Buckley charity boxing event raises £1000 for Dementia UK

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The legendary Tivoli Venue in Buckley opened its doors last Sunday afternoon, for an action-packed afternoon of boxing contests all in the name of charity.

The fight card featured a mixture of 20 novice boxers, ex-boxers and semi-professional Thai fighters who collectively managed to raise over £1000 for Dementia UK, after selling over 200 tickets to friends, family and boxing fans alike.

Ex-boxer and professional trainer Shane Thomas from Connah’s Quay and former champion and Thai fighter Rod Jones, from Buckley, were the promoters behind the successful event, and said the show wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity from others including Tivoli manager Rokib Miah and sponsors Estyn Well Being, Smart Auto Services, I.G Electrical and Rob Grant, as well as all the boxers who freed up their time for a good cause.

Shane said: “It was a great turn out and the lads all did really well, considering some of them hadn’t put a pair of boxing gloves on before. We’re really pleased with the overall amount raised and are proud of the support from the local community”.

Several fighters from Mold Alex Thai Boxing Club took to the ring, including Gareth ‘Nancy Boy’ Oates, originally from Bagillt and now serving as a Royal Engineer in the British Army. Oates, a former army boxing champion, with a current record of 26 wins in 28 fights said: “I’ve just come off exercise in the army, but I’m getting promoted and concentrating on my career now.

There’s a good standard here today and it’s going to ease me back into it. My Taid has got dementia so this charity is close to my heart. I’m only too happy to help with the show.”

A 73kg Oates, managed to defeat his heavier opponent, that of KarolKoper  from Poland weighing in at 77kg, who showed huge talent considering it was his first bout.

The Pole ended up taking some heavy blows to his nose in what was a gruelling first round between the pair and dropped to the floor on bended knee for a second or so in what almost looked like the end.

After showing huge heart and displaying a strong comeback to the fight, the maximum three rounds of two was up and the judges, who included former Welsh and British amateur champion and now unbeaten heavyweight professional Andy Jones, declared Oates the winner.[/vc_column_text][mp_carousel_1 carousel_images=”52961,52960,52959,52957,52956,52952″][vc_column_text]Other Flintshire fighters from Mold Thai boxing club, included Glyn ‘The Mad Milkman’ Jones whose fight against former Welsh school boy champion Danny Brook ended in a draw, and semi-professional kick boxer Rob ‘Big Ears’ Roberts, who was defeated by former kickboxer-turned-boxer Mark Gittins. Buckley man Roberts said: “I’ve been kick boxing for over two years now and Rod actually used to be my old trainer.

Today’s event was all about setting the standard and raising money for a good cause. It was only my second boxing fight, but I really enjoyed it”. Also making an appearance and offering a supporting role to his team, was Thai boxing trainer Darran Baker, who said his club were more than happy to take part: “We took this on as a charity event and just a run on really.

The boys didn’t train at all for this as they’ve all had other commitments, plus the Thai boxing season is winding down now. But it was still interesting to see how the fights went”.

Heswall based Gittins, who trains with Shane Thomas in Connah’s Quay and works on his personal fitness with Richard Foster in Liverpool, has fought as a kickboxer all over the world and is now looking to get his boxing career started:

“I had an unfortunate knee injury from Thai boxing which stopped me competing. It was then I decided to convert back to real boxing and find a professional trainer. I’ve been working with Shane Thomas and we’ve completely remodelled the way I fight. For me, today was about getting some extra experience and training in, enjoying the moment and raising some money for a good cause”.

Seemingly relaxed and looking in top physical condition, the Wirral-based fighter is confident about his future:

“I’m always looking for management, sponsorship or any contra deals, but for now I’m just focusing on training over the summer and pursuing my career. I’ve got a solid team of people around me and it’s the people who believe in you that you need to be around”.

Dementia UK runs a national helpline and email service for anyone with questions or concerns about dementia. Call 0800 888 6678 seven days a week 9am – 5pm or Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6pm – 9pm. Send an email to direct@dementiauk.org.
For more information about Dementia UK visit www.dementiauk.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]