Kenny Lally's first fight in five months told him he's ready to renew his quest for international success.
Lally, a 24-year-old member of Prince George's Inner City Boxing Club, punched his way to a one-sided victory against Maple Ridge's Connor Rankin last Friday night in Vernon, site of a B.C. vs. Alberta card. Lally hadn't fought since October when, as a member of Team Canada, he lost his opening bout at the world championships in Kazakhstan. Shortly after that setback, he decided to step away from the national team program so he could recharge his batteries.
Against the 20-year-old Rankin, a rested and sharp Lally was awarded a unanimous decision. Based on that result, and how good he felt in the ring, he's now looking ahead to the provincial and national championships and a spot on Team Canada for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto. National champs in each weight class will automatically advance to the Pan Ams.
"I felt amazing," said Lally, who competes in the 56-kilogram division. "I didn't throw as many combos as I should have but my timing was on and my punches were accurate. I took everything away from him - he could not do anything."
Lally said the break from action is exactly what he needed.
"I had a lot of time to think, find myself, [decide] if I really want to do this anymore, and this is what I want to do," he said.
Friday's bout was the 106th of Lally's career. Rankin was fighting for the 25th time so, had he won, it would have been considered an upset.
Inner City coach Bob Pegues was thrilled with Lally's performance.
"I haven't seen him look that good in years," Pegues said. "That rest has done him a world of good. He knew what he was doing when he opted off the national team for the year. He knew it was time to take a break."
Lally - named top boxer at the tournament - will likely meet Rankin again at provincials, May 9, 10 in New Westminster.
Lally also won a Saturday exhibition match against Nathan Harries of Surrey.
Jag Seehra, a 24-year-old from Inner City, also had a successful weekend in Vernon. He stepped into the ring against 21-year-old Surrey pugilist Gurinder Khabra on Friday night and earned a unanimous decision.
"It was a grind for Jag - the [Khabra] kid is tough and in-your-face, but it was still a clear win," Pegues said.
"It was just experience. Jag is over a hundred matches now and he thinks on his feet. Gurinder had a really good coach in his corner who kind of took Jag's game away in the second round - crowded him and made kind of a brawl out of it - but Jag went out in the third round and, knowing what they were doing, just took it back. It was a good fight."
March was a good month for Seehra. A few weeks ago, he won both his bouts at the Tacoma Golden Gloves.
Lally and Seehra won't fight again before provincials but may travel to Alberta for some sparring sessions against the top contenders from that province.
