you're nearing a work site.

Then, as you turn into the driveway, you're greeted with the unmistakable sound of fists connecting with leather and the familiar rat-a-tata-tata-tat of a speed bag echoing through the garage. Children, youths and adults alike, their hands taped, watch or skip rope on the floodlit concrete in front.

Others use a weight machine in a corner.

This is where the revival of Bermuda boxing begins, with donated equipment, on an otherwise quiet lane, in the small addition to Rego's house.

Those who know Rego shouldn't be surprised. Those who like -- remember -- boxing should be thrilled.

The sport has witnessed a stunning decline since its 25-year heydey of the 1960s through the mid-1980s. Those were the days of Olympic bronze medallist Clarence Hill, of Quinn Paynter and of championship contender Troy Darrell.

Thousands of fans would pack BAA Gym for monthly cards -- including the heavyweight bout between Jesse Ferguson and James (Bonecrusher) Smith -- while dozens of Island amateurs would head overseas to take part in international events.

Now, through the efforts of Rego and the still active Bermuda Boxing Association, attempts are being made to bring the sport back to its former glory.

"I think there's still a tremendous interest in boxing,'' says Vic Richmond, interim president of the BBA. "I really hope it will make a comeback.'' Rego took the first step just four months ago and now has some 15 youths and children working out regularly. The next step takes place tomorrow night, when the BBA holds a meeting for boxing officials and fans at the Sports Ministry's board room.

Their purpose: Selecting a new executive with the objective of revitalising boxing in Bermuda.

Rego's goal goes a bit further: A larger, newer facility to serve the Island and, ultimately the Olympics.

He has been involved in boxing for two-thirds of his 66 years, first as an amateur fighter, then as a manager for PYC -- one of ten Island clubs that eventually fizzled out -- and then as a trainer for Darrell.

"Boxing,'' says Kurt Griffith, one of six people making up Rego's comeback committee, "is his life.'' Discouraged over the state of the game and unable to secure a proper training facility, he decided to do something about it.

"I asked my wife if we could use the garage, just to see what happens,'' Rego said.

SAL donated concrete and another committee member Kevin Mayes poured it, turning a grassy patch into a makeshift ring. The BBA handed over old gloves and gear and soon neighbourhood youngsters and teenagers started dropping by after school.

"It's a neighbourhood project,'' said Griffith. "It's not just boxing. It gets kids off the street and gives them something to do.'' Added another committee member, Mannix Simmons, "Everybody talked about it but no one did it. All it takes is one guy ... If a few more people took a a couple of hours a week, we would have a much better community.'' Rego, who still works full-time at a quarry, is ordering uniforms for his boxers -- out of his own pocket -- and preparing for a March 21 amateur card put on by the Police and Teachers Rugby Club. He soon hopes to purchase a TV and VCR to aid the boxers.

His 18-year-old daughter, Carmyn, is one of those who may make her debut, as is Jeff Barron, a Bermudian who grew up and sparred in Boston before returning to the Island.

Barron, a 22-year-old Police officer, visited Rego's gym for the first time on Tuesday night. "I'm glad to see it. This is what boxing needs,'' he said.

Rego and others, however, are aware of the public's often negative attitude towards the sport, perpetuated by political battles and health risks among pros.

"But amateur boxing has built-in safeguards (such as headgear and bigger gloves) as well as increasing safeguards,'' said Richmond. "I don't think there is too much concern in that regard.'' Added Rego: "People don't know the mental part, the conditioning part (of boxing) ... This is not about training to go on the street and fight.'' Photos by Tony Cordeiro BOXING REVIVAL -- Gavin Stowe (above) is one of several youngsters to take up boxing at Allan (Forty) Rego's makeshift gym. Rego (below right with ex-pro Troy Darrell and 10-year-old Raymond Butler) heads a revitalisation of the sport in Bermuda.