Bryan Gibson facts for kids

Bryan Gibson was born on November 10, 1947. He was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a former Canadian boxer. Bryan made history at the 1976 Summer Olympics. He was the first boxer of African descent from Nova Scotia to compete in the Olympics.

Today, Bryan coaches young boxers. He works at the Evangeline Trail Amateur Boxing Club. This club is in his hometown of Kentville. He has coached many amateur boxers. Some of his students became national champions. One even won a gold medal at the Canada Games. Bryan also drives a school bus. He works for the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board.

Bryan Gibson's Boxing Journey

Bryan Gibson had a strong amateur boxing career. In 1973, he fought in the Western New York Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament. He showed great skill.

Winning National Titles

In 1974, Bryan won a big championship. He became the Canadian National Amateur Boxing Champion. He won in the 178-pound weight class. He won this national title again in 1975.

North American Champion

Bryan also became a North American champion. In 1975, he beat Ernie Barr. This was in the 178-pound amateur championship. The fight took place at the Miami Marine Stadium.

Competing in Major Games

Bryan qualified for the 1975 Pan American Games. These games were held in Mexico City. He competed as a light-heavyweight boxer. He lost in the first round of the tournament.

Bryan then represented Team Canada in 1976. He competed in the men's middleweight division. This was at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He faced Bernd Wittenburg from East Germany. Bryan was defeated by Wittenburg.

1976 Olympic Results

Here is Bryan Gibson's result from the 1976 Montreal Olympics:

• In the Round of 32, he lost to Bernd Wittenburg (East Germany). Bryan was defeated by a knockout in the third round.

Achievements and Awards

Bryan Gibson has received many honors for his boxing career:

• 1974 Canadian National Amateur Boxing Champion
• 1975 Canadian National Amateur Boxing Champion
• 1975 North American Amateur Boxing Champion
• Participant in the 1975 Pan American Games
• Participant in the 1976 Summer Olympics
• Inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991
• Honored with a special mural in his hometown of Kentville