Academy boxers enjoy luck of the Irish

Academy Boxing. wk 12. Pictures by photographybyus.

The Academy Luton Amateur Boxing Club’s latest event was an Irish-themed dinner evening, which was organised by the volunteers and coaches who regularly give up their time to help the donation-run club raise vital funds.

There were 18 fights in all, as boxers from all over the region converged on the Academy’s first home event of 2013 after their scheduled January event fell victim to the arctic weather.

Coach Graham Bell was cock-a-hoop with the turnout as a recent refurbishment at the Academy’s gym on New Bedford Road had emptied the club’s coffers.

Bell said: “It was another successful night for the club. We had nine home boxers on and seven of them won, so it was a great achievement.

“The coaches have all done a remarkable job to bring the boys another step up the ladder and it was a good turnout. There was a great atmosphere and the boys thrived on it.

“Scott McMaster won the boxer of the night and he was outstanding. But all the lads did the best that they could in front of their friends and family.”

There was a signed match ball donated by Luton Town FC up for grabs as one of the many prizes on offer for the punters, and the fundraising evening was a great success.

British NABC champion Jordan Reynolds was there to hand out the gongs, having begun his career at the same humble beginnings.

Bell added: “Overall I think we’ve raised something around the £2,000 mark from the raffle, ticket sales and witch’s hat collection at the end of the night.

“It’s a massive achievement for the club when everyone is struggling for money at the moment.

“We’ve got an open day at the gym on Good Friday from 10.30am-2.30pm. Billy Schwer will be there and anyone can turn up to have a look around, and even do a bit of sparring if they wish!”

For more information contact Bell on 07976 645993.

Results: Steven Duffy (The Academy Luton ABC) lost to Wasif Ahmed (Southend ABC); Niall Duffy (The Academy Luton ABC) beat Jake Smith (Southend ABC); Kane Lee ((The Academy Luton ABC) v Morgan Wynn (March ABC) skills bout; Lee McGrath (The Academy Luton ABC) lost to Perce Baxter (March ABC); Callum Cleary (The Academy Luton ABC) beat Martin Ward (Trumpington ABC); Rhys Felix (The Academy Luton ABC) lost to Shahid Hussein (Slough ABC); Scott McMaster (The Academy Luton ABC) beat Zaibah Ullah (East London Boxing Academy).