By James Bovington
An Armley boxing club is asking local people and businesses to sponsor bouts on its first ‘home show’ to be staged on 21 November at Project House on Armley Road.
Philip Wisher, who opened The Ministry of Boxing on Moorfield Road in September 2022 along with his son Joshua, explained: “We want to offer good quality medals and trophies to all the boxers competing on our first home show.
“They’ve all be training intensively and are looking forward to showcasing the skills learnt. We already have sponsors for the show as such but are hoping that more people and businesses in west Leeds will want to sponsor specific bouts.
“We’ve now got quite a group of boxers competing at other clubs’ shows across the region and are looking forward to welcoming up to 16 boxers from elsewhere to compete against our boxers on the show.
“For many of the boxers this will be the first competitive fight. Some will box in a ‘skills bout’ in which novice boxers showcase the skills learn without the pressure of trying to get a win.
“The others know that their best chance of winning their bout is to demonstrate those very skills. All deserve a trophy which will allow them to remember what we hope will be an enjoyable, indeed exhilarating evening.”
Wisher’s young cousin Joe Bonner will be competing on 21 November.
Wisher added: “He’s just had his first bout going to Middlesborough for a skills bout. It was valuable experience. Joe started boxing to gain confidence and improve his fitness. He enjoys the activity and meeting many new people. He wants to go as far as possible with boxing hoping to emulate his cousin Josh who’s a superb role model for him,” Wisher added.
Brothers Zak and Max day are also enjoying competing on the local amateur circuit with Max getting a second-round stoppage at a Doncaster show last Saturday and Zak having now won his four amateur bouts facing some determined opponents.
Josh Wisher is well-known in Armley and currently runs after-school clubs at Greenhill and Lawns Park schools in Leeds 12 and at Bramley St. Peter’s.
He’s keen for The Ministry to be at the heart of the west Leeds community. Those interested in sponsoring a bout should contact Josh on 07717 202784 or dad Phil on 07917 715016. Use the same numbers if interested in training at the gym or attending the November show. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £15 for children under 12.
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