A Skipton boxing gym, now proudly recognised as a vital part of the local community, is calling on residents to support local boxing by attending its second home show. The event will take place at the Skipton Hotel on Saturday, May 30. Boxers from Craven Community Boxing Club are training intensively to compete against opponents from other clubs across the region.
Isaac Brewin, a 15-year-old boxer, said: "My teammates and I can't wait to show what we've been practising in the gym. I've been training intensively and juggling my training with GCSEs. My bout is for our club's junior title belt, and I'm determined it's staying in Skipton. Hopefully, lots of people will join our families and friends in supporting us local boxers."
Craven's chief coach, Mark Shaw, a former rugby league player and bricklayer, emphasised the importance of a home show. "A home show gives boxers who train together the chance to encourage each other as they compete together and learn from each other's performance. It's logical that those performances are enhanced and boxers buoyed up when there's lots of support. Preferably loud vocal support. It takes guts to get in the ring in front of a couple of hundred people, and everyone can be confident that our boxers have the physical and mental courage required."
Shaw, 37, started boxing training after an injury and established the club in 2019. "It was obvious that more was needed for young people throughout the district. We began on the village green in Gargrave, where I live, and before we knew it, the club had grown and in 2024 was moving into its town centre premises. We also became a CIC, making us more effective in providing opportunities for local youngsters. That said, the club welcomes people of all ages. It's not necessary to compete. Many members simply enjoy the extra fitness boxing training brings. We sometimes have up to a hundred people training throughout the week, including twenty ladies. More ladies would be welcome."
Isaac has built a solid reputation on the Yorkshire boxing scene as a tough, talented, and courageous boxer. "I've come on leaps and bounds being coached by Mark. There's nothing like being on a show, the chance to let people see how hard we've trained and prove what we're made of as we compete against our opponent to decide who's physically and mentally the tougher. Please support my teammates and me by attending on May 30. You'll find it exciting, exhilarating, and maybe even enthralling."
Besides Isaac, Craven CIC boxers with confirmed bouts include Oliver Rodgers, Jack Rickerby, and Samir Omari, among others. Contact Mark Shaw on 07516 699939 or email cravencommunityboxingclub@gmail.com for tickets or if potentially able to offer sponsorship.
