Just under 500 people gathered at the college’s sports hall which proved an excellent venue for the England v Wales event.
Both culinary and pugilistic fare were of the highest order as the fighters produced some excellent entertainment.
After the early stages, however, it seemed as if the evening was going to produce a very onesided result in favour of the Welsh visitors.
Wales won all of the first five bouts, with an early victim being the home club’s Nick Gibbons who was beaten on a unanimous judges’ decision by Jack Jones of Cwmcarn.
However, Rubery boxer Padraig Hopson and James Melvin of Hall Green both won their bouts to ensure that England were back in the hunt at the midway break.
The first contest after the interval roused the crowd to high enthusiasm with a taste of what awaits at London 2012 when women’s boxing will make its bow.
And it was the home club’s Sarah Whistance who impressed with a majority 4-1 verdict over Hannah Wilcox of Llantwit Major.
Another England win followed and the home country’s hopes of a comeback victory were enhanced still further when Liam Craig of Wye ABC earned a unanimous decision over Justin Johnson. This was a fine success for Craig and the allaction display by both boxers meant that this contest was adjudged the ‘bout of the night’ by guest Wayne Alexander, the former WBU and European light welterweight champion.
Two more Wales wins followed, however, including one from Penarth’s Kieran Harding who was judged ‘fighter of the night’ But the 7-5 result in favour of Wales was secondary to the entertainment provided and Wye ABC, coach Darren ‘Dazzo’ Williams, club secretary Vince McNally and committee can feel well satisfied with the event they staged.
“We are very pleased with the way things went and we have raised some money for the Herefordshire Community Foundation,” said event organiser McNally.
“We are particularly grateful to Ricky Hatton TV who came down and covered the whole event – Ricky really wants to help amateur boxing.”
Highlights from the evening can be seen free of charge at www.brandhatton.com/tv
Head Coach Dazzo Williams - (Ex-British Featherweight Champion) with Wane Alexander (ex-World Champion)
England V. Wales before the show, singing the National Anthem.
Venue of the Battle of the Welsh Marches
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