Canadian Boxer Donovan Boucher Makes Comeback At Shaw Festival
Posted April 17, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Donovan Boucher may be a former Canadian Welterweight Champion, Super Welterweight Empire Champion, and WBA International Champ, but when it came time to contemplate a return to the squared circle at the age of 45, the time-hardened pugilist still had to get the green light from mom.
“Well I said to my mom I said, ‘listen I’m thinking of going back into the ring,’ and I wanted to see her reaction, she said, ‘Son, train hard.’
“I said, ‘I thought you were going to say no way you’re crazy.’ “
Some would indeed consider a return to the rigours of the ring slightly insane at such an advanced age, but for Boucher, who will be making his return Wednesday at the Shaw Festival’s Annual Gentleman’s Boxing Evening at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto , there is unfinished business to attend to.
“Who says life is over at 45?” he asked, sounding like George Foreman.
“This (idea for a comeback) happened in 2001 when I applied for my boxing licence in Toronto and was denied,” he adds, noting that the man he knocked out, Shawn O’Sullivan, was given permission to continue fighting despite showing obvious signs of wear and tear.
“I couldn’t understand why I can’t fight in my hometown of Toronto . I want to fight at home. My fans and family want to see me fight at home and that’s why I’m coming back today.”
“I did the same test that I did in 2001 and I passed, there’s nothing wrong whatsoever, the doctor said I’m in the best shape that he’s even seen a 45-year-old. I’m just coming back now because I didn’t have a chance to before.”
Boucher will fight a three-rounder against Abdula Ramadan in one of several intriguing bouts.
“This is the premiere charity boxing event in the world, we raise more money in one night that any boxing charity anywhere,” said matchmaker Vince Bagnato.
The event will bring out some big names in the fight game, including Smokin’ Joe Frazier, George Chuvalo and Billy “the kid” Irwin.
Other bouts:
Canadian Middleweight Champion Byron Mackie takes on Larry Sharpe in a 12-round bout for the WBA North American Super Welterweight Championship.
Trinidad ‘s Michael Springer dukes it out with Corey Houston of Winnipeg in a six-round Welterweight bout.
Toronto ‘s Teber Brosch slugs it out with Codey Hanna in a four-round middleweight clash.
