A new Llandeilo boxing club hosted an exhibition show in the town last month, as the club’s members fought against a visiting club from Carmarthen.
Boxers from Box of Fists and the Carmarthen CFK Club had it out in eight exhibition matches in a full-size boxing ring in a ram-packed Civic Hall on the evening of September 24.
The event kicked off with nine-year-old Tyler Griffiths taking on his opponent Kai Fletcher.
Local compere Owen James consequently 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 played their part in the ring on the night.
The atmosphere in the hall was heaving. The event had sold out a month in advance, proving how popular the sport and its local clubs are.
Box of Fists came to life through a pilot funding scheme by Welsh Government and CAVS, which saw the public vote for their favourite local project proposed by local people.
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Local fireman Woody Lewis put forward the proposal for Box of Fists. He said: “Since the event, we have had eleven new members.
“Thanks to our sponsors Pennycook Construction, Centaframe, Llandeilo Rotary Club, 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.”
A spokesperson for the Llandeilo Community Action Hub, who ran the pilot scheme voting process earlier this year, said: “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.”
Deputy mayor Christoph Fischer said: “The event has been a total eye opener for me. There was nothing of a Tyson Fury event about this.
“The competitors were respectful and dignified throughout, and so was the audience. It was fascinating to watch the scoring system and the individual ways each competitor fought.”
“It’s been amazing to see such an event happening in our hall,” added Jonathan Garrand from the Civic Hall. “Thanks, Woody for showing Llandeilo what kind of events can be done here. We hope this can become a regular event.”
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