Local fighters in fine fettle!

Burnley’s Sandygate Amateur Boxing Club’s schoolboy boxers hit the ring in style recently at the Fence Gate Inn.

Gracing the apron for the first time, Reece “Rocky” Jackson (11) pitted his skills against K. Hill of Gloves ABC, and straight from the off, the Year 6 Lord Street primary student’s rapid jab and great footwork dazzled his taller foe. The second one-minute round saw Jackson penetrate Hill, and the third saw both young debutants give it their all.

Rosegrove’s Brett Windle (12) faced L. McCrory (Gorton ABC) at 46kg in what turned into a one-sided affair. The first round saw Windle dominant, keeping centre and not taking a backward step, moving from head to body with ease. The second saw the Shuttleworth College student put some real power in his shots, opening up McCrory with clinical right hooks which never seemed to miss their target. “Banger” Brett certainly lived up to his nick-name when he came out in the final round, keeping centre once more, and a blustering combination sent his Mancunian opponent reeling. The judges gave the Sandygate boxer a unanimous verdict.