Discipline, Respect, and Integrity. That is what the Sheridan Boxing Club is working to instill in their members. The club held a round of boxing matches at the Sheridan High School gymnasium on Saturday, March 22, and ArkansasVarsity.com was there to cover them.

Many other clubs were represented. Clubs like Riverside Boxing Club from Little Rock, Arkansas, Pine Bluff Boxing Club from Pine Bluff Arkansas, the Hot Springs Boys and Girls Club from Hot Springs Arkansas, and the host club, Sheridan Boxing Club just to name a few.

The clubs are sanctioned by USA Boxing, which is the national governing body of amateur, Olympic-style boxing, and is the United States' member organization of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA). As a national governing body recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, USA Boxing is responsible for the administration, development and promotion of Olympic-style boxing in the United States. USA Boxing is a non-profit organization and is managed by a Chief Executive Officer who reports to a Board of Directors.

There were a couple of notable fighter in the house as well. Jr Olympic fighters Lavale Wilson out of North Little Rock, Arkansas who is ranked #2 in the Nation in the 125 pound mens division, and Courtney Gifford out of Sheridan, Arkansas who is ranked #3 in the Nation in the 125 pound ladies division, as well as the reigning 2008 Ladies Golden Glove Champion of Arkansas. A notable up and comer is Pine Bluff, Arkansas' Kendale Jeffries. In just 5 fights, Jeffries has 3 first round knockouts, including one in tonight's action. Jeffries also recently finished in 1st place at Regional in the Novice division, and is the Unopposed Arkansas State Champion for the 175 pound weight division.

Lavale Wilson who has a record of 82-13 going into tonight's fights, fought Bobby Bryant from the Olive Branch Boxing Club. The match went to a 3rd round decision, with Wilson coming out on top with a solid 3rd round, and showing the crowd on hand why he is ranked #2 in the Nation after Bryant gave him a tough fight in the first two rounds.

"I got a little winded there towards the end, I'm a bit out of shape. We're going to hit the gym hard and work on that." stated Wilson following his match.

When asked about his ranking of #2 in the Nation, Wilson said "I like being ranked #2, but my goal is to get back to the Jr. Olympics this year, and come out ranked #1. I also hope to go onto college and pursue a career in boxing."

Courtney Gifford, who also happens to be Miss Grant County and had a record of 11-2 going into tonight's action, fought Angel Ford from the Riverside Boxing Club. Ford gave Gifford a good fight in the first two rounds, but Gifford was able to pull off a round of solid punches in round 3, which was enough to give her the decision at the end of the fight.

"It was a tough fight tonight for me. Ford gave me all she had, and it was close. I feel fortunate that I was able to come out on top tonight." stated Gifford following the match.

When asked about winning the State Golden Glove Championship, Gifford said "It (Golden Glove Championship match) was a great fight. I fought, and I fought hard for it. I'm hoping this will help me get a boxing scholarship for college. I'm really excited about it still, and hope I can win some bigger titles."

Gifford also said that she is hoping to attend the University of Central Arkansas once she graduates High School.

The Sheridan Boxing Club which hosted tonight's event is coached by Sonny Axsom. When asked about what the Sheridan Boxing Club stands for, and what the goals of the club are, Axsom said "The first thing that we teach them is that school comes first. Their education is the most important thing in their lives at this time, and boxing is second. Secondly, we teach them manners and respect, and teach them how to use them. Boxing is a part time thing for these kids, and we teach them that, as well as discipline, respect, and how to have a good time, as well as to stay in school and to get their education."

When asked what is putting so many of the clubs kids in the top ranks of the Nation, Axsom said "The kids themselves are doing it. They are hard workers, they listen to what the coaches have to say. In boxing, it is one of the harder sports to be in. It is an individual sport and not a team sport, and they know that is takes dedication to be a winner, and many of our kids have that."

When asked about his Golden Glove Champion, Courtney Gifford, Axsom said "Courtney is a really sweet girl. She is also a cheerleader and takes parts in beauty pageant's, so that goes to show you that all types of kids are coming out. Her discipline is super, you can tell her something and she'll go home and practice it there at home. She's just a real good kid to work with, and she has a really bright future ahead of her."

The Sheridan Boxing Club, as well as the other clubs around Arkansas are doing a great job with the kids they have under their watch. The quality of Boxing in Arkansas has been solid over the past few years, and the number of kids who are ranked not only Nationally but also ranked in the World goes to show that. Add to the fact that one of professional boxers biggest names at this time, Jermain Taylor, came out of these very ranks, you can bet that it is only a matter of time before another big name boxer comes out of one of these clubs.

ArkansasVarsity.com will keep you updated on the latest from the Sheridan Boxing Club, as well as all of the other clubs from around the State throughout the rest of the year.