THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 3, 1995 TAG: 9503010210
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Doug Beavers, who has headed the Virginia Athletic Boxing Commission since 1981, is back in the ring as a boxing coach.
The State Boxing Commission now operates by contract with the United States Boxing Association. Beavers, 51, stepped down from his position and was hired by the U.S. association.
He will continue to sanction and supervise professional boxing, pro wrestling and kickboxing in Virginia. However, he is free to work in the ring with amateurs.
Beavers is joining his wife, Susan, and son, Chris, in operating the Portsmouth Athletic Club. The PAC recently moved to new quarters off Williamsburg Avenue between High and King streets.
Chris will coach the pros and Doug will handle the amateurs.
``I told Chris I would take the job if Susan will help me in the corner,'' said Doug. ``She agreed.''
A retired Navy chief petty officer who has called Portsmouth home since 1973, Beavers plans to move his boxing office here. As executive secretary of the Virginia Athletic Boxing Commission, he commuted to Richmond.
Beavers said the operation of the State Boxing Commission by contract is a pilot program.
``Ten other states are interested in what we are doing,'' he said. ``Actually, with no income from closed circuit television anymore, most state boxing commissions are in trouble financially.''
The last time Doug worked in the ring he was coaching Sweetpea Whitaker, who has gone on to become one of pro boxing's greatest.
- BILL LEFFLER ILLUSTRATION: Susan and Doug Beavers will operate the Portsmouth Athletic
Club.
by CNB