Paul Smith’s boxing comeback trail is taking him to next month’s provincial championships in Abbotsford.
The Ladner native won a pair of bouts when he was 18 then stepped away from the sport for a variety of reasons, including extensive travelling in South America. Now 25, Smith has resumed his career and he didn’t have to look far to find a familiar face.
His coach Ken McInnis is back operating his Lights Out Boxing Club in Richmond, this time at the impressive 30,000 square-foot Gionco’s Martial Arts Super Centre at the very south end of No. 5 Road that also houses the National MMA Academy. The pair have re-united and Smith has proceeded to win three fights in his middleweight class.
“When I was 18, there was just a lot of things going on and I went away and travelled for a long time,” explained Smith as he took a break from his Monday night training session. “There is less on my mind now so I thought I might as well compete again.
“I’m running in my spare time and taking days off (from working) when I need to. I would like to take this all the way to nationals and that’s what I’m working towards.”
To fight in the open division at provincials, Smith had to have a minimum 10 bouts under his belt. He tried to enter a couple of tournaments to reach the requirements but those boxing shows were eventually cancelled. Instead, the Delta Secondary graduate will compete in the Novice or Sub-Novice class — hoping an impressive showing could open the door for more opportunities. Regardless, McInnis knows he is working with a keen student that is willing to step into the ring at anytime.
“He is always looking to fight, doesn’t miss a session here and is sparring at another gym as well. He is pretty focused and motivated,” McInnis added.
Smith initially signed up for a jujitsu class and even tried MMA. However, he was intrigued with the boxing lessons that were taking place at the same time. He attended a drop-in session and there was no turning back.
“I always had been inspired by watching it on TV. When I saw there was boxing going on at the gym I was at I figured I had to stop in and do this. I knew almost right away it was the sport for me.”
McInnis runs his boxing sessions on Monday and Wednesday nights starting at 7:30 p.m. Call 604-441-5573 for more information.