BOXERS from St Agnes Amateur Boxing Club who say the sport has made a “big impact” on their lives have won titles in the Western Counties Novice Championship.
Marcus Kelly, 25, from Truro won the Super Heavyweight title and Blaze Hughes, 19, from Porthtowan took the Lightweight title in the regional contest this month.
Marcus, who has boxing in his blood as his grandfather, brother and cousin all boxed or box, described winning as “amazing”.
He said: “When I first started boxing going into matches was terrifying but my confidence has grown and now its second nature.”
Blaze sees winning as a big achievement and impressive for a small boxing club, saying: “Boxing helped me mature and have more focus in my life and I want to get as far as possible.”
The club’s coaches, Wayne Salmon and Tony Houghton are, along with fellow club members, impressed with the fights, with both boxers receiving unanimous points decisions.
Tony said: “Marcus boxed clever from round one and although he took some hard shots early on he was strong for the rest of the four round bout.
“Blaze was boxing a taller and older opponent but he boxed a southpaw and put his opponent under pressure for two of his three rounds, earning him the win.”
St Agnes Amateur Boxing Club, sponsored by Cory Environmental, has been running for three years and people can take part for fitness or to train to compete.
The club coaches are Level 2 Amateur Boxing Association qualified and in any amateur match there will be three judges, corner men, and a referee all watching proceedings as well as a doctor on site for pre and post match checks.
Wayne, who joined the club two years ago, is keen to encourage people to try out the sport at the club.
He said: “As coaches we live our lives through our boxers and for a village club to have two Western Counties Novice Championship champions is something very special.”
Both boxers were also supported by coach Tony Partridge in their earlier training programme.
Open fitness sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting with junior classes at 6pm or call Wayne on 07981 977520 for more information.
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