Boxing

YOUNGSTERS from across the borough received their Kid Gloves awards at Macclesfield Boys Boxing Club.

Eighteen talented young fighters passed the scheme and received their medals at the Paradise Mill Gym on Old Park Lane, last Wednesday night.

Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Norman Edwards, club president and professional boxer Steve Bell, and senior coach Steve Walshaw handed out the awards.

On the night the youngsters demonstrated various skills which they had been coached during the scheme, while carded boxers Michael Fitzpatrick and Lewis Taylor displayed their sparring skills in the ring.

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick and stable-mate Peter Bebbington lost to shock verdicts when they fought at the Leek ABC show at the Biddulph Leisure Centre.

Fitzpatrick took on Queensberry's Ryan Fletcher, while Bebbington fought Ben Kirby from Burton ABC. Despite both 16-year-old's dominating their bouts, they were on the end of poor decisions from the judges.

Ian Barton, 15, is set to make his international debut when he represents the county in the Isle of Man on May 20. Several Macclesfield Boys will also be in action at the Bredbury and Stockport ABC show at Romiley Forum on May 12; Newbury and Farnworth ABC show on May 19; and the Old Trafford ABC at George H Carnall Leisure Centre, Davyhulme, Manchester. Tickets are available from Kevin Williams on 07712 234601, Kev on 07984 387419 or Jez on 07747 566248.