Nanaimo Amateur Boxing 1963 to 2012

The Beginning 1963/64: By Brian Zelley

My introduction as the author requires my story

and how and when I was a part of the sport. 

The above video touches on my part ot the Newcastle and

Nanaimo Boxing clubs. For me, it all started in 1963

when George Nepper started the Newcarle boxing club in 

September 1963. A new phase of the Nanimo boxing began 

in 1971 When Brian Zelley and Dan Wright started the 

Nanamo Boxing club with the assistance of George Nepper and John Ormandy. Today, Barry Creswell is the head coach and the rest of us

are long since removed from active Nanaimo boxing.

Back In 1964:

The above photo is one of a number pf photos that appeared
in year one 1963/64. The six boxers are:
Leo Rock, Chris Balatti, Gilles Nepper, Leon Nepper
Roger Nepper and Brian Zelley preparing for one
of many boxing shows held in Victoria, BC.
Coaching at that time were Mr. Nepper, Skimp Williams
and Harry Pollitt. Others helping fromtime to time
were Rene Nepper, garner Smythe, and Frank Serianni.
Prime coach in Victoria was Harry Morris while
much admin work handled by Stan Richardson.
In 1964 some other boxers included Jules Nepper and
Mike Lazare. In the first year Gilles Nepper and Brian Zelley
would earn Island titles in the Vancouver Island Amateur
Boxing Championships which would include some
Victoria based boxers such as Tommy Black.