Full house for Braid fight night

The 400 tickets printed were sold out in two weeks and a further 100 guest attended to completely pack the venue which created an electric atmosphere and gave overwhelming support for the boxing stars.

For many people this was the first time attending a boxing show and the positive feedback received has been very encouraging.

The Braid line up included, Jimmy Fleck, brothers Corey and Jacob Bradshaw, Glen Timperly, Greame Reid, Nick Mclroy, Anthony Orawe, Geoff Lynn, Steven and Chris Richmond, Chris Wilkinson, Rab Crawford and featured Mark Beattie, Ernie Dawson, Roddy Patterson and Chris Bracken taking part in the blue collar bouts.

The contests were very competitive and gave great value for money.

All the Braid boxers performed excellently against stiff opposition, including some who had previously beaten them throughout the championships this past season.

Bouts of the night had to go to Nick Mclroy and Anthony O'Rawe for sterling displays against intermediate level boxers. At only 15 both lads competed against two 17-year intermediate boxers and came out on top.

Another excellent display came from Greame Reid and Glen Timperly as both lads had the crowd on their feet; Greame stopped his opponent with a barrage of punches while Glen lost on points despite a very gutsy display. T

he annual fight night is always a huge success but it seems as the boys grow into the sport so to does their fan base, the night also took the form of an awards night for the club, each boxers receiving a gift voucher for their dedication over the past season.

Best Club senior boxer award went to Steven Richmond; Best Club junior boxer went to Corey Bradshaw, best junior club persons went to Chris Hagan and Pat McDonagh most improved senior boxers went to Nick McIlroy and Anthony O'Rawe; and best newcomer went to Declan Mckiernan.

All the boxers within the club will continue to train for a few more weeks and then have a well-earned break, the club season for Braid ABC is now drawing to a close.

This past season has been the most successful to date in the short history of the club, Many of our young team have progressed into the finest amateur boxers at their perspective weight divisions and have represented the club with great pride. The club can boast 16 championship gold medal winners and many more silver.

Braid head coach John McLeister says: "Our boxers train tirelessly three nights a week to attain a high level of fitness needed to compete at this highly dynamic sport.

"In an age of Xboxes and computer games, it is a credit to the young men to have the motivation and character to discipline themselves to put in the hard work.

“Braid Abc can only exist when we have support from the local community and we would like to thanks everyone who has supported the club over this past season.

“Our charity show, which was in Aid of the Big Cancer screening Bus, was also a huge success, the Cancer screening Bus will be at the Braid ABC Boxing club on May 20 for a full day free screening.

“We ask that the local community take advantage of the service and go along to get a screening carried out by professionals and also call in at the club for a cup of tea,” added John.