After travelling to Abbotsford on Saturday, October 29, to fight as a light heavyweight at the Boxing BC Provincial Championships, Powell River boxer Trystan Burke returned home disappointed, but not due to a loss.
Burke, who is undefeated with a 5-0 amateur record, did not box at the event. According to Bob Pegues, Boxing BC Association provincial team coach, Burke won the light heavyweight title in the novice division as a result of his opponent failing to show. Because he does not have enough fights under his belt, Burke will not be going to the nationals.
“Shortly before the tournament, we lost several boxers,” said Colleen Bourassa, administrative coordinator for Boxing BC. As a result, the association was unable to find a fight for Burke.
According to Les Vegas, Burke’s manager at the Powell River Boxing Club, he and his fighter are both unhappy with how the events unfolded.
Burke said his interest in boxing started when he saw a Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Manny Pacquiao fight. After that, he went online and found Vegas’ boxing club. Burke said from the moment he showed up at the club, he was hooked and he has not stopped showing up since or even missed a day.
While mixed martial arts now rivals boxing in popularity among males aged 18 to 34, Burke, who was involved with karate before boxing, is attracted to the science of what has long been called the sport of kings.
“It’s very technical,” said Burke. “I don’t think just anyone can jump in and do it.”
Burke said he has witnessed people coming into the gym and thinking boxing is something they want to do and then discovering it is a lot more than what they expected.
According to Burke, he works hard every day and keeps his eye on the prize.
“I have dreams of being a pro,” said Burke. “Hopefully, Les and I will get there someday.”
According to Burke and Vegas, they want to schedule a few more amateur fights before the 20-year-old turns professional.
What happened in Abbotsford is not going to affect future plans for the pair, said Vegas, who added that Nanaimo Boxing Club has invited Burke to fight on November 26.
