomplishments from Bobbitt as he continues toward gaining ring experience necessary to win the Southeast Texas Golden Gloves next February.

Chris Gaona, right, was matched against a strong and determined opponent from Mexico representing Lufkin Boys and Girls Club.  The opposing boxer was quick and agile but Gaona kept the jabs and right crosses flying.  Chris is excited to be with Newton Gym & Boxing Club and he works at a level second to none.

Derrick Poe, left, slips a jab and comes in for the attack.  A born body puncher, Poe pursues his opponent by slipping shots then, once in close, unleashes a flurry of punches.  Derrick has improved 200% since his first fight in May and we enjoy watching him mature into a great welterweight!