There was a full house of 250 spectators at Farndon Memorial Hall on Saturday 10 February, when Newark Amateur Boxing Club held the first ever Home Show in its 15-year history.
Billed as an opportunity for some of the club’s most promising prospects to showcase their skills, the action-packed event matched Newark boxers ranging in age from 11 to 26 against opponents from seven other amateur clubs across the region.
The Newark youngsters lived up to all the expectations of their coaches, sponsors, family and friends, taking nine victories from their ten fights on the night in entertaining style.
Fighting out of the NABC corner and making their boxing debuts, Alfie Briggs-Price, Troy Christie, Sam Hardy and Jade Grierson all won by unanimous decision, with more of the same from fellow club members Louis Clark, Brandon O’Dowd and Connor Meanwell, who extended his unbeaten record to three wins.
Victories by split decision went to Megan Williams and George McMillan, who was also making his debut in the ring.
“Although we’ve been promoting shows at various levels in and around Newark for the last 18 years, this was the first one dedicated entirely to our young amateur boxers,” said Irvine Taylor, Suggy’s Gym senior coach and match-maker for the event.
“It’s been a long time coming but, judging by the performance of the fighters and the reaction of the crowd, there’s no doubt it was well worth the wait and we look forward to promoting more shows like this in the future.”
Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden added: “Performing in the ring in front of a packed crowd is a world away from training in the gym but without exception all the Newark boxers rose to the challenge. Even Adam Robb, who was defeated by a very tough opponent, did us proud.
“Whether it’s at amateur or professional level, every fight is part of the learning process. Win or lose, there are always lessons to take away and put to good use in training for the next one, which is exactly what the boxers and their coaches will be doing in the gym over the coming weeks.”
Boxing classes for Juniors (5 to 12 years) take place at Suggy’s Gym from 5pm to 6pm on Tuesdays and for Seniors (13+) from 6.45pm to 8pm on Mondays and 6.30pm to 7.45pm on Wednesdays, with Seniors’ Sparring from 11am to 12 noon on Saturdays. Boxers’ fitness classes for Seniors are also held from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesdays and from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursdays. For further information, call Irvine on 07415 313749.
Official fight photos by John Jewell
SUGGY'S GYM 
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