Lionhearts
BIRTLEY have Calum French and Cyrus Pattinson in the British Lionhearts squad to take on Astana Arlans Kazakhstan in their World Series of Boxing (WSB) semi-final first leg at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield on Thursday, May 17.
It will be a tough confrontation with the Lionhearts facing the reigning WSB champions for the third season in a row at the semifinal stage which reinforces their status as two of the super-powers of the competition.
After the match the McCormack twins Pat and Luke will join French and Pattinson to go to a training camp in Kazakhstan for two weeks.
Birtley’s club show at the weekend was moved from their home gym to the Stadium of Light.
Head coach Graeme Rutherford said: “Gateshead Council refused us a permit at short notice due to residents’ concerns over parking.
“It was a shame as the town of Birtley was denied the chance to see the McCormack twins and their Commonwealth medals but I am pleased to say 300 made the trip to Sunderland and it was a sell-out.”
The stand-out bouts involved Kane Foster, who triumphed after three rounds of non-stop action against R Armstrong (Redcar), and Louie Reay, who came through against tough opponent C Towers (Spennymoor).
Birtley’s Junior finalist Shaun Huddart won on a split against Sunderland’s R Lowther.
The ever-improving Ruby Atkinson gave another good account of herself in a tough bout against Plains Farm’s R Trott.
Rutherford added: “Both girls gave their all but it was Ruby’s straight shots and accuracy which drove her opponent back.
“When under pressure Ruby showed good footwork to regain the centre of the ring before landing straight shots again to run out a deserved unanimous winner.” ■■WALLSEND amateur Anth Ormsby has turned pro with Steve Wraith’s growing stable of fighters.
Ormsby’s parting gift upon joining the paid ranks was to make a goodwill gesture at Howdon Boxing Academy by paying in full a membership for a Syrian refugee named Simo so “he can get amongst it in the gym and make a real go at learning to box”.
Ormsby, who will remain at Howdon for strength and conditioning work under Steve Sharp, will primarily be based at the TKO Gym in Kenton under the tutelage of Keith Macdonald.