Huddersfield Gladiator Boxing Academy staged their second amateur show at the Sports Centre and it was another massive success.
Twelve bouts showcased the club’s best emerging talent and top Huddersfield boxing names Mark Hobson and Tyrone Nurse (a product of the Academy) were there to watch.
Gladiators had five wins from the 10 competitive fights, while the event was launched with skill fights, where there is no result but plenty of technique on show.
Firstly, Gladiator Manny Tanvir displayed some brilliant head movement in his fight against Billy Nicholson of Ernie Oxers ABC.
John Codi Batler was next against the lively Oliver Standring of Hebden Bridge in what was an evenly-fought contest.
The third fight of the night gave the Huddersfield club a brilliant start when Connor Doyle used his jab effectively to win a split decision over Thomas Harrison of Cleckheaton ABC.
Jack Hirst was just edged out in the next fight by Michael Knowles in another split decision with the Bury ABC just managing to outlast the Huddersfield boxer.
Gladiators’ highly-rated Kercho Ruscov won a unanimous points victory over Ezra McKenzie of Moss Side, utilising his long reach to reel off some accurate punches in a great performance.
Rajan Gosal was next up for the home club but he could not find a way past the impressive Matthew Crouch of Halifax ABC, losing unanimously.
The next bout, contested without head guards, was a real crowd pleaser. Harroon Karim of Sheffield Lanetop frustrated home boxer Tom Hirst by ducking and weaving and counter punching.
Hirst finished stronger, getting the crowd on their feet in the latter stages but Karim’s early work swayed the decision and he won a split.
Home fighter Shaun Smith won a unanimous decision over Shaz Baig, Smith displaying some crisp punching.
Liam Walker of Ashton Albion went toe to toe with Gladiator Jordan Williams, who had to take a standing eight count in the first round.
Williams improved in the next and both fighters continued to trade blows, with Walker taking a unanimous verdict.
There was a female match-up between Hatty Nylan of Hebden Bridge and Sarah Dunne of Bury ABC in a skilled contest. Dunne showed some clean striking in the first and landed a brilliant body shot in the second with Nylan coming on strong in the final round. The judges awarded Nylan the unanimous decision but it was an even fight.
The penultimate bout featured Gladiator Danny Lyness producing a dominant performance against Moss Side Fire boxer Brendan Magahan, working behind his jab for a unanimous win.
Home fighter Marvan Ibrahim brought down the curtain in fine style,spurred on by his supporters. Ibrahim finished strongly against Aidon Crinnion and landed a big left in the third forcing the referee to give Crinnion a standing eight count. Ibrahim won by unanimous decision.
Nurse was impressed as he prepares for his own big fight on April 19 at the MEN Arena against Tyler Goodjohn, for the English Light Welterweight title.
Nurse said: “I thought a lot of the fighters boxed well and a few of them were unlucky. They’re all improving. They were all cracking and even bouts.”
On preparations for his own fight he added: “Training is going really well. I’ve just done three weeks in Scotland with Ricky Burns preparing him for Terrence Crawford. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to it. We’re starting slowly but I’m already in shape, my health’s good.”
