Boxing_Panels_FNL Design & layout by Quench Design & Communications Inc. | Port Hope | www.quenchme.ca Boxing | Past Sports Somehow it's hard to imagine, but some sixty years ago fight nights were among the entertainment highlights for visitors to Victoria Hall. One didn't have to look far for an eager audience or even competitors. The Market Building next door was home to the Cobourg Boxing Club, with a legal sized ring for sparring and training. It was a haven for the young men who had grown up with their dads away at war. Emerson "Chief" Charles and his younger brother, George "Gung" Charles were among the best of the local fighters. "Chief" Charles went on to fight out of Patterson, New Jersey, compiling a very respectable record of 15 wins, 10 losses and 3 no decisions from 1948-1953. In one memorable bout he lost a six round decision to Joey Giardello, then World Welterweight Champ. While he was still fighting out of Cobourg, local coverage had this to say about one of the "Chief's" matches: Amateur Fights Held in Victoria Hall's Beautiful Opera House! Pictures from: Life Was A Game - A Cobourg Story 1942-1952 by George "Gung„ Charles & Jack "Darce„ Campbell All pictures are of "Gung Charles" Cobourg's new found pugilistic hero invaded the rings of Peterborough last Thursday night and scalped another victim. Another Indian chap from Cobourg, George Charles, won a decision. He started like a buzz saw with a two fisted attack and showed a lovely left. It was a nice fight. ...and about "Gung": The day after a fight. "