Revolution Gym hosted a successful programme of championship boxing recently, with nearly 400 fight fans packing into Paulton Rovers Social Club.
The Coombend gym established in late 2014, has a growing reputation for nurturing young boxers and Saturday’s event saw seven local fighters taking on opponents from across the country.
The first bout was a keenly-fought draw between Radstock’s Chas Doughty and Manchester’s Jack Newsham. Next up, Clandown youngster, Harry Davis, stopped his opponent in the second round.
Bath’s Josh Lines gave a credible performance in his first heavyweight fight against the experienced Ben Howe, losing by just one point.
Next up, Midsomer Norton’s Matt Cook fought Portsmouth’s Troy Matthews and was narrowly beaten by his experienced opponent.
After the interval, Radstock’s Matt Opie knocked down his opponent, Paul Jones, in the first round and was on top from that point until the third round when Jones was counted out having been floored again.
Westfield’s Luke Holbrook then took on Cameron Lowe, impressing the referee over three rounds, scoring a clear points victory.
The top-of-the-bill contest between Midsomer Norton’s Ellis White and Manchester’s Ariff Hacking proved to be a dramatic affair, with Ellis showing why he is seen as a young fighter with great potential, eventually overpowering his opponent in the third round when referee, Thomas Murray, counted Hacking out.
Ellis is being lined up for a potential title fight and, together with his stable-mate Matt Cook, is appearing on the bill at Weston-super-Mare this Saturday with Sky Sports televising the event.
Revolution gym is owned by local businesswoman, Leasa Keen. “It was a fantastic night and we’re already planning our next event,” said Leasa. “I’d like to thank all my helpers behind the scenes, from medics to MC and stewards and everyone for coming and creating such a lively atmosphere.
“I’m especially grateful to our sponsors, all local firms – without them we couldn’t have done this.”