BOXING: England trials, national titles and sold-out home shows: All in a year’s work for March Boxing Club

Patsy Smith won gold at the Great Britain Three Nations Championships in April. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

The local club, based on Century Way, has seen four of its fighters star on the national stage this season and a handful of others add wins to their records at shows around the country.

Patsy Smith is one of those to triumph in a national competition. The 17-year-old won the GB Three Nations Championships by beating opponent Ellis Hopkins on points in the 64kg category in April.

Her exploits throughout the season have also caught the attention of England squad bosses, who invited her to train with the development squad earlier in the year.

Regan Lazenby, 18, has been training with the national squad in Sheffield with a view to competing in the 2020 Olympics. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Since then, she has been upgraded into the more advanced challenge squad and will fight in her national colours when the new season begins later in the year.

Regan Lazenby is another March fighter to catch the eye of the national squad.

The 18-year-old was assessed by England bosses and has been training with Team GB prospects in Sheffield ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Regan Lazenby and Patsy Smith. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Charlie Stevens, 21, also represented his country at the England Boxing Elite National Championship.

March’s younger fighters have also been in fine form, with youngster Mark Smith scooping his first national title at the English Boxing Schools Championships, earning him the highly-coveted golden gloves.

The recent performances of Tarley Smith, Robert Tanner, Acer Smith and Josh Tanner at shows in Bristol and Tamworth also proved that the future of boxing in March is bright and the club’s two home shows – held in December and April – welcomed crowds of over 300.

Winner of the English Boxing Schools Championships, Mark Smith, with his golden gloves. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Coach Dave Cole, said: “We’ve had two really good shows which were really well supported by the whole town.

“We’ve got fighters making their way onto the national scene and the crop of young boxers we have are all looking really impressive.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has supported the club throughout the season and we’re looking forward to getting back to it in a couple of month’s time.”

Some of March ABC's young fighters. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

For more information on March BC, call Dave on 07780 675953 or search ‘ March Boxing Club’ on Facebook.