A feast of young Pembrokeshire boxing talent was on show at Tenby last Thursday night when a combined team from Tenby and Pembroke ABCs took on the rest of the WABA, with boxers travelling from as far as Cardiff to compete in the event. There were 10 bouts on offer for over 250 eager punters at Tenby's De Valence Pavilion. All bouts took place, with no injuries - not even a bleeding nose to report - yet the encounters kept the eager crowd on their toes throughout the night, with some scintillating performances on display. A combination of boxers, ranging in age from 10 to 25, strutted the skills that the two local coaches have shown them while in their charge. World champion Enzo Macarinelli and future British champion, Scott Gammer, were very impressed with the standard of boxing on display. In one bout, Tenby boxer, 14-year-old Ben Baker took on British champion Sean Ellery, of Splott ABC, with Ben's fighting style really getting the young champion in a frenzy. Indeed, he had several warnings from the referee for holding, as he couldn't cope with the Tenby boxer's non-stop, but controlled aggression. Ben has the potential to be the next Ricky Hatton, with his no-fear fighting style making him a real champion in the making, and, although he didn't get the decision, he was the real winner on the night. Nico Morrison, of Pembroke, was another fine performer at the event. Although losing on points, the boxer won the 'boxer of the night' award for producing a real gritty and gifted show of skills. Bout of the night and best senior boxer went to Swansea, with Bonymaen taking the honour with a young man that spars with world champion Enzo, although Pembroke's gutsy fighter Mark Davies ran him a close. Two more fighting damsels, one from Pembroke and one from Tenby, also featured on the bill and earned themselves a great reception from the crowd. Bout of the night was presented by Mike Haines, of Jammos Night Club and Wales's last Commonwealth Games boxing coach. Kim Baker, of Tenby ABC, was delighted with the success of the night. "The mainly local crowd were a credit, showing impeccable behaviour and great knowledge of the sport," he said "Thank you to one and all. "Our thanks also go out to all the boxers and their coaches, and special thanks for everyone's support of the boxing clubs of Tenby and Pembroke, with over £800 each raised towards club funds," said Kim, of Tenby ABC, and Ralph Gammer, of Pembroke ABC. "These funds will furnish our gyms with much needed equipment," they added. The organisers would also like to say a huge thank you to all the sponsors - Simon Welch of S. C. Welch Roofing; The Evergreen Inn; Pat and Chick, of Woodlands Hotel; Damian Brown, of The Prince of Wales; G & I Roofing; The Bush Inn; The Three Mariners; Jammos Night Club; The Sun Inn; Tenby House Hotel; Mr. Davis at Greenhill School; John Candy; The Royal British Legion; The Rugby Club; and Greg Time in Haverfordwest. Doctor for the event was Dr. Kelly, of Tenby, and his presence also raised over £205 for Ward 10, of Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. • Tenby ABC have lined up another evening of boxing bouts at the De Valence for next year, on February 23. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can contact Kim Baker on 01834 810292.

Pictured are exhibition boxers April Drake, of Tenby, and Charlene Jones, of Pembroke, along with their sponsors, Maria Brown, of The Sun Inn, and Lisa May, of the Three Mariners Inn.
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