Top pros give their support
Local hero Sam Noakes will be cheering on the next generation of stars at Snodland Boxing Club’s show on Saturday.
Noakes, who beat Lewis Sylvester to win the British lightweight title last month, is one of two big-name guests for the show, along with Medway’s Louis Greene.
Super welterweight Greene has also been making headlines after his first round knockout of Jack McGann on the Anthony Joshua versus Francis Ngannou undercard in Saudi Arabia.
Despite their demanding training schedules, the two pros, both ranked in the top five in the UK, will be present throughout the day to meet with fans and pose for pictures.
The show will feature around two dozen competitive bouts between Snodland ABC boxers, aged 10 upwards, and fighters from a host of local clubs, including Westry, Sevenoaks and West Kingsdown.
Youngsters from further afield will be taking part, too, with Margate, Folkestone and Crawley all represented. Snodland ABC coach Mark West said: “There’s a few skills bouts on the show and around 18 amateur fights, so there’s going to be lots of boxing on display and it’s great to have two of the best boxers in Kent coming along to offer their support, we’re really grateful.
“This is a non-profit event and we all give up a lot of our time to make this happen, so it’s great to have Sam and Louis there, and we’re hoping to see lots of people come out and support on the day.”
Noakes added: “Amateur boxing is very close to my heart, obviously because I used to do it, so if I’m ever free and can give a few hours out of my day then it’s no problem to me and if it inspires any kids then that’s great.
“I’m often doing stuff for the community, and I’m still new to all this, but I’ve been back to my old school, Valley Park, to do an assembly, and did an awards evening at Aylesford School recently.
“It’s easy from my end and it’s nice to see, because in my head I’m still the same kid from five years ago, but it’s nice knowing that so many people are interested in my career and what I’ve got to say.”
The show at Snodland Community Centre in Paddlesworth Road starts at 12pm, with the first bell scheduled for 1pm.
Tickets are available from Mark West on 07842 213293.