Knock-out show kicks off city's boxing revival

HUNDREDS of fight fans saw a knock-out show of international boxing designed to draw more tourists to the city.

The show at the Sports Arena in West Park saw 700 fans watch 14 bouts between an Australian select team and an England select team.

It was part of the city council's Hull Gold scheme, which is designed to attract more international sporting and cultural events.

It follows international darts and table tennis, which saw the city's hotels booked up earlier in the summer.

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Councillor Terry Geraghty, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: "International boxing was one of many sporting and cultural events we wanted to bring to the city in Hull Gold this year.

"It has taken on a new significance since Luke Campbell brought home his gold medal to a crowd of more than 13,000 in August.

"It was a great night of boxing. It was hugely successful and the boxing was beyond belief. The standard was so high."

Mr Geraghty said he hoped the show proves to be the spur for more boxing events in the city.

He said: "We want to make it an annual event. This is the start of many more shows.

"In the 1970s and 1980s we used to have the ABA (Amateur Boxing Association) semi-finals and we hosted Great Britain v America, which we won 10-0.

"City hall was packed to the rafters that night.

"This is a boxing city, not just a rugby league city and I think we can go back to that again.

"We also hope events like this inspire a new generation of boxers in the city to get involved in sport.

"That's what it is all about."

The Australian team arrived in England the day before the show on a two-week tour.

Bouts included three women's fights and 11 male contests.

Three of the boxers on the card were from Hull, including Louis Claridge, 16, of St Paul's, who was victorious in his bout.

The night ended with the score at 7-7 and was nail-biting to the end, with the score at 7-6 to England going into the final contest.

Allan Nicholson, secretary of Boxing Queensland, which brought the team over, said: "It has been a great night with very close fights. It was a very close contest to the end."

Skye Nicholson, of Australia, who won her bout against Talia Anthony, said she was loving being in Hull.

She said: "It's great here. It is really welcoming and has a homely atmosphere. I told my dad I wanted to move here.

"It is a really nice town and everyone is really friendly.

"It has been a great night and everyone has made friendships."