AS 2005 comes to a close, Leigh Amateur Boxing Club can look back on its most successful year in its short four year history.

February saw welterweight Ihtzaz Ballal box in the Four Nations Tournament in Bolton, while a couple of weeks later, 13-year-old St Mary's High School lightweight David Morris was victorious in a Manchester Select squad, which took on a strong Canada squad. This month also saw the return, after 18 months out, of the classy middleweight Chris Jackson.

March saw Westleigh High School bantamweight Martin Pilkington and senior mMiddleweight Rory Roberts travel to Guernsey in a Lancashire Select squad both returning home with excellent wins. Both made a second successful trip to the Channel Islands in April.

The same month Tony Parr became the first title holder at the town centre-based club, when he won the East Lancs, Cheshire Cumbria and Isle of Man Novice light welterweight championship, while St Mary's High School middleweight Robert Bordon and Martin Pilkington both reached East Lancs Youth Finals.

The end of the 2004/2005 season saw the Leigh club stage their first ever Open Amateur Boxing Show at Lowton Civic Hall.

As the new season opened in October, middleweight Rory Roberts appeared on the magnificent Amir Khan v Mario Kindelan bill at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, while Robert Bordon began life at the Amateur Boxing Association's National Boxing Academy, Hopwood Hall in Middleton.

October also saw the emergence of 16-year-old lightweight Ashley Peyton who put in a number of storming performances in his march to take East Lancs Golden Belt Title. Not to be outdone Martin Pilkington took a third championship title for Leigh, winning the East Lancs Golden Belt Bantamweight title. David Morrison also reached Class A Golden Belt Final, unluckily losing out 4 points to 2 to the reigning national champion.

Debuts by St Mary's High School's 11-year-old Justin Becall and 14-year-olds Scott Marcelsanca of Lowton High School and Michael Worgan ensured that, along with other potential young boxers waiting in the wings, the Leigh boxing production line is in full swing. A second sell-out Leigh ABC Show in November, with another on Friday, April 21, again at Lowton Civic Hall, the future for this booming club looks exciting.

Juniors (8-16years) (Boys and Girls) Monday, Wednesday Friday 5-6pm (£1); Seniors (Ladies also) Monday, Wednesday Friday 6-7.30pm (£2). The club is situated opposite Leigh Library at the rear of the Boars Head pub.

Anyone wishing to try amateur boxing, or who simply wishes to keep fit, can attend training sessions at the club or contact Head Coach Adrian Fleming on 01942 602701.