Boxing returns to Bracknell
Published 24 May 2012 12:00
0 Comments
Share this
See also:
FIGHT fans are in for a treat tomorrow night (Friday) when Bracknell Boxing Academy put on their first show in 30 years.
The Academy is organising a bumper night's entertainment with a host of local boxers set to take centre stage at Bracknell Leisure Centre.
It is the Academy's first show since Bracknell's ex-British Welterweight Champion Geoff McCreesh took over the club with help of a number of volunteers.
McCreesh told the News: "We took over Bracknell Boxing Club a few years ago. A few of us passed our coaching badges and now we're putting on the club's first show in 30 years.
"We've got some very good young lads at the club at the moment and we were determined to put on a show for everyone to see."
Bracknell's Boxing Academy's rising star, Clay Elmes is certainly one to watch on the night.
The 13-year-old recorded a unanimous points win over Jamie Maughan, also 13, in the recent Berinsfield Amateur Boxing Club's show at Didcot Town FC.
Maughan had won four out of his six previous fights but Elmes was too strong and tricky for the home boxer.
Elmes covered up in the early round then began to dominate by landing a series of powerful punches that won over judges.
Fellow Bracknell Boxing Club member Chris Hartney was also in action, losing a narrow contest against Faraz Abid of M.K. Victorys.
McCreesh added: "Clay was on fire, it doesn't get better than that. His boxing gets better every fight. Clay trains really hard and deserves his wins.
"Unfortunately Chris was up against a more experienced lad, having had four fights to Chris's two."
Bracknell's Luthando Mtimkulu warmed up for Saturday's show by beating Luke Sand with a unanimous decision at Moneyfields Amateur Boxing Club in Portsmouth last weekend.
Mtimkulu commanded the fight from the first bell and was a worthy winner.
Sadly, Bracknell stablemate Connor Campbell suffered a narrow points defeat to Ethan Cobbold on the same night.
McCreesh stated: "Both lads fought well. Connor is a great lad and it won't be long before he starts winning. Luthando was brilliant, I couldn't ask much more from him."
Now, with a host of Bracknell Boxing Academy fighters set to take to the ring tomorrow, McCreesh is hoping for a bumper turnout from the local community.
"We want people to come out and support us and get right behind the boxing club," declared McCreesh. "It's brilliant for Bracknell and the local area.
"The clubs gives a lot of young boys somewhere to go and it's a place for them to channel their energy.
"We've got some very good fighters at the club and hopefully we can attract even more to the club in the future.
"If it goes well we will look to stage another three events next year."
Bracknell MP Phillip Lee is set to attend the show where he will hand out trophies to the winners.
Tickets are available on the door costing £20 for a ringside seat, £10 for a standing ticket and £5 for Under 14s. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.45pm start.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
