TAMESIDE Elite Boxing Academy held its second home show of the year at The Premier Lounge, Audenshaw.
The evening started with four skills bouts giving those new to boxing a chance to perform in public while they are still learning their skills. These matches are not judged and there is no decision, however two winners were named.
England Boxing rules state that skills bouts are designed to: bridge the gap between the gym and competitive boxing, teach and improve boxing skills, gain and improve the confidence of young boxers, allow them to perform in front of friends and family, give them the skills needed for a competitive bout, help attract and retain young boxers in the sport.
The first of the bouts embodied all these aims. Two young boxers, 10-year-olds Lewis Worthington and George Ward delighted the crowd by demonstrating enthusiasm, skill, sportsmanship and above their enjoyment at being in the ring.
Max Cooper, taking part in his second skills bout against Eshan Ahmed, again showed what young talent looks like. With both boxers giving a great demonstration of talent and ability in the sport. These were followed up by the two remaining skill bouts with older boys Kian Purcell against See Skurak and Jake Roughly versus Harry Johnson.
The competitive part of the show opened with a closely fought bout featuring home boxer Harris Akhtar and Charlie Wimbledon, Harris losing in a split decision.
One of the three home team bouts was for female boxers where Sydney Chambers again gave another fantastic performance but lost narrowly to Ruby Tayior. This spirited contest had everyone on their feet cheering for both boxers.
The final three bouts were not short of fireworks with all boxers giving very spirited performances Farwar Onikenu against Callam Levitt and Owen Hatherall versus Luke Feeley were all action ding dongs and had the audience on their feet supporting the four fighters from visiting clubs.
Between these two bouts Tameside Elite were represented by Tom Bennett who took on Callum Hamer in an exciting and hard-fought contest with Bennett getting the decision.
The next Tameside Elite home show is on July 8 (7.30pm) at Tameside Boxing Academy, Phoenix House, Wagstaff Street, Stalybridge. Before that on May 29, the club will be hosting a competition between North West Region Select Boxers and Irish Select Boxers and on June 18 (12.30pm) a joint show will be held with Tameside Elite, Murray Machines and Belle Vue all fielding boxers.