By James Bovington
Teenage boxers from Bramley Villagers Boxing and Fitness Club stole the show last Saturday.
They put on quality performances to make what was described by coach and event organiser Richard Manning (Dee Jay Titch) as ‘a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for the couple of hundred in attendance after what was an incredible amount of work to get everyone matched.’
Eighteen-year-old Kassim Khan won the 70kg title belt.
“The fight went great after twelve weeks of exhausting preparation,” Khan said. “I’d had a while off owing to a wrist injury so great to get back in the ring. I was determined to put on a quality performance. My opponent Arron Wales is a tough lad well known on the circuit and that pushed me hard.
“I executed our game plan prepared with coaches ‘Titch’ and Danny and produced the best version of myself. The bout taught me to compose myself and to time my shots better. I’m hoping winning this belt will mean that my boxing career takes off in 2025.”
Seventeen-year-old Mark Judge Jr. was delighted at his win as were the 40 or so supporters to whom he’d sold tickets given the vocal level of support from his ring walk onwards.
Judge put on what was described as ‘an exceptional display of talent and athletic ability backed up by powerful combinations of punches’ which allowed him to dominate the three-round fight against an older, more experienced opponent for the full six minutes.
He said: “I trained hard almost every day over eight weeks, fought a tough kid and got the win. Next step is a title belt fight.”
The show began with a display of pad work from some very young boxers and included ‘skills bouts’ for older children in which boxers demonstrate boxing techniques learnt without the pressure of win/lose.
“I’ve had a few skills bouts now,” said Noah Myers, 14. “And they’re a great learning experience. I’m hoping that next year I’ll have a few decision bouts.
“I’m confident I’ll get the wins which will prepare me for my career ambition to become a successful professional boxer. It’s all I want.”
Adult boxer Zach Wood, 23, was ‘proud to have got my first stoppage in the first round in this my fourth fight. I came in with a strong right and backed it up with a left. The fight was over. I’ve been training twice a day for weeks. Boxing’s not an easy sport but I just love being in that ring.’
Teammate Scott Mazurke, 27, won the fight of the night trophy. “It was an exceptionally tough fight against Andy Davis as we were both determined to put on a show and were both satisfied with a draw,” explained Mazurke.
Manning, 40, said: “Our shows bring our community together as we give boxers chance to demonstrate the techniques learnt while proving to everyone but mostly themselves that they can box successfully having trained intensively.
“Everyone’s already looking forward to next spring’s show.”