STOUGHTON HEAVYWEIGHT WINS AT BROCKTON FAIR: Stoughton's own Sean Bettencourt won his heavyweight boxing match Saturday, July 7, at the Brockton Fair's Brockton Fairgrounds ring.

Bettencourt is a four time New England Golden Gloves Champion and a one-time United States Northeast Regional Champion. 

Travis Demko, a former Black Knight football running back, was also scheduled to box, but his opponent pulled out of the fight.

Bettencourt fought three rounds and won a unanimous decision over Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels.

The 6'4" Bettencourt went to the Olympic trials in the light-heavyweight category (178 lbs.), but it was tough fighting at such a light weight. He said he'd "run out of gas" at the end of some of his bouts. Bettencourt, who trains at Joe Ennis’s Big East Boxing Gym in Stoughton, is now fighting at a much more powerful 201 pounds.

"I have more steam in my punches, and a lot more strength and endurance," he told About Town.

Bettencourt is still boxing as an amateur, but he plans to turn pro in September. His record stands at 30-7 (30 wins and seven losses).

He adds, "I'm looking to win a national amateur title first - the Ringside World Tournament in Kansas City in early August."

He turns 23 on July 18, and started taking the sport seriously three years ago when he first started. He won Golden Gloves Novice and Open Divisions his first year boxing in October 2009.

For now, he's considering giving a rematch to the last boxer he beat out at the Golden Gloves, and he's working towards bringing home a championship belt back to Stoughton from Kansas City. We wish him all the luck in the world!

***

CONCERT SERIES KICKS OFF: The Stoughton Lions Club Concerts at Faxon Park kicked off Sunday, July 8, in a big way.  A large crowd gathered in warm temperatures to listen to the "golden oldies" from Political Asylum at the Charles Large Gazebo. 

The band usually features the vocal talents of blonde bombshell (and former State Rep. and Lt. Governor candidate Marjorie Clapprood. But Marjorie wasn't able to make it, and Kathy Porter stepped in.

The band has performed since 1988, mostly at fundraising events. The current band also includes well-known locals as "Community Forum" TV Producer Roy Cohen, Wizard of Adz Owner and Democratic Party activist Steve Fradkin, professional musician Steve Tapper, Max Whiting and attorney Steve Hillman.    

The band played tunes from the 50's through 70's and kept the crowd entertained in the heat.  It was a wonderful way to kick off the season.

Next week's concert (Sunday, July 15, from 5-7 p.m.) will feature Stoughton's own Janie Dulong and the Easy Access Band.  They play excellent music from the past three or four decades. 

***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To my late father, Daniel Leonard Snyder, who would have been 82 today. He passed away over 30 years ago. And, to Bill Boykin, who works at Philips Healthcare.  He may be best known as the husband of former Finance Committee Chairman Holly Boykin. They are moving to Ohio later this summer, with their three sons.

***