FIGHTERS from JC’S Amateur Boxing Club in Fingerpost have continued to enjoy success in the ring at all levels.
The Jackson Street-based club had eight boxers through to the national finals where they won five gold medals, two silvers and a bronze .
Tyler McIntyre, aged 17, won the NABGCS to secure the club’s first gold medal and then added a second after taking part in the youth open class championships alongside teammate Mason Wainwright.
The 16-year-old Wainwright boxed brilliantly throughout the competition beating numerous national champions along the way but eventually came away with the silver after a very close split decision in the final.
Next up came Kai Birch competing in the senior elite championships and at 18-years-old this was his first year as a senior without a headguard.
Birch also came away with the gold medal.
Following that tournament, JC’s fighters were entered into the schools championships for boxers aged between 12 and 14.
They successfully managed to get four out of the five entries through to the national finals.
(Image: Club)
JC’s Head coach Ste Birch said: “12-year-old Thomas Paton was first up and unfortunately was on the wrong end of a very bad decision and he took home the bronze medal.
“Then we had Daniel Roberts, also aged 12 , who took home a silver after being denied by the judges in a very close 3-2 split decision.”
Then the club’s golden girls Emily Rigby, aged 13, and Francesca Goodman, also 13, who both won national titles.
The club’s four national champions Emily Rigby, Francesca Goodman, Tyler McIntyre and Kai Birch were asked to represent England in the tri-nations.
This is a competition held annually where the England, Scotland and Wales champions box off to become the champion of Great Britain.
Unfortunately, Emily Rigby didn’t get the chance to compete as there was no opponent at her weight category.
Tyler McIntyre was first up competing in Cardiff securing the gold against Scotland with a first round stoppage.
After that it was Francesca Goodman’s turn down in Nottingham with two unanimous wins overall and taking home the gold after beating the Welsh champion in the final.
Finally, it was Kai Birch’s turn to compete in Scotland where he boxed twice to take home the gold after beating an established GB boxer in the final.
This has led to some international recognition and after recent assessments down at the England boxing headquarters Kai Birch has been chosen to represent England as part of the senior elite boxing team.
Tyler McIntyre has been invited to the England youth performance squad next month and to top it off Francesca Goodman has been invited to represent England in the upcoming Schools European Championships, which will take place in Banja Luka, Bosnia in August.
Head coach Ste Birch added: “As a club we couldn’t be prouder and all of this wouldn’t be possible without all of our amazing coaches who voluntarily train these boxers week in week out.
“They are Gary Talbot, Hannah Palfrey, Kai Birch, Shane Booth, Joanne Roberts, Paddy Nolan and a special thanks to my wife Kerry who does all of the work behind the scenes.”
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