LT Boxing show knocked out
... but rounds off with trophy ceremony
Despite the immense disappointment of everyone at Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club at the cancellation of their Home Show just two days before it was due to take place, organisers carried on with at least one of the events planned for the night.
Scheduled to take place after the final round, the dedication, determination and ability of the Home Club boxers would have been recognised with a special presentation to mark their achievements.
Instead, this was done after a regular training session in their Corpach gym.
Trophies were presented for Most Improved Boxer, Gym Boxer of the Season and Junior Boxer of the Season.
Recently turned 17, Noah Johnston was voted Gym Boxer of the Season by his peers along with 16-year-old Anton Bodkin, both having received the same number of votes.
Putting both names in a hat, Noah’s name came out first to take the impressive Lochaber Tyre Services Trophy, which is presented annually. He was also given a smaller trophy to keep, which in an act of exemplary sportsmanship he himself presented to Anton.
Trophy for the Most Improved Boxer went to 16-year-old Daniel Millar who has been with the club for a slightly shorter time than the others of his age group but has shown tremendous dedication both in the club gym and at home in building fitness and ability, making a him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Just 14 years old, Connor
Bodkin and his elder brother Anton travel to club training sessions from Invergarry three to four times a week. Connor also demonstrates an incredible natural talent for the sport. He has an unbeaten record in the ring, including beating a British champion in competition three times, and just a few weeks ago he became the Scottish Golden Gloves Champion for his age group.
Taking all of this into account, Connor was the natural choice for the Brian Whyte Memorial Belt for the Junior Boxer of the Season and was also presented with an additional plaque on behalf of the club for outstanding achievement.
Head coach Vince Lopez said: “Every one of our members is very talented and shows incredible dedication to training which is quite demanding in fitness and commitment.
“All are appreciated and recognised by us, but as with every organisation we have standout sportsmen which others can aspire to.
“It was very unfortunate that we had to cancel our Home Show, which apart from giving our boxers a chance to showcase their abilities it is also one of our major fundraisers so we can keep the club going.
“Circumstances over which we had no control saw other clubs who were providing opponents pulling out at the last minute for various reasons and despite our best efforts they could not be replaced.
“We can only apologise to everyone who was coming along to support us.
“It was a very hard decision given that dates on which Home Shows can be held are in short supply from the boxing authorities, but our next one has been already been booked for November 4.”