JUNIORS POSTPONED

New date set for this weekend after ‘credible risk’

THE semi-finals and finals of the England Boxing national Junior championships were due to take place at the Harvey Haddon Sports Village in Nottingham from October 16-17. But following police advice, the host venue opted to pull out of hosting the competition, too close to the date for a replacement venue to be found.

England Boxing will reschedule the event behind closed doors at Hereford Sixth Form College from October 30-31. Only participating boxers and affiliated coaches will be permitted to enter the venue.

“It was extremely disappointing and frustrating for everyone concerned that the originally scheduled semi-finals and finals were postponed for reasons beyond our control, that were based on a specific, real and credible risk to safety,” said England Boxing chief executive Gethin Jenkins. “Whilst the anger, frustration and upset felt by boxers, families, coaches and clubs has been both entirely understandable and reasonable in the circumstances, the boxing community can rest assured that safeguarding boxers and those who attend events has remained the overriding priority throughout.

“We can at least now look forward to giving the boxers who have worked so hard to reach this stage of the competition the muchdeserved chance to showcase their skills where they will have the opportunity to box for a national title.

“We would like to place our thanks with Paul Rogers, Principal at Hereford Sixth Form College, and Vince Mcnally, of South Wye Police Boxing Academy, for supporting us to facilitate this solution.”