Body & Soul boxers back in action

Body & Soul’s unbeaten Ian Clarke continued his winning form when he stopped Manchester’s tough Craig Liptrot in the opening round.

Liptrot had begun to get into the fight before quick-punching Clarke sent him crashing to the canvas.

There was also a stoppage win for Wes Dolan who midway through the second round halted Chesterfield’s Dean Ragan.

In entertaining bouts, Danny Goodwin beat Wigan’s Carl Sweeney and Henry Rooney outpointed Fighting Fit’s Les Wade.

Body & Soul’s Kev Lee renewed his rivalry with gym mate Aaron Brailsford.

The pair boxed a close fight against each other on the last show but this time Brailsford had his hand raised at the final bell following three exciting rounds.

Joe Mcvitie was outpointed by Dan Cooper from Sleaford in the fight of the night while Body & Soul’s Dom Allcock drew with Newark’s Gareth Simpson.

In other action, Sleaford’s Greg Darmon beat Stockport’s Will Cairns and Nottingham’s Tim Sobers put in an accomplished performance to get a draw against the experienced Andrew Costnett of Birmingham.

Tim dedicated his fight to his friend and well-respected boxer Lance Ferguson-Prayogg who recently passed away.

The Body & Soul boxers all of various experience trained hard at the gym for months to prepare for their bouts.

Gym owner and show promoter Roger Brotherhood said: “All the boxers on the show did fantastic.

“Due to recent events there’s been a spotlight on semi-pro boxing but all the boxers undergo a thorough health check before they are allowed to compete.

“There’s qualified paramedics ringside and everything is in place to ensure boxers’ safety which is the priority.”

The dinner show also helped raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity.

The next event, set to be a sell-out, is at the Civic Centre on Sunday, 14th September. Tickets are available on 01623 481881.

Any local businesses wishing to reserve tables for the show are advised to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Picture by Nicola Parker.