Rees proves up for the fight and Waters too
TWO North fighters boxed clever at the NABGC National Amateur Boxing Championship, held in the North East for the first time.
The Championships, hosted by regional charity the Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs, saw under-21 boxers from across the UK take to the ring at the Lancastrian Suite in Dunston.
Former European junior bronze medallist Ben Rees of Birtley Amateur Boxing Club defeated Patrick Allen Cripps of Harwich Boxing Club near Essex.
Travis Waters of Sunderland ABC retained his title from last year.
Ivan Wood, interim chairman at DABGC, said: “We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to host the NABGC Boxing Championships alongside NE Youth.
“It is the first time the event has been held in the region and the atmosphere on the night was electric, the young boxers putting on a fantastic display of talent.
“Many of the young people who take part in this competition are likely to be our next Olympians and Commonwealth Games competitors.
“Having seen these young people compete in the Class D finals, one thing is for sure - there is a lot of competition in youth boxing at the moment, which is great to see.
“We would like to congratulate all boxers involved in the competition – especially Ben and Travis for their success on the night.”
The Championships has a strong reputation for uncovering sporting talent.
Previous winners of the competition have included some of the biggest names in boxing - including Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan.
Each year, the Championships is hosted by a variety of National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs member organisations, who work together to put on the event.
This year it was the turn of DABGC, who co-hosted the event with NE Youth.
Founded in 1933, the Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs is a registered charity which covers a wide geographical area including County Durham, South Tyne and Wear and Cleveland - from the Tyne to the Tees.
Run predominantly by volunteers, DABGC works to offer opportunities for young people to take part in a wide variety of sports and events to boost their personal and social development.
To find out more, visit www. dabgc.co.uk.
NE Youth’s next boxing event is at Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms on d March 22.
For further details on sponsorship packages and to book tables contact wendy@neyouth.org.uk or ring 0191 272 7494