New season and chapter for Jackson Boxing Club
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DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn. – The time is here for Jackson Boxing Club’s new coach. “It’s a pleasure to step in his shoes and do what he did,” Obie Beard said. Beard takes over for West Tennessee boxing legend Rayford Collins, who is recovering from heart surgery. “Rayford is like a father figure to me. He taught me all I know about boxing,” Beard said. “It’s some big shoes to fill.” Beard is up for the challenge. He’s known Collins since he was four-years old. He added the sport of boxing has changed, but the core remains the same. “This is an outlet for them; boxing ring was outlet for us,” Beard explained about his introduction to boxing. “Took our frustration out in the ring.” The Jackson Boxing Club is anxious to enter the ring against fighters from as far as Georgia, and hopes the community will pack the house. “All the money we take at our gate and concession stand goes back into our boxing program,” Rayford’s wife Rhonda said. Action from the Golden Gloves Arena begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $7.
