Boxing feed - This is Grimsby

Grimsby pro boxer Kevin Hooper gears up for Humber show

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY pro boxer Kevin Hooper is already fighting fit in training for his second outing on home soil.

The 26-year-old unbeaten light-welterweight will be back in the ring for his sixth pro fight at the Beachcomber, Humberston, on Sunday, October 3.

He wowed the locals who turned out at the venue in July to watch him defeat former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight of Nuneaton on points – his fifth win from as many fights in the paid ranks.

More than 300 people saw the area's sole boxing pro in action, which delighted promoter Dave Coldwell, Hooper's manager.

Now another show has been confirmed in Humberston, Hooper – trained by Grimsby's Sean Wood – cannot wait to get back in the ring.

"It's fantastic that I'm going to be boxing in front of my home crowd again," said Hooper, who is aiming to fight for an area title by the end of the current boxing season.

"It means a lot and hopefully I've brought the sport back to the town now."

Wood – whose new boxing gym opened earlier this month in Ainslie Street – is now coaching his second pro fighter: Scunthorpe light middleweight Steve Spence, 23, who has previously been coached by former British, European and Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Esham Pickering.

Spence, who is poised to sign a contract with Coldwell and appear on the Beachcomber card at welterweight, said: "Sean knows his stuff and has helped me pick faults out by game and improve.

"It's great to find a pro boxing stable. I've had great sparring sessions with Kev."

Coach Wood added: "The next show will be even better than last time.

"The crowd was awesome and there were a lot of first timers to boxing who said they would come again and bring their friends.

"Steve's been picking a lot up sparring with us. He wants to get out there on the circuit.

"He said he has liked training with me. "Hopefully it might lead to more fighters from Scunthorpe being interested.

"It's great to be taking on new pros.

"There's a few more lads from this area wanting to turn pro.

"Kev is a role model and there are definitely two, possibly three, I have in mind that could follow in his footsteps."

"He is also unbeaten and being tipped for success, even though he works full-time and has a family to take care of.

He only has his kit paid for him whereas others benefit from paid leave from work.

I'm really proud of him.

Wood is hoping to introduce youth classes to his Woody's Gym stable, to run alongside his current amateur classes for adults.

He is on the lookout for potential coaching assistants to help with the new classes. Contact Wood on 07525752497.

Tickets for the Beachcomber show are priced £25 and £45. Doors will open at 1.30pm, with the boxing starting at 3pm. Contact Hooper for tickets on 07532 380456.

Grimsby Boxing Academy chosen to host Midlands Female Squad

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY Boxing Academy has been chosen to host the Midlands Female Squad.

GBA head coach Andy Cox will lead the training.

Each division of the Midlands Amateur Boxing Association has been given the opportunity to host a session this season.

Cox and his academy have been selected as hosts for the Notts and Lincs division.

Midlands ABA head coach Alan Keast has handed this opportunity to Cox after being impressed with him throughout this season.

Cox said: "I am overwhelmed at this fantastic opportunity that I and the Academy have been given.

"I am honoured that I have been selected by Alan and other highly recognised coaches in our region. As a division, we have so many other talented coaches

"This shows that, as a club, we must be doing something right and can only help us move on to bigger and better things."

The midland coaching team has also recognised the good quality of Cox's coaching and has nominated him for entry on to the Senior Coaching Course.

The course, which is not available by application, can only be applied for after nomination from a regional head coach.

If Cox was to pass the course it would make him one of only three coaches in the Notts and Lincs division to hold the badge and, at only 24 years of age, would make him one of the youngest in the country.

Grimsby boxer Kevin Hooper focused on a title shot next year

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

KEVIN Hooper is pinning his hopes on an area title fight next year - but may drop a weight division for the challenge.

The 26-year-old unbeaten Grimsby boxer has won all five of his professional fights so far at light-welterweight.

But he is looking at the possibility of switching to lightweight to beef up his chances.

Hooper defeated former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight at the Beachcomber, Humberston, in his first fight on home ground.

His success since turning pro last October has turned his thoughts to working towards a championship and he will discuss his options at the 9st 9lb limit with trainer Sean Wood.

Hooper revealed: "I want an area title shot. Me and Sean are thinking about going down to lightweight for it.

"I'll be strong, I'll be tall, I'll be sharper. I'll be a force in the lightweight. That's what I'm looking at.

"I can get down to it given the correct training, two or three times a day, and obviously I'll need to bring a nutritionist in to help me with it so I'm fit and strong at the weight.

"I think everything is going to go perfect."

Hooper's manager Dave Coldwell believes Grimsby's only boxing professional can be fighting for an area title by the middle of 2011.

He said: "The early part or middle of next year, he'll definitely get an area title fight. That's what I'm looking at."

Coldwell believes he's a got a winner on his hands and says Hooper can be up there with other area champions from Grimsby like Steve Lewsam, who also fought for a British title against Carl Thompson, who went on to win a world belt, Stuart Fleet and Matty Teague.

Rotherham-based Coldwell said: "He's going to be the best fighter to have come out of this area. Just give him some time.

"I can't see why he can't be a British champion. He can definitely win an English title and possibly go for a British title.

"But we've got to go step by step. We've got to see how he goes. He's developed and he's learned, that's the main thing."

Hooper's next fight is likely to be at the Beachcomber again in October after Coldwell was encouraged by the turnout of more than 300 people.

Grant's semi-pro British title shot a top match-up, says coach Lofts

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

JACK Grant leads Fight Ministry's charge on the semi-pro card when British Cage Fighting V rocks Cleethorpes on Saturday.

Grant takes on Manvers Fight Factory's Daniel Dwyer, of Rotherham, in a battle for the British Cage Fighting lightweight semi-pro belt.

Neil Lofts, coach at the Humberston-based Fight Ministry gym, said: "This match is between arguably the two most talented youngster's the northern region has to offer.

"Both fighters look dangerous standing, and it could be the fight of the night.

"It will the gym's third semi-pro title shot as Grant looks to hang the belt alongside James Bateman's Storm Force middleweight belt and Louie Chapman's vacant 10th Legion welterweight belt."

Gavin Lofts, Adam Thompson and Hull-based Tony Shields will also represent Fight Ministry.

All three have two victories from two fights to their names.

And Shields' fight against Michael 'the assassin' Gabbitas will be a BCF welterweight championship belt elimination bout.

Four amateur fights also feature on the undercard, the pick being a BCF featherweight title clash between Hull-based Sam Wilkinson and Paul Gabbitas.

Both are unbeaten with 5-0-0 and 3-0-0 records respectively.

Two full-contact cage kickboxing bouts on the card will feature Grimsby Martial Arts Academy's Matt Merrick and Hull's Mark Vickers.

Merrick's full-contact kickboxing record is six wins and two losses.

Grimsby Boxing Academy celebrates great year at presentation night

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY Boxing Academy celebrated a successful year at its end-of-season presentation night.

More than 100 members attended the knock-out event at the Honest Lawyer, Grimsby.

GBA looked back on a year which saw Nathan Iley reach the ABA Novice National Pre-Quarter Finals, Ben Shaw, Craig Carroll and Iley pick up medals in a multi-nations tournament in Denmark and many other boxers from the club compete at open shows throughout the country.

GBA is also proud of the amount of young talent under the age of 11 expected to emerge this year.

Head coach Andy Cox said: "We are celebrating a great season in what is only our second year since we formed.

"We have a 10-year plan which will see us develop the next generation of Grimsby boxers from grass roots.

"We are moving in the right direction and the presentation night was to reward all of our members for their hard work."

Meanwhile, Grimsby Boxing Academy now has an extra pair of hands in the shape of newly-qualified coach Danny Hall.

Hall has been training as an apprentice coach with GBA for several months and has successfully passed his ABA assistant coach (level one) course held over two weekends in Tamworth.

Midlands head coach Alan Keast was particularly impressed with Hall, who will now run sessions alongside GBA head coach Cox.

Cox added: "I am proud of how Danny has handled this course. He is a great representative of our club. Danny is well-valued within our set-up and is very ambitious."

Hall will now work towards his level 2 badge, which he will take in 12 months time.

AWARD winners

FIGHT OF THE YEAR: Mike Shaw

CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR (CADET): Eathan Sylvester

CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR (JUNIOR): Jake Smith

CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR (SENIOR): Bruce Thomas

BEST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Nathan Iley

MOST IMPROVED BOXER (CADET): Keelan Taylor

MOST IMPROVED BOXER (JUNIOR): Jake Smith

MOST IMPROVED BOXER (SENIOR): Lee Tacey

YOUNG BEST BOXING STYLE AWARD: Vic Hansen

FUTURE STAR AWARD: Lawrence Burchall

FEMALE BOXER OF THE YEAR: Milli Hansen

BOXERS BOXER OF THE YEAR (CADET): Bailey Dyas

BOXERS BOXER OF THE YEAR (JUNIOR): Ben Shaw

BOXERS BOXER OF THE YEAR (SENIOR): Craig Carroll

BOXER OF THE YEAR (CADET): David Jameson

BOXER OF THE YEAR (JUNIOR): Ben Shaw

BOXER OF THE YEAR (SENIOR): Craig Carroll

Curtis lines-up battle with former amateur king Gavin

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

EX-Grimsby Town midfielder turned pro boxer Curtis Woodhouse is set to fight 2007 amateur world champion Frankie Gavin in his next bout.

The Driffield Destroyer is earmarked to fight Gavin on Frank Warren's 'Magnificent Seven' in Birmingham, on September 18 – live on pay-per-view television.

The fight was announced before Woodhouse's latest win – a ninth-round stoppage of Steffy Bull at Doncaster Dome on Friday night.

It was the former Mariner's 15th professional bout and his toughest test to date.

But the International Masters light-welterweight champ came through when a left and a right forced ref Howard Foster to step in.

The 30-year-old's display impressed promoter Frank Maloney who said: "England World Cup losers should look at Curtis and see what happens when you work hard at what you love.

"Curtis could have stayed playing football at a good level and earned much more money than he is for boxing, but loves his sport more than the pound notes.

"When he turned professional I looked at him and had serious doubts, but he has stuck at it and Dave Coldwell has turned him into a quality operator."

Now the man who played 19 times for Town in 2006 will defend his International Masters crown against Gavin at the LG Arena – close to where he used to play football for Birmingham City.

And it's a fight Gavin is relishing in his first shot at a title against a man with just one loss in 15 fights as a pro.

Gavin said: "He's the kind of guy who will give me a few rounds.

"And there's obviously going to be a bit of history, what with him playing for Birmingham City.

"To be honest, I would have fought him on my debut, I'm that confident of beating him.

"That said though, he's a decent opponent and I'm glad I'm fighting him now.

"I've been crying out for a title fight for a while now and, thankfully, Frank Warren has come up with the goods and in my home-town as well."

More shows on horizon at the Beachcomber

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

BOXING promoter Dave Coldwell is ready to put on regular shows at the Beachcomber if the punters continue to get behind Grimsby professional Kevin Hooper.

More than 300 people were at the Humberston venue to see light-welterweight Hooper win his fifth straight contest in his first fight on home territory last Sunday against former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight of Nuneaton.

Previously Hooper, 26, has boxed in Rotherham and Birmingham but is likely to be at the Beachcomber again in October.

Coldwell, pictured, was encouraged by the good turnout at the weekend.

He said: "The atmosphere and everything has been fantastic. I'm absolutely over the moon with it.

"Kev's got great support. When he comes down to box at Rotherham he always sells about 150 tickets, so we've come here, given it a go and it's gone really well.

"At the minute I'm looking at coming here in the first week in October if we can fix it with the venue.

"There's one or two issues that need sorting out with the venue and if that can be ironed out, I'll be back."

Coldwell went on: "People have to turn out. This is the first one. We have had a decent response but hopefully people will go home and tell a friend and bring a friend next time and then we can start making a really good go of it up here, and take Kev all the way.

"When a kid has got all the support of his home town, he tends to be able to get a bit more backing, and then television are interested, and you get on TV shows and we can start doing big things."

He was impressed with Hooper's latest victory: "I think he boxed brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I think he is improving all the time and he is a kid who likes to learn.

"He listens and he's got very fast hands. He is boxing really well and he has a decent brain on him."

Boxer Kevin Hooper delights army of fans with homecoming win

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

UNBEATEN boxer Kevin Hooper hailed a "brilliant" homecoming after winning for the first time in his own backyard.

The Grimsby-based light-welterweight earned a comfortable victory over former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight.

And it gave him an unblemished record of five successes on the trot since turning professional last October.

The 26-year-old's 10-month wait for action on the east coast could not have gone more smoothly yesterday as Swadlincote referee Rob Chalmers awarded him the fight 60-55 on points.

Hooper, who had more desire throughout, won all of the six two-minute rounds bar the third, adjudged even.

In truth, it was no classic, but Laight had little with which to hurt Hooper, who delivered in front of a partisan crowd at the Beachcomber in Humberston.

The event, staged by Hooper's manager Dave Coldwell, was the first in the Grimsby area since December 2008, the last time Laight tasted one of his six career victories as he approaches 100 fights in the professional game.

But a delighted winner declared: "He was the toughest challenger, by far, I have faced. He has just been in with Jay Morris for the British Masters title, losing a close points decision, so I knew it would be a tough test, especially in front of my home crowd with a lot of pressure on me. But it has gone really well.

"This is the best support I have ever had and I would like to thank everybody for turning out. It has been absolutely brilliant."

It was a sentiment backed by his trainer Sean Wood, who said the fight had gone to plan and that Hooper's hard work in preparation had all paid off.

There was a rousing home welcome for the Grimsby pro, who took to the ring with The Killers' Mr Brightside echoing around the oppressive heat in the Starlight Room as many of the 300 or so fans joined in singing and chanting.

Hooper showed he, too, was fine tuned with a positive start, taking the fight to his 30-year-old Nuneaton opponent with his left jab, but mixing it up with body shots and combinations.

He got forward at every opportunity but there was a lot of missing, while Laight was happy to keep his defence high. In the fourth round the tempo increased as the business end of the contest came into view, but it was obvious by then the Midlander was going to have to find a knockout punch to deny Super Hooper a homecoming party.

In fact Hooper was still the busier of the two and, though Laight had one or two shots reach their target, the writing was on the wall.

Promoter Coldwell, happy with the high fives for his man, and a good turnout from the fans, promised a return in October with Hooper again topping the bill.

Should another victory come his way then he will seriously start to think about every boxer's dream – a title shot.

Super Hooper homes in for victory

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY light-welterweight Kevin Hooper today earned a comfortable 60-55 points victory over former British Masters challenger Kristian Laight at the Beachcomber in Humberston.

It was the boxer's first fight on home turf in his fifth professional bout.

A full report plus Hooper's reaction, together with a picture from the fight, will appear in tomorrow's Telegraph.

Grimsby boxer Kevin Hooper hoping for home success on Sunday

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY boxer Kevin Hooper will fight British Masters light-welterweight title challenger Kristian Laight when professional boxing returns to the area on Sunday.

Laight, 30, from Nuneaton, will provide the biggest test of Hooper's pro career when the pair clash at the Beachcomber.

Laight fought Jay Morris for the British Masters title last month, losing 98-95 on points.

But Hooper, who has four wins from four fights to his name, believes victory would prove he is edging closer to a title shot of his own.

And he is determined to showcase his emerging talent in front of a packed home crowd.

"I'll have to put in a smart boxing performance to beat him, he's no mug," said Hooper.

"He's a bit of a journeyman, but is tough and always fit.

"He's capable of upsetting my homecoming, but that's not going to happen – no chance.

"If I box smart and can see him off using good technique, I will prove to myself that I'm starting to knock on the door of a title shot.

"It's great to be bringing professional boxing back to the area.

"And if the show goes well another one could take place by Christmas."

The show, organised by manager David Coldwell, will mark the first professional boxing card the resort has hosted since Joe Frater's last Christmas show in 2008.

Hooper went on: "It's the first time as a pro I'll be fighting in Cleethorpes.

"My fans have offered great support travelling to my fights in Rotherham, so I'll expect an even bigger following on Sunday.

Former Mariner Curtis Woodhouse, a training partner of Hooper's, has said he plans to attend.

Two days' earlier the 30-year-old lightweight, nicknamed the Driffield Destroyer, takes on Yorkshire rival Stefy Bull of Conisbrough.

Barnsley's Josh Wale, whom Hooper helped train up for the Prizefighter Super Bantamweights contest screened live on Sky Sports, will also be in the crowd.

Hooper said: "It'll be great to have some stars in the audience.

"I think Curtis will stop his opponent.

"He's in great shape, I think it could be an early night."

Former Grimsby Amateur Boxing Club fighter Hooper said training with his coach Sean Wood has gone "really well".

Amateur Tom Ramsden joined in training and has been a "big support", Hooper added.

Neil Beevers, Gary Reid, Ali Shah, Nasser Al Harbi, Nav Mansouri and Joe Catchpole feature on the undercard.

Tickets, priced £25 and £45 (ringside) are available and can be ordered by contacting Hooper on 07532 380456.

Doors open at 1.30pm, with the boxing starting at 3pm.

Grimsby kickboxers praised for grading performance

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

FIFTY-TWO students from Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club have passed their latest grading exams with flying colours.

Some 36 junior students and 16 adults were able to proudly wear their new belts at a club presentation night.

And examiners were so impressed with the students' performances that they awarded extra medals to commemorate "outstanding effort".

The juniors obtained belts ranging from red to brown in colour after passing a one-and-a-half-hour exam.

The older students were put through their paces for two-and-a-half hours in tests across six different levels, including two brown grades.

GFKC head coach John Tomlinson said the juniors put "100 per cent" into their exam, adding that they needed physical and mental practice beforehand.

He added: "It is a tough exam, no matter how old you are.

"The exam tests your technical ability and skills within the martial arts, along with other attributes such as determination, attitude, personal character and endurance."

On the seniors' performance, Tomlinson said: "The adults proved just how much team spirit within the club pulls you through the most extreme situations.

"It was a tough two-and-a-half hour exam and by the end of it they all had put every last inch of effort into their performance which showed on the night."

For information on joining Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club, contact Tomlinson on 0796106332 or visit www.gfkc.co.uk.

Grimsby Boxing Academy set to host first show this year

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY Boxing Academy are preparing to host their first show later this year.

The club has revealed plans for a knockout fight night on Wednesday, October 6, at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre.

GBA head coach Andy Cox said: "We are proud to announce our first ever show in Cleethorpes.

"It will give our boxers something to work for over the summer period and will give our young talent something to fight for," added Cox.

Tickets will go on sale in July, priced £10, £15 and £25 for ringside.

For more information, keep checking the club's website at grimsbyboxingacademy.co.uk

Shaw brothers reign supreme on amateur circuit

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY Boxing Academy's Ben Shaw has hit back from defeat with a revenge victory against Grainger Park's Karl White.
Shaw suffered a points defeat to the Newcastle fighter last month after a close battle.
But Shaw took the opportunity to avenge that loss by beating White in his hometown.
The 14-year-old Humberston pupil was tidier and stronger throughout.
And although the judges were impressed by White's busy and aggressive style, as well as Shaw's fast counter-punches, victory by majority decision was awarded to the GBA fighter, trained by Andy Cox, pictured below.
A delighted Shaw is now looking forward to his next bout, in Leicester, in a few weeks' time.

Brother Mike Shaw was also crowned king of the ring after winning his fight at a show in Hull.

He faced on Kingston ABC boxer Mathew Crossley.
Despite home advantage and more experience, Crossley couldn't find a way through Shaw's southpaw guard.

Shaw took the bout at short notice, having only returned to boxing three months ago after being inactive for over a year.

But, boxing at the higher weight of 84kg, he dominated the centre of the ring throughout the first round with his strong jab and straight left.
Shaw showed cleverness off the back foot in rounds two and three to counter Crossley's aggressive style.
And he was backed by all three judges for a win that takes his record to three wins from three contests.

Jake Smith, 14, battled to a draw against Tadas Pukas from Kingston ABC.
Countering his opponent's longer reach, Smith landed combinations inside Pukas' guard.
And after an exciting scrap the referee raised both boxers' hands.

Shaw brothers reign supreme on amateur circuit

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY Boxing Academy's Ben Shaw has hit back from defeat with a revenge victory against Grainger Park's Karl White.

Shaw suffered a points defeat to the Newcastle fighter last month after a close battle.

But Shaw took the opportunity to avenge that loss by beating White in his hometown.

The 14-year-old Humberston pupil was tidier and stronger throughout.

And although the judges were impressed by White's busy and aggressive style, as well as Shaw's fast counter-punches, victory by majority decision was awarded to the GBA fighter, trained by Andy Cox, pictured below.

A delighted Shaw is now looking forward to his next bout, in Leicester, in a few weeks' time.

Brother Mike Shaw was also crowned king of the ring after winning his fight at a show in Hull.

He faced on Kingston ABC boxer Mathew Crossley.

Despite home advantage and more experience, Crossley couldn't find a way through Shaw's southpaw guard.

Shaw took the bout at short notice, having only returned to boxing three months ago after being inactive for over a year.

But, boxing at the higher weight of 84kg, he dominated the centre of the ring throughout the first round with his strong jab and straight left.

Shaw showed cleverness off the back foot in rounds two and three to counter Crossley's aggressive style.

And he was backed by all three judges for a win that takes his record to three wins from three contests.

Jake Smith, 14, battled to a draw against Tadas Pukas from Kingston ABC.

Countering his opponent's longer reach, Smith landed combinations inside Pukas' guard.

And after an exciting scrap the referee raised both boxers' hands.

Welterweight boxer Kevin Hooper targets home victory

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

KEVIN Hooper is aiming to put on a knockout show when he spearheads the return of professional boxing to Cleethorpes.

The 26-year-old light welterweight is headlining a homecoming fight card at the Beachcomber on Sunday, July 4.

Organised by Hooper's manager and promoter David Coldwell, the show will be the first pro boxing event the resort has seen since Joe Frater's Christmas show at the same venue in 2008.

But this time a Grimsby-born pro will be the star act.

And 'Super Hooper', who has four wins from four fights since joining the pro ranks, can't wait to add to his tally in front of a home crowd.

He said: "It's great to be involved in a homecoming and I'm hoping the place will be packed out.
"I think it's great for the sport in this region – boxing fans and people new to the sport should both come along to see the show.
"It's great to be bringing professional boxing back to the area
"I've been training hard and really want to put on a good show."

Grimsby Town fans who attend the show might spot a familiar face in the crowd as former Mariner-turned pro boxer and International Masters light-welterweight title holder Curtis Woodhouse is hoping to attend.

Woodhouse, a friend and regular sparring partner of Hooper's, fights Rick Godding at the Doncaster Dome two days earlier, targeting for his fourteenth victory from 15 bouts.

The show's undercard will include Scunthorpe light-middleweight Steve Spence, 23, as well as Barnsley's Neil Beevers and unbeaten up-and-coming stars Ali Shah and Nath Al Harbi.

Hooper's trainer Sean Wood is delighted a local boxer is headlining a pro card in his hometown.
"The pro game has been a bit quiet in Grimsby," said Wood.

"I've been working to try to make it busy.

"Kev turning pro has broken down walls for other local boxers and I'm hoping to turn out at least two more pro fighters in the next few years.

"By seeing him fight, it will show to more of the younger lads that the pro game is attainable.

"Plenty of people will know about his Kev's four fights to date but won't have seen him fight, so we're hoping for a sell-out crowd.

"There's plenty of entertainment on the undercard too. Neil Beevers, in particular, is a real crowd pleaser because he's a right brawler."

Tickets are available, priced £25 or £45 ringside. Contact the venue or Hooper directly on 07532380456.

Hooper feels for beaten Prizefighter contestant Josh

Mon, 31 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY boxer Kevin Hooper said he was "gutted" for training partner Josh Wale after his split-decision despair in the super-bantamweight Prizefighter showdown on Saturday night.

The 22-year-old Barnsley fighter lost out by the tightest of margins to eventual winner Willie Casey at the semi-final stage of competition, which was broadcast live by Sky Sports at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

The eight-man one-night boxing format, created by leading promoter Barry Hearn, sees a mixture of established and up-and-coming fighters do battle over three rounds of three minutes to secure the title.

With the 26-year-old Grimsby professional Hooper watching ringside, Wale began the night with a split-decision victory against former British, Commonwealth and European title holder Esham Pickering.

That win put Wale through to the semi-finals, one victory shy of a shot at the title and a £32,000 prize.

Wale was protecting a cut to his eye from his clash against Pickering but put in a better performance against Casey.

That time, however, the split decision didn't go Wale's way, and Casey went on to clinch the lucrative title by beating Paul McElhinney, a late stand-in for finalist Ricky Owen who was forced out of action by a cut eye.

Hooper, trained by Grimsby's Sean Wood, felt Wale was unlucky: "I thought he'd done enough for the win and so did he and a lot of other people did too.

"Because of his cut he had to fight off his back foot in the semi and Casey was always in his face.

"That probably cost Josh because, as he said to me afterwards, if you are not the aggressor you often don't win.

"I'm gutted for him after all the hard work.

"It was a great atmosphere though. I'd love to be involved in a Prizefighter in the future."

Hooper questioned the rule of allowing a substitute to stand in at the final stage, rather than using an eliminated opponent from earlier rounds: "It doesn't seem a fair rule for someone to just come in for one fight as a reserve and take home £16,000."

Hooper has a role in Wale's big splash

Sat, 29 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

HOT boxing prospect Josh Wale turned to Grimsby professional Kevin Hooper to help him prepare for his Prizefighter showdown in London tonight.

The 22-year-old Barnsley fighter takes on former British, Commonwealth and European title holder Esham Pickering in the quarter-finals of the eight-man one-night competition – created by Matchroom supremo Barry Hearn – at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Wale's super bantamweight fight is the ultimate clash of youth versus experience, as his Newark opponent is 11 years his senior.

At stake, should Wale make it through two fights to reach the final, would be a £67,000 top prize.

The competition offers a quick-fire format, with three rounds of three minutes, and is intended to give young boxing prospects the chance to shine.

Ahead of his clash in the super bantamweight show, Wale turned to 26-year-old light welterweight Hooper, trained by Grimsby's Sean Wood, to put him through his paces in sparring.

Hooper, who has four victories out of four since turning pro, was happy to oblige.

And he said: "Sparring with Josh has gone really well.

"He uses me because of my weight advantage.

"He says I'm always on him and I'm a clever boxer.

"It's good for me too because Josh is relentless.

"He's also very strong for his weight, he's stronger than most of the fighters I've fought."

Hooper enjoys regular sparring sessions with the likes of Wale and ex-Mariner turned boxing champion Curtis Woodhouse thanks to their shared connection with Haymaker Boxing's Dave Coldwell, who manages the Grimsby fighter.

The former Grimsby Amateur Boxing Club member admitted he would love to fight in front of the TV cameras at a Prizefighter event one day and he has tipped Wale to go all the way in the latest competition.

Hooper said: "Esham Pickering is an experienced opponent but I think Josh will do well and hopefully win it.

"He is more than capable.

"I'd love to do something similar in the future.

"A couple more wins and, later in my pro career, you never know."

Hooper will be in the capital to watch tonight's show along with his coach Wood, who has also tipped Wale to scoop the prize: "I think Josh will win as he was very good at amateur level doing 'three threes'.

"Esham is good but past his best. Josh will be too quick for him.

"Josh and Kev are great to watch in sparring, they always have a right tear up together.

"I'm friends with Mick, Josh's dad. He likes Kev and thinks they bring the best out of each other."

English kickboxing champ John Lee wants more titles

Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

KICKBOXER John Lee's intense training regime made all the difference as he punched and kicked his way to his first ever WAKO English title.

The Grimsby Martial Arts Academy fighter battled to a unanimous points victory over Doncaster's Phil Ayres and already has his sights on a British title rematch with the formidable Audi Kinga in October.

The middleweight (72-75kg) encounter in Basildon saw Lee and Ayres slug it out for the full five rounds before all three judges awarded the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations English belt to the Grimsby man.

"It was a real tough fight and he was a very tough opponent. He rocked me in the first minute but I came back at him and my fitness told in the end," explained Lee.

"That was the difference really – I've been working really hard on my fitness with Wayne Patterson at the club and doing lots of pad work.

"I trained for six weeks for this fight, twice a day and I've got to say a massive thank you to Wayne and Mike Blythin for their help.

"Thanks to the fans that travelled all the way down to Essex to support me as well, that means a lot to me.

"It was quite an explosive fight – real no-holds barred stuff – and there were some good punches and kicks going in.

"But I was confident I had won it at the end because I had stuck to my game plan.

"I was really happy because that's what I've trained for and everyone at the club have been working for – it's a real team effort with these guys and I'm just one part of that."

The encounter was Lee's first action since his unsuccessful shot at the WAKO British title in December – a bout that ended in a points defeat to multi-title holder Kinga.

The opportunity to have another crack at the highly-rated Springhealth Kickboxing Gym fighter is a exciting one for Lee.

He said: "I gave him a good fight last time but when I look back his fitness told over mine – I learned a lots of lessons from that fight and realised I had to raise my fitness in order to make that step up in class.

"I believe I can beat him now and I am much more determined than I was the first time around.

"Hopefully I will also be selected for the England team. That's picked in July and it would be great to get on the team for the World Martial Arts Games in Beijing or the European Championships later this year."

Boxing return

Sat, 15 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

PROFESSIONAL boxing is returning to Grimsby – and local boy Kevin Hooper will be top of the bill.

The 26-year-old light-welterweight trained by Sean Wood will headline a boxing show at the Beachcomber, Cleethorpes on June 27.

Super Hooper, who has four wins from four since turning pro, was cheered on by more than 100 fans in his last two bouts at Rotherham's Magna Centre.

Hooper's manager David Coldwell is promoting the Cleethorpes fight night.

"It's for Kev's fans," Coldwell said.

"His support has been fantastic at my last two shows in Rotherham so this is for them.

"And it's also a chance for more people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes to see what Kev is really about."

Tickets cost £25, or £45 ringside, and are available via the venue or through contacting Hooper on 07532380456.

Kickboxing club raises donation

Wed, 12 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

GRIMSBY Freestyle Kickboxing Club students raised close to £1,000 at a Sport Relief charity night.

Martial artists at the club took part in a two-hour non-stop kickboxing class to raise £964 for the charity, £364 more than the previous year.

Focus pads, strike shields and punch-bag drills, along with some sparring, were the activities junior and senior students undertook for the full two hours non-stop – not even for a drink.

GFKC coach John Tomlinson said: "At the end of the class there was steam rising from the floor and the students due to all their hard work.

"The team spirit in the gym on the night was incredible and all their hard work paid off to raise a fantastic amount of money."

Anyone interested in joining GFKC can visit www.gfkc.co.uk or contact John Tomlinson by phone on 07961 063321.