Boxing clever for 40 years
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A MORAY boxing club that has been providing training, camaraderie and discipline to young boxers for over 40 years staged a sell-out show in Elgin.
Elgin Amateur Boxing Club had a packed house at Bishopmill Hall for the show which contained a mix of skills and exhibition bouts, as well as judged fights.
The show was designed to encourage more young people and families to come along and watch.
And the move paid off with a large crowd in attendance, which delighted promoter Kevin Gentleman.
"This is the first time we have done a show in Bishopmill Hall and I was really pleased with the turnout," he said.
"Some of the guys today were having their first ever bouts so it will have got them used to the atmosphere.
"Boxing gives them discipline, it is great exercise and is also good for their self-confidence," he added.
Gentleman (43) has been boxing since the age of 11 and the club has been in existence since 1969.
It is currently based in a unit at the Pinefield Business Centre and training nights are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.45-8.15pm.
"People can just train if they want, there is no requirement to take part in bouts," said Gentleman.
Making his competitive debut after joining the club last Christmas was police officer Martin Donaldson (21), from Elgin, who has done both Tai boxing and mixed martial arts in the past.
He successfully got the judges decision in his light welterweight bout against Mark Larnach from Inverness City ABC.
He said his previous fighting experience stood him in good stead for the show.
"The boxing club is run very well and the coaches are awesome. I had opportunities to finish the guy off," he said.
The other local boxers on the card included Liam Crawford from Moray ABC, Fraser Wilkenson, Harley Caddy, Bradley Poole, Daniel McLaren and Andrew Smart from the home club, who all took part in exhibition matches.
Smart in particular was up against a much heavier opponent but acquitted himself very well.
There was a win for Josh Dunlop (light welterweight) over Daniel Bruce from Deveron Valley.
The club preaches respect at all times and that translated to the ring on Sunday. Beginners are always welcome to join the club and it can be contacted on 01343 541 515 or by e-mail to ElginABC@acol.com
Photos by 'Scot' photographer Eric Cormack.
