The Fight of Their Lives, Chapter 1: Shadow Boxing
Dec. 15, 2007 In the first instalment of a six-part series boxing trainer Chris Johnson and his young proteges learn that boxing’s not just about beating the guy across the ring: It’s about conquering the opponent within. A Battle Against the Opponent Within MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER Chris Johnson paces like an expectant father as 3 … Read more
The Fight of Their Lives, Chapter 2: Pain and Glory
While Shavar works to shed ring rust, a prodigal boxer returns to Johnson’s gym. Dec. 16, 2007 A Boxer’s Pain and Glory MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER Shavar Henry’s rope is a blur as he skips, its silver handles flashing with each flourish. Then he trips. And trips again. Then his iPod falls off his waistband … Read more
The Fight of Their Lives, Chapter 3: The Fight and the Fright
A national team training camp gives Steve Rolls a chance to prove to coaches — and to himself — that he can go blow-for-blow with Canada’s best amateur boxers. Dec 17, 1007 MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER WINDSOR – Steve Rolls spears his sparring partner with a jab, then glides away untouched. A provincial champ last … Read more
The Fight of Their Lives Chapter 4: The Healing Power of Boxing
Chris Johnson’s final pro fight put him into a coma but a near-fatal brain injury didn’t dull his passion for boxing. In fact, he loves the sport more than ever because it’s his therapy. Dec. 18, 2007 MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER Shavar Henry makes the hand pads sing, boxing by numbers with Chris Johnson calling … Read more
The Fight of Their Lives, Chapter 5: A Boxer’s Split Decision
At the provincical final Shavar Henry tests the limits of his fragile hand while Steve Rolls struggles to connect with his inner champion. Part five in a series. Dec. 19, 2007 MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER WINDSOR – In the Holiday Inn ballroom, Shavar Henry trots into ring with a self-assured swagger, but he’s a bit … Read more
The Fight of Their Lives, Chapter 6: End of the Road?
In the series finale a newly confident Steve Rolls confronts tough opponents and even tougher questions about his future in the sport. MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER RICHMOND, B.C. – Francy Ntetu marches forward, convinced he’ll crush the smaller man with his heavy hands. “Allez, Francy!” shouts a spectator in the sparse crowd at the River … Read more
Long Shots Chapter I: The Holy Wars
Tensions rise between the teams and the teammates as the Jean Vanier Mavericks take on the Saints and Mother Teresa Scarborough high school players embark on long, difficult journey to an Ontario championship, writes Morgan Campbell. 31 May 2003 - Toronto Star The Jean Vanier Mavericks are one of the best high school basketball teams in … Read more
Long Shots Chapter II: On a Cold Night…
1 June 2003 – Toronto Star By Morgan Campbell JANUARY 10 The change room door swings open and in walks Oliver Prince to announce an important bit of news. He has the skinny on tonight’s opponent, the North Albion Cougars. “They’re suss,” the 6-foot-5, 215-pound star basketball player tells his team. “Kamar Burke is gonna … Read more
Long Shots Chapter III: Short Sight, Tall Plans
At 5-foot-7, Nedrie Simmons is the Vanier Mavericks’ smallest player, and perhaps the most reckless. But he’s head and shoulders above when it comes to confidence in his talent, writes Morgan Campbell. 2 June 2003 - Toronto Star Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 Nedrie Simmons launches jump shots alone in the gym at Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary … Read more
Long Shots Chapter IV: Chance of a Lifetime
Andrew Lomond gets his opportunity to impress at an audition for a U.S. college recruiter. The question is, can he become the post player the coaches want, reports Morgan Campbell. 3 June 2003 - Toronto Star Jan. 27, 2003 On a frigid winter night, about 20 young men gather at the Stanley Park Community Centre for some … Read more
