Young up-and-coming boxers showcased their talent in front of a sell out crowd in Radcliffe last week as audience members queued out the door to watch.
Radcliffe Elite Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) held its first bill of fights since before the pandemic, on Thursday, April 27, at Dobbies Sports and Social Club.
Fifteen of the ABC fighters took to the ring at the Radcliffe Moor Road venue, and each boxer “did the club proud in front of their home support”.
Denzil Lewis, who helps run the club, said: “What a night it was in front of a sold out crowd with a great atmosphere and great competitive boxing.
“The fighter of the night went to senior heavyweight Max Ramson for his unanimous points victory over Grant Sullivan of Shinneys ABC and there were unanimous wins for Alfie Chalinor, Ayaan Zubair and Kieran Flannigan.
“We didn’t get much luck from the judges in three split decision losses for Harry Balshaw and boxing brothers Mason and Dylan Harvey-Hamilton.
“We also had two losses for debutants Evan Abel and Jayden Smith against experienced opponents and look sure-fire winners next time.
“There were six non-scoring skills bouts for talented boxers Charlie Jolly Roman Haslam Arlie Goulding James Jones Zac Buckley and Marcus Calvert.
“All boxers did the club proud in front of their home support and will be back for another show soon.”
Denzil's son, former boxer Ady Lewis, from Radcliffe, who won British and Commonwealth flyweight titles in 1997 and British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles in 2000, has been training fighters at Radcliffe Elite ABC for 20 years.
Ady also helps to run the club and said he is looking forward to their next event.
He said: “It was packed and we sold out of all our tickets in two days.
“We had to keep some of the crowd outside until the boxer they came to see was on just to manage the numbers but the atmosphere was incredible.
"I just want to thank all our sponsors and Dobbies for lending us the space, feeding us and sorting our MC out.
“I also want to thank our coaches Mick Haslam, Dale Healey, Liz Norris, Jason Cohen and Jason Halliwell.”
Ady added that the next boxing night will take place later this year and praised all the ABC boxers for their efforts and hard work.
If you have a story tweet @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.
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