Boro club’s tribute to stalwart big Joe
LITTLEBOROUGH Boxing Club had their annual home show recently and the night was once again a roaring success.
The club hosted boxers from all over the north of England in competition against their own lads.
The night started with a three-course meal and music – Yorkshire drumming corps played a 15-minute set which warmed the crowd before the evening entertainment.
First bout up was father and son combination Mark Oldham (head coach) and boxer Rhys Oldham and that bout was followed up by another coach’s son, Christy Joyce, son of former Hamer coach and now Littleborough coach Paddy Joyce.
Next up was young Charlie Shepherd and he ran out the blocks against a tricky opponent and got the win.
James Topham, Sam Smith, Harvey Ashworth and Alex Young came afterwards and boxed excellently.
The club’s North West champion, Joe Vaughan, had his opponent pull out the night before so he was left helping get the home boxers ready.
Terry James, the club’s 80kg 17-year-old, put in a very strong performance against his Tameside opponent, nearly stopping his opposing boxer.
Darren Clancy and Luke Fleming also boxed for the club, both winning the first round but missing out on the win.
Fight of the night went to Richard Helm who put a punch perfect display in against his southpaw opponent from Derby.
Helm, the club’s most experienced boxer, put some ferocious combinations together, giving his opponent a standing eight count and chasing the stoppage throughout the fight.
The show was attended by the mayor and local boxing legend Terry Hernon, and both were impressed with the night.
Terry, the club’s president, is always at hand for head coach mark when needed. He was impressed with the development of some of the lads he worked with only a few years ago.
The night was dedicated to Joe Stott, who sadly passed away late last year. He was hugely instrumental in the club’s development and so with respect the traditional ten bells silence was rang before the final bout of the night in a touching tribute to Joe.
Head coach Mark Oldham said: “Tonight was a great night, and you can see there is genuinely some exciting talent at the club.
“I’d like to thank Graham Poole for sponsoring the night and congratulate every boxer who trained extra and stayed dedicated in order to compete.
“The club has moved
‘You can see there is genuinely some exciting talent at the club’