Garioch boxing exhibition packs a punch
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THE tenth year of the Garioch Sports Centre's annual boxing night on Saturday was yet another smash hit.
A sell-out crowd of over 300 created a raucous atmosphere as a Northern Scotland youth and schoolboy select took on their English counterparts, on an evening which doubled up as both an exhibition of great Scottish boxing talent, and a joint fundraiser for the Garioch Sports Centre and Inverurie Loco Works Football Club.
Partially organised by Insch Boxing Club, the action struck a chord with the spectators with several local fighters stepping into the ring.
In the spotlight was Inverurie Boxing Club's Leo Gale, who won his bout in the 66kg section, pitched over three two-minute rounds, with Liam Duthie (50kg schoolboy) also turning out for the club against a Sheddocksley scrapper.
Representing Insch was Ricky Smith (36kg schoolboy), Liam Duncan (40kg schoolboy), Daniel Duncan (42kg schoolboy), Ali Laing (youth 75kg), and Jack Cobban (youth 75kg).
Garioch Sports Centre's chief operating officer Kevin Bonarius spoke of his delight at the night's action.
He said: “It was the biggest and best boxing event we've had to date.
“It's a massive fundraiser event for ourselves and Inverurie Loco Works FC.
“We're hugely thankful to Iain Dougary from the event sponsors ESWL for their generous sponsorship of the event.
“We're already excited and in planning for next year's event.
He added: “The atmosphere was fantastic.
“The night showcased a lot of the local talent we have in amateur boxing, giving them a platform and to perform in that size of crowd would have been great for their development.
“The atmosphere helped them out that little bit more.
“We work very closely with Insch Amateur Boxing Club (Insch ABC) and Roy Forsyth who pulled the boxing programme together.
“There were a number of local guys on show and taking part, which was great as we're obviously a local facility and that's what we want to provide a platform for the guys to box at.”
A joint quip from the Sports Centre and Locos added: “We have been thrilled with the success of the evening and wish to thank everyone involved for selling out the arena.”
