A sell-out crowd of friends and fans, family members and sponsors welcomed members of Newark Amateur Boxing Club back to the ring last month for its first ever event at the Newark Sports & Fitness Centre.
They were there to support Newark’s very own future boxing stars in the latest Home Show, which took place on Sunday 27 February and featured 12 bouts, 11 of which showcased NABC boxers, in an atmosphere that was electric right from the start.
First up during the afternoon was NABC’s Joel Cook against John Hedges of Rainham Boxing Club, in a very close contest which saw John just getting the decision.
Next up, it was the turn of NABC’s James Jordan in a bout which saw him take on a much taller opponent in Billy Reed, also from Rainham BC.
After a close first round, James started to take control in the second, putting on a very dominant display with the referee giving two standing 8 counts to Billy. In the third and final round, James continued to dominate, finishing strongly, but when the result came in it wasn’t what the Newark crowd expected after such a great performance from James, with the decision going to Billy.
Representing Newark ABC for the first time when he went up against Rainworth & Blidworth ABC’s Mason Down in the next bout, Shady Hardy boxed well and used his speed to take the first win of the day for the home club.
In the fourth contest of the show, it was the turn of NABC’s Hope Price, up against Earl Shilton ABC’s Jack Whitehead. Starting the bout with good control from the centre of the ring, Hope maintained this throughout a close, competitive bout that ended with the Newark crowd feeling he was the better boxer with more scoring shots. Unfortunately not all of the judges saw it this way and Jack took the win by a split decision.
Then it was the turn of two-time National Champion Sam Hardy, who went head to head with a very good opponent in Joseph Young from Purge Boxing Academy in what was a particularly important bout for Sam as he is currently preparing for the National Junior Championships starting this month.
An exciting, fast-paced bout followed, with Sam making full use of his slick skills and, to the delight of the home fans, taking the win by a unanimous decision.
Following in the footsteps of Sam was Alfie Briggs-Price, also representing Newark ABC in the upcoming National Junior Championships, in another important bout to sharpen up his skills.
In a contest that proved to be a real treat for the Newark crowd, Alfie was up against Kingston ABC’s Margan Hodgins. From the very first bell, both boxers looked sharp and hungry to get the win and in round after round Alfie looked sharper and stronger, landing some fantastic combinations.
Round two saw the home boxer landing a well-timed right hand which dropped his opponent and resulted in an 8 count for Margan from the referee who, as Alfie continued to bout the contest, went on to stop the contest and give Alfie the win.
First up after the interval, it was the turn of Newark ABC’s Riley Price who took on Freddie Finch of Boston Town ABC. Showing massive improvement since his last contest and listening closely to his coaching team, Riley became the fourth home fighter to have his hand raised as winner after the final bell.
After an impressive display in his last contest for the home team, it was now time for Harrison Dickson to box against Roman Rogers from Sheffield City ABC in a bout that saw Harrison effectively using his skills to land some good shots to the head and body of his opponent.
Although Roman tried to use the fact that he was the bigger and heavier of the two to his advantage, Harrison kept to his boxing and performed well in a tough three-rounder. It was close to call and, with the decision going to Roman, most people in attendance thought it could of have gone either way.
But there was another victory on the cards for Newark ABC when Daniel Radford was next into the ring to take on Alex Neculae from nearby Bracebridge Boxing in Lincoln in a contest which saw Daniel extend his winning record to 3-0 with a victory by split decision.
Bringing the show to a close, Newark ABC’s Michael Lindsay was up against the current England Boxing National Elite Heavyweight Champion, Patrick Brown from Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club.
In what many present described as a real cracker of a contest, the three rounds saw two excellent boxers displaying their skills to entertain the Newark crowd. Mikey started the first round the busier of the pair, scoring some good shots by throwing combinations, before Patrick started to get into it and increased his work rate in round two.
With both boxers showing just how tough and technically gifted they are, things became increasingly exciting right through into the third round. And although what was without a doubt a great bout ended with Patrick getting his hand raised, there was no disputing the fact that Mikey held his head high, showing heart and toughness against the current National Heavyweight Champion.
Another great and competitive match up by the home club based here on Castlegate in Newark!
SUGGY'S GYM 
Leave a comment