Four boxers from Franco’s Boxing Gym had what chief coach Rico Franco described as an ‘amazing afternoon of boxing with three wins and one draw’ when they travelled to Brigg to compete on a show at the football ground organised by Dec Spelman who runs a boxing club in Scunthorpe. Amongst other participating gyms was Luke Fisher’s Outlaw Boxing Club, also from Scunthorpe.
Franco’s Shane Thornhill beat Jack Bedward from Outlaw by first-round knockout. ‘I’m proud that I’ve now won all four bouts by stoppage,’ said Thornhill, 27. ‘Jack is a more experienced and skilful boxer than I am yet, so I turned this into a dogfight of a brawl and moved quickly to get the win as per the game plan using a powerful backhand. I’m really pleased with how things are going as I’ve only been training for eighteen months.’
Boxer Josh Jones also joined Franco’s not too long ago. ‘They’ve made me welcome, and I’ve now won my second fight, so I’m happy with my progress. This was a tough fight against someone taller with reach. I wish I’d got into the sport sooner. It’s my true calling; the bouts and training are addictive. The highs and lows in behind-the-scenes training help build physical and mental resilience. Boxing gives focus and routine. I wish I’d started sooner. It’s addictive. My true calling, if you like, is that I’ve finally found something that has clicked with me. I just want to keep on developing new techniques for the next fight.’
Both Jones and Ward Lockwood had three-round bouts. ‘I’m told it was a strong performance,’ said Lockwood, ‘I try to improve in every fight and keep progressing. It’s an individual sport but the camaraderie and bonds formed at the gym make this journey quite special.’
‘My opponent didn’t show,’ said Max Batty, ‘so I couldn’t turn down the chance to fight undefeated professional Luke Fisher. I knew it would be difficult, but the fight offered invaluable experience. Although I’m not entirely sure Luke was putting everything into it, I was delighted to come away with a draw in this exhibition bout.’
Rico Franco will be in the bare-knuckle ring in Marbella in a few weeks as he meets former WBA champion Austin Trout. ‘A challenge,’ said Franco. ‘He once went twelve rounds against Canelo. Enough said.’
Anyone considering boxing training at Franco’s Boxing Club on Willoughton Drive can contact Franco via social media or e-mail ricobonbon@icloud.com .
The photo shows Ricardo, Max, Shane, Mateus, Josh, Ward and Martin (another coach)
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