Former Boxing Champion Donates Memorabilia To PCYC Young

PCYC Young had a very welcome visitor on Friday, October 20. Former boxer, Roger Richens dropped in to say hello and donate some of his boxing memorabilia from when he represented Australia in the sport.

The Club’s Young Sports Advisory Committee member, James Sheehan said that the visit went well.

“Roger’s donated his Australian Commonwealth Games blazer and tie, one of the Australian Fly-weight championship belts he has and half a dozen medals from his boxing career,” Mr Sheehan said.

“It’s obviously a pretty huge donation.”

The visit and donation coincided with the reopening of the Club’s boxing sessions.

Mr Sheehan said that they had a room out the back of the PCYC that was used as a bit of a fitness room which they had been revamping and painting, though COVID had slowed them down some.

“They’re holding a fight night in two weeks time and the donated memorabilia will be in shadow boxes and on the wall of fame with all the other memorabilia,” he said.

“Early bird tickets are on sale now for $45 per head.”

“We’re not sure if there will be tickets at the door because they were packed in like sardines last time.”

Fight night is scheduled for Saturday, November 4 at the Young Services Club.

A major raffle thanks to Rex Airlines and Hobsons Air & Electrics will be held on fight night.

As a former resident of Young, Richens said he would return for fight night, as he was keen to give back.

He was keen to donate, but he also wanted to inspire the next generation of local youth that even though they come from a small country community they could achieve greatness.

Richens lived in Young for 19 years and joined up with the PCYC to sort of get off the streets and learn a bit of respect.

He will tell you that boxing takes a lot of discipline to do well.

Like many skilled athletes, Richens was not limited to boxing.

He played basketball, rugby league as a player and referee and a bit of cricket.

Since he finished his last fight, Richens has not stepped inside a boxing ring.

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