NEWS IN BRIEF

Boxing makes debut at City Hall

VERBAL sparring between the red and blue corner is commonplace at Bristol’s City Hall.

But now the real thing is coming for Downend Boxing Club has teamed up with the council, England Boxing, and Western Counties ABA to stage a boxing tournament between England and Ireland.

The event takes place on Saturday, January 26 and is the first full international match to take place in Bristol since 1970.

It is also the first time boxing has taken place at the venue and there will be 17 bouts.

There are male and female contests between both seniors and age-group fighters.

The ring will be located in the council chamber and one contender guaranteed plenty of support is Ellouise Challenger, who represents England.

The 16-year-old is the current national champion at her weight.

Ellouise said: “I am so excited to be boxing for England for the first time, and in my own city it’s wonderful.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, was himself a keen boxer in his youth.

He said: “This is the first event of its kind to take place in City Hall, I am committed to it being a space which can be open and it is a great example of how the space can be used by the local community.

“Boxing was a big part of my teenage years and taught me how to overcome setbacks and I’m a firm believer in how sport and physical activity can improve people’s lives.”