A boxing club established in a disused care centre has celebrated its first anniversary.
Caerphilly Boxing Club, located opposite Caerphilly railway station, was established by Penyrheol councillor Jon Scriven with help from local boxer Michael Ward.
Cllr Scriven, an ex-amateur boxer himself, said: “We were immediately blown away by the amount of interest and help from local businesses and the community.
“The club welcomes all and has regular classes in the week for both children and adults. There is a six to nine-year-olds class and recently a ladies-only class has been added to the schedule.
“The club is committed to sending out a message that the sport is suitable for all.”
The club has had more than 300 people through the door in the first year with many returning on a regular basis.
The club has carded nine boxers to box competitively this year and has been out boxing at other club shows a total of 29 times.
It also had entries in the Welsh Open Championships with two of its boxers getting through to the semi-finals.
Youth 62kg boxer Jak Williams came close to bringing home the coveted Welsh open vest – narrowly missing out in the final to a fighter operating at British championship level. Williams ended the season with an impressive seven contests under his belt and is improving all the time.
Mark Davies won many admirers on the circuit with his clinical displays of boxing backed up by a supreme level of fitness. Davies, who one day hopes to enter the professional ranks, had six contests in the season, including a semi-final appearance in the Welsh Open Championships.
David Ogden, well-known for his heart and determination, fought four times and was awarded bout of the night last time out in Bargoed.
Crowd favourite and the club’s very own coach Michael Ward ended the season with two good wins added to his record and is looking forward to the new season.
After a few years out of the sport Acer Terry hit the ground running after joining Caerphilly Boxing Club, and his two well-matched contests will definitely stand him in good stead for a full season in October.
After only couple of months training Josh Scriven immediately made fight fans take notice after the big-hitting Light Heavyweight showed no fear as he took part in a small hall classic in his second bout which had spectators on their feet and was awarded bout of the night.
Scriven also competed in the Welsh Open semi-final – a remarkable achievement in his first season.
Cllr Scriven said: “Its been an amazing first year and fantastic experience. One of my favourite things is seeing a nervous young kid walking through the door for the first time and then seeing how they’ve come on six months later in terms of their confidence, technical ability, and fitness. That’s what it’s all about for me.”
Cllr Scriven said he hopes one day a number of champions will be produced from the club.
