CARL Dickens, lead coach and director at Wallop Boxing Club, hopes to stage an elite boxing show in the region for the next decade following the success of the club’s latest home show.
A squad of fighters from Redditch-based Wallop took on Midlands Select boxers in the first half of the show at Bromsgrove Rugby Club.
The second half of the show pitted an Elite Midlands county squad against boxers from the UK Armed Forces.
Wallop’s fighters won seven out of 10 bouts while two of the club’s boxers also fought for the Elite Midlands squad as both came out on top against paratrooper.
Olly Hughes recovered from losing in the Midlands Box Cup final the previous weekend to stop his opponent in front a big crowd.
And 18-year-old talent Harry Coello beat a paratrooper in the fight of the day boxing for the Elite Midlands squad just two years after joining Wallop.
Wallop fighter Kai Masters continued his rapid rise in the sport by stopping a paratrooper in the first round.
A total of 20 bouts took place across the card while the event also took place on Armed Forces Day.
Dickens said: “I’m so proud of my boxers and how the show went.
“From the Redditch RAF cadets band playing as the squads walked to the ring to the fantastic family feel of the event in front of a packed crowd with no trouble.
“European professional boxing champion Tyler Denny, numerous councillors and even the MP of Redditch were in attendance.
“The UK Armed Forces boxers and coaches were fantastic. It was such a special occasion and I feel now that all the hard work and preparation was worth it.
“I have now been informed the show has been signed off by the Midlands ABA region, Bromsgrove Rugby Club and with the UK Armed Forces for the next 10 years.
“Redditch and the surrounding areas will now have an elite boxing show every year.
“Talks are already underway for the show to be even bigger and better next year.
“I’m so excited to be hosting such a unique event bringing the community together.”
Former European middleweight champion Tyler Denny attended the show as a special guest along with armed forces veterans.
And the RAF Cadets band drummed in both the UK Armed Forces and Midlands Elite squads to the ring.
Wallop also auctioned off boxing memorabilia in the interval before the main card bouts began.
