Relighting the torch for the local amateur boxing scene, Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club held its very first boxing event, much to the delight of the local people who came out in their hundreds.
Held at Paulton Rovers Football Club, the night involved a three-course dinner, an in-depth interview with former British Middleweight Champion, Nick Blackwell, held in the ring, plus a packed bill of thirteen quality bouts involving boxers from as far as Weston-super-Mare, Wimborne and Swindon.
The night started somewhat disappointingly for two Norton Radstock boxers, who had their bouts cancelled – one due to injury and another with age issues. Kick-starting the night and representing Norton Radstock ABC was sixteen-year-old Lydia Williams, boxing her first skills bout.
Norton Radstock ABC Head Coach, Sean Jenkins, said: “Under controlled instructions from the referee, both girls showed great skills and technique, and it’s a perfect opportunity to showcase everything they’ve learned in the gym.
“These bouts are designed to give the boxers the experience of boxing in front of a large crowd, going through the whole procedure backstage of having a medical and the weigh-in, plus the nervous wait of being called up. It is also a great way for the coaches to learn about their boxers on how they handle the whole experience, and at the end of it, both boxers get a trophy for their efforts, that hopefully starts off their collection.”
Having his fifth bout representing the club was Cameron Walker, who was up against Charlie Allen of Wimborne ABC. Entering the ring in a shiny robe of the club colours, Cameron started the first round showing great movement in and out of range, picking his shots well and throwing hard jabs straight down the middle.
An onslaught of powerful shots brought the referee in to play, as his dazed opponent took a count of eight midway through the round. As the ref signed both boxers to continue, another barrage of punches prompted the ref to give another standing count, then deciding she’d seen enough by waving the bout to an end. A happy Walker raised his hands, then sportingly went over and checked on his opponent before the two hugged and congratulated each other.
Sean, a happy coach, praised his fifteen-year-old prodigy: “Cameron went out there and did what he does best, using good movement going forward. There are not many boys out there his age that are as strong and powerful as him, but he also showed the massive improvements in his boxing skills which we’ve worked on quite intensively over the last few months since his last bout in the championships against the more experienced lads.”
Club Secretary, Jeff White, and Assistant Coach, Katy Simmons, both agreed the night was a great success. Katy said: “It was not only great to see our own club boxers boxing, but it was also fantastic to see the enthusiasm from the visiting boxers, who were all keen to box on this historic first show – the first of many, we hope.”
Jeff added: “Overall, the night could not have gone any better. The appreciation shown from the strong crowd showed just how much people had enjoyed the evening and the skills on show. Onwards and upwards!”