logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
  • Sports
  • lifestyle
  • commentary
  • Obituaries
  • Calendar
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Form Submission / Advertise
    • advertisers pay now
    • News
    • Sports
    • lifestyle
    • commentary
    • Obituaries
    • Calendar
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Form Submission / Advertise
      • advertisers pay now
History of McIntosh County boxing
Sports
July 13, 2023
History of McIntosh County boxing

I was having a conversation with an old classmate of mine this weekend and he asked whatever happened to the boxing clubs. In the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, Eufaula had three boxing clubs that competed every weekend at the Eufaula Armory along with other clubs from across Oklahoma.

The talent that came out of these clubs was outstanding and included boxers like Robert and Larry Newton, Joe Johnson, J.C. Watts, Michael and J.D. Nichols, Doug Kirby, Jerome McNeil and professional boxer William Jackson. In the mid 1980’s, William Jackson and Coach Washington were trainers for the club I boxed for and Gary Johnson coached another club that consisted of boxers like Mark Caldwell and Doug Reynolds. Reynolds was a sensational boxer at 156 pounds. He would work his way inside his opponents, lift their elbows and punish them with bolo uppercuts. Reynolds finished his career at the Olympic Boxing trials in Denver, Colorado where he boxed Michael Spinks’ son to a draw.

Boxing was a great outlet for local athletes.

I once asked J.C. Watts if boxing helped him on the football field. “Of course it did. It made you tougher and helped develop hand quickness and the importance of foot placement,” Watts told me.

Back in the day we would play football on Friday and box each other on Saturdays sometimes. Liability issues slowly forced clubs to close and soon there was no more local boxing and really no amateur boxing anywhere. I cherish those days and the lessons to this day that coach Washington and Jackson taught me and others.

Wouldn’t it be nice if today’s youth had more outlets to participate in and learn some valuable life lessons.

1-2-3 break.

54-53-1 Wildcats win!
Sports
54-53-1 Wildcats win!
September 21, 2023
54-53-1. Those numbers said it all Friday night as the Checotah Wildcats broke the tie against the Eufaula Ironheads during the 108th rivalry game with the final score of 54-27, winning back the McInt...
this is a test
Checotah Lady Wildcats cruise to 14-1 victory over Central
Sports
Checotah Lady Wildcats cruise to 14-1 victory over Central
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 21, 2023
The Checotah Lady Wildcats cruised to a 14-1 victory over Central to improve to 1013 overall. Checotah scored seven runs in the first inning after taking advantage of multiple errors by Central. Checo...
this is a test
Lady Knights edge out Eufaula 7-5
Sports
Lady Knights edge out Eufaula 7-5
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 21, 2023
The Henryetta Lady Knights edged out Eufaula on Thursday with a 7-5 victory.It was a pitching battle throughout the game. Eufaula scored first in the second inning when Jadence Efurd hit a fielder’s c...
this is a test
Eufaula Giant Draven Gragg receives multiple offers
Sports
Eufaula Giant Draven Gragg receives multiple offers
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 21, 2023
Eufaula senior football standout Draven Gragg has a big decision to make. The 6’4”, 270-pound giant has been outstanding at the linebacker and the lineman positions. Gragg has received offers from Uni...
this is a test
108th Meeting of Eufaula vs. Checotah
Sports
108th Meeting of Eufaula vs. Checotah
September 21, 2023
this is a test
News
Court Report
September 21, 2023
McIntosh County District Court ReportFelony CasesJeffrey Wayne Brinsfield: two counts of first degree rape by force or fear Amber Lee Metzker: trafficking in illegal drugs; bringing contraband (weapon...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Sooners calm Tulsa Hurricane
Sports
Sooners calm Tulsa Hurricane
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 21, 2023
The Oklahoma Sooners quickly separated themselves from the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in a 66-17 Saturday at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa. OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a huge day, averaging over 15 yards...
this is a test
Jerome Tiger Exhibition will be on display until Sept. 30
Sports
Jerome Tiger Exhibition will be on display until Sept. 30
September 21, 2023
this is a test
Sports
Fast start lifts Emporia State past RiverHawks
September 21, 2023
No. 12/11-ranked Emporia State (Kan.) scored on its first four possessions, all in the first quarter, and the Hornets cruised the rest of the way to a 38-0 win over Northeastern State on Saturday nigh...
this is a test
Sports
South Alabama dominates OSU Cowboys
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 21, 2023
The Oklahoma State Cowboys were dominated at home by a Sun Belt school that didn’t have a football program until 2009, and has only been in the FBS since 2012.South Alabama cruised to a 33-7 stomping ...
this is a test
Wildcats give praise to the Lord
Sports
Wildcats give praise to the Lord
September 21, 2023
The Eufaula versus Checotah football game is always known to be emotional and physical. Friday night Checotah cruised to a 54-27 victory to win the 108th meeting and now leads the series 54-53-1. As I...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy