Boxers have it out in eight exhibition matches
LLANDEILO has held a boxing exhibition show, hosted by the new local Box of Fists club at the town’s civic hall.
Club boxers and others from Carmarthen CFK Club had it out in eight exhibition matches in a fullsize boxing ring in a packed hall of spectators.
The event kicked off with nineyear-old Tyler Griffiths taking on his opponent Kai Fletcher.
Local compere Owen James subsequently talked the audience through two women’s and five men’s battles.
Darrell Christopher, Rowan Stephens, Glesni Haf Jones, Helena Christopher, Josh Mabley, Jaydon Ridgeway, Jenna Morris, Katie Rees, Ross Thomas, Ben Woodhams, Dan Varello, Brandon Florence, Ryan Redfearn and Dan Rees all fought three short rounds each, displaying impressive sets of skill and technique.
Emma, from Pennycook Construction, one of the event’s sponsors, said: “Woody and Ryan have worked exceptionally hard to build a club that allows children to have somewhere they can come and learn a sport that needs discipline and determination.”
Box of Fists came to life through a pilot funding scheme by the Welsh Government and CAVS, which saw the public vote for their favourite local project proposed by local people. Local fireman Woody Lewis put forward the proposal for Box of Fists.
A spokesman for the Llandeilo Community Action Hub, which ran the pilot scheme voting process earlier this year, echoed Emma’s words, adding: “The idea of giving youngsters a positive way of channelling their frustration was much at the forefront of the voters’ minds and led to the awarding of funds.”
“The event has been a total eye-opener for me,” said Llandeilo Deputy Mayor Cllr Christoph Fischer, who handed out some of the trophies.
He added: “The competitors were respectful and dignified throughout, and so was the audience.
“Since the event we had 11 new members,” beamed Box of Fists club founder Carl “Woody” Lewis.
He added: “Thanks to our sponsors Pennycook Construction, Centaframe, Llandeilo Rotary Club, Cllr Edward Thomas and the Llandeilo Round Table and to our deputy mayor for the official support. We do appreciate it and promise to continue to do all we can for the youth in Llandeilo.”