Northumbria Sport Boxing Clever

Northumbria University Boxing has received a ringing endorsement from the region’s movers and shakers after bagging a prestigious award.

The club clinched the prize for Best Show at the annual North East Boxing awards hosted by Martin Devlin and Fighting Talk Promotions.

Northumbria’s knockout performance in staging the 2017 Honour And Pride 2 showcase at the university’s Students’ Union was widely praised.

And proud head coach Mark Telford admitted the standard has been set ahead of a meeting next week to discuss the club’s next big boxing event.

“It was pretty cool for the University to be recognised for its contribution to North East boxing and commended for the Honour And Pride 2 show,” he said.

“We were told it wasn’t just the quality of the boxing that made people sit up and take notice - the overall package impressed everyone. They liked the cheerleaders, the venue, the lighting, the attitude of the staff and how we made everyone feel so welcome.

“We’re meeting next Thursday to start planning the next event. The last one exceeded everyone’s expectations in terms of attendance and the positive reaction so we already have a job on to surpass that.”

Telford was presented with the award by Kevin Sanders, the one-time trainer of Nigel Benn and current promoter and manager.

He added: “The evening recognises boxers, coaches and clubs across the Tyne, Tees and Wear region so it really was a fantastic achievement.

“We’re determined to put Northumbria on the North East’s boxing map and this award goes a long way towards achieving that goal.”

Northumbria Boxing are hosting a series of drop-in sessions at Sport Central throughout the summer and Telford added: “There’s plenty going on boxing-wise.

“We’ve got open sessions every week for students, staff and members of the general public and I’d urge anyone and everyone to give it a go.

“There’s a women only session on a Thursday and a mixed session on a Tuesday - just turn up and get involved!”