BIG FIGHTS FOR LOCALS

Danny Parker, 21, will fight for a Midlands amateur title on Saturday in Nottingham, just six days after club mate Dylan Clegg tasted Regional Schoolboy Championship action.

The youngster, who had won seven of his previous 10 bouts, came up against a strong contender for the National title in Jay McKann of Kettering Boxing Club.

Despite taking the first round, Clegg lost out on the judges’ scorecards.

Coach Dean Eshelby told the Guardian his young charge did the club proud.

“He lost to a unanimous decision, but he put up a terrific fight,” he said.

“Dylan won the first round and needed to stay away from the lad, but got caught up on the ropes and his opponent landed some beautiful body punches.”

“Dylan can take a punch, but this lad was very strong and will go far in the championship.”

Another Manton fighter in recent action was 22-year-old amateur debutant Lee Jones, who lost out to a majority decision in Nottingham on Saturday.

Eshelby added: “It could have gone either way, I was very pleased with his performance in his first ever fight.”

Parker’s title fight on Saturday night will be contested over three three-minute rounds.

Meanwhile the club are putting a group of 10 kids through the GB Boxing Award scheme, which teaches them skills inside the ropes and counts for half a GCSE.

And three extra boxing sessions are being hosted at the Retford Road site.

The Ali Boxing Fitness classes are held on Tuesdays between 11.30am and 12.30am and 7.30pm and 8.30pm, and on Saturdays from 5pm to 6pm.

The classes are for all abilities, from 16 years upwards and they cost £3 per session.

For more information contact Manton’s assistant coach Chris Boyle on 07886 255078 or email [email protected]