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Blood drive
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will host a blood drive Saturday, Sept. 20, at Wal-Mart in Belmont, 701 Hawley Ave from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Local men named to boxing hall of fame
By JIM HEFFNER
- Thu, Mar 6, 2008
Bearl Davis of Mount Holly and Mike Bivens of Belmont will be inducted into the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame on April 4.
The Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame is located at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Belmont’s H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler Jr. was inducted in 1992, and is a member of the board of directors.
Davis began boxing at age 10. During his many years in the ring, Davis fought all comers and held his own with each of them. He was one of several outstanding boxers trained by the late T.L. McManus
Davis was noted for his ring mastery and his ability to take a punch. A victim of polio at an early age, he conquered the disease to become part of ring history in the state. Davis won countless amateur championships during a long career that included over 250 victories and 20 defeats.
“I am grateful to have been chosen for inclusion in the hall of fame,” Davis said. “It’s something I never expected.”
The Davis family featured four boxing brothers, one of whom, Max, was named to the hall of fame in 1996.
Mike Bivens was born in Lincolnton, but grew up in North Belmont. He began boxing at age 13, also under the tutelage of McManus.
Bivens compiled a record of 33 wins and 11 losses during a career where he won several amateur championships in both Carolinas. He was a participant in the first professional boxing match televised from North Carolina. Bivens and Roby Jetton of Lincolnton squared off in 1979 for the heavyweight championship of the Carolinas.
Jetton won on a TKO before what was then the largest crowd to attend a professional boxing match in the state. He later captured the title by knocking out Fred Gore.
Bivens also served as a trainer and promoter for many years, working with such boxers as James “Bonecrusher” Smith, Greg Page, Cedric Mingo, Kelvin Seabrooks and Emile Griffith. He excelled at promoting local fighters and bringing championships to North Carolina.
“I feel honored to be mentioned in the same breath with those already in the hall of fame,” Bivens said. To be included alongside them is something I’ll always treasure.”
Smith will induct Bivens at the ceremony and banquet in April.
The Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Speedway Club at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on April 4. Tickets, at $35 each, are available at The BannerNews office.
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