Arthur proud to present first boxing event

Last year Jamie Arthur decided to hang up his gloves after career that lasted over 20 years to focus on coaching the next generation of boxers and today he’s proud to announce his first ever boxing event.

The Rhydyfelin Sports Bar will host ‘Rumble In The Rhyd’ on Friday June 21st, under the jurisdiction of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association.

Arthur enjoyed a stellar amateur career which included numerous Welsh titles and culminated in a gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Having competed at all levels of the amateur code during his 12 years, he believes his current stable have the potential to make their own personal history.

He said, “Whatever level they’re at, our gym will help boxers achieve their ultimate performances and reach the goals we set together. I’m over the moon to host our own show because this is a big step to doing that. We’ll give our boxers a chance to box in their local area and it’ll be in front of their own family, friends and fans.”

Arthur’s Gym is situated in Rhydyfelin, through history the Rhondda region has produced numerous British boxing greats which include Jimmy Wilde, Freddie Welsh, Tommy Farr and Percy Jones.

Although in its infancy, the set-up achieved almost instant success earlier this year when three boxers reached the Welsh Amateur Boxing Novice Championship Final in March, with two winning coveted red Welsh vests. Sparky Price and Robbie Evans were the gyms first champions and Arthur is assured that they can go on to more success this coming season and inspire their stablemates to follow suit.

He said, “The boys did fantastic, it wasn’t just the fact that they won a title but the way they did it and conducted themselves. I was extremely proud of them and so was everyone else in the gym. It gave the gym an extra feel good factor and that’s helped everyone from keep fitters to their fellow amateur boxers.

“It’s not always about winning, especially in the amateurs, we’re here to guide the boxers so they can learn the lessons to be the best that the can be. As a trainer, I’m just as committed to helping my boxers as they are to improve and that’s why I know our first show is going to be a good one for the fans to see what amateur boxing is all about.”

In his professional boxing career Arthur again enjoyed Welsh and Commonwealth title success, while also competing for the British title three times. With Welsh professional boxing thriving and numerous champions being churned out, Arthur is adamant that it’s important to put back in to grass-roots boxing for the future generations.

He said, “If it wasn’t for grass-roots boxing then the sport wouldn’t be what it is. Amateur boxing is the bedrock of the sport and we’re determined to continue to do what’s best for it. We’d like to thank everyone who has made it possible for us to host our own home show and we look forward to seeing you on the night.”

Tickets for ‘Rumble In The Rhyd’ are £10, with concessions priced at £5 available for OAP’s and children aged under 12. There will be a limited number of tickets made available to buy on the door but to avoid disappointment, it’s advised to contact Arthur’s Gym for tickets on 07896878336 or 01443404733.

SATCHELL V BUTCHER ON PRICE BILL

 

KEVIN SATCHELL will make the second defence of his British flyweight championship against Iain Butcher at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday 6th July.

 

The battle between the unbeaten duo is the second domestic title contest added to the bill topped by the heavyweight rematch between David Price (15-1) and Tony Thompson (37-3).

 

Also on the bill Bristol’s Darren Hamilton (13-2) risks his British light-welterweight crown against Adil Anwar (19-1).

 

Victory will take Satchell (10-0) to within one defence of winning a Lonsdale belt outright.

 

The 24-year-old scouser took the title against Chris Edwards last October and then outpointed Luke Wilton in February in his first defence.

 

Promoter Frank Maloney said: “It would be nice if Kevin could win this and then get in another quick defence to get a Lonsdale belt for keeps inside a year.

 

“After that we can look towards the world stage at flyweight, or if he moved up to super-flyweight he might be tempted to chase Paul Butler.”

 

Motherwell’s Butcher (8-0) only celebrated his 21st birthday last month but has made good progress in a 20 month pro career.

 

He warmed up for his big chance five weeks ago outscoring Andras Varga in Belfast.

 

Butcher competed in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, but was narrowly beaten 4-2 by gold medallist Paddy Barnes in their Round of 16 meeting.

 

Maloney added: “People might say Butcher lacks experience, but in the eight stone division domestic fighters rise very quickly and he has great amateur pedigree so is well schooled.

 

“He is a good opponent for Kevin, who will have to be as impressive as he was in wins against Paul Edwards when he won the Commonwealth title and Chris Edwards.”

 

Tickets for ‘Redemption’ are available priced £180 (VIP including private bar), £100, £80, £50, £35 can be obtained fromwww.echoarena.com and telephone bookings can be made by calling 08448000400.

Warren Sinden is ready to make up for lost time as he prepares to make his ring return at the end of June.

The Welsh wizard made his professional debut 18 months ago, drawing with Preston’s Sammy McSpadden. Disillusioned with his management team and training regime, Sinden went in search of a new trainer and gym to move his career forward.

After much searching, he settled with Mark Wall at Birmingham-based ‘Prospects Gym’ and now, the Welshpool-born light middleweight is ready to prove himself in the paid ranks when he appears on the undercard of It’s-A-Bout-Boxing’s Salvation: Rise of the Trumanator Show at the Institute, Digbeth, Birmingham on Saturday, 29th June.

“I was at university when I made my pro debut,” Sinden explained to . “I was training in a gym with no intention of going pro but it just happened.

“When I fought McSpadden he came in 8lbs overweight on the night but I didn’t want to let anyone down, so agreed to fight him anyway. I was also told he was orthodox but then, when we started, it was obvious he was a southpaw. I was frustrated afterwards as I thought I’d done enough to win the fight but more so because of the poor preparation.

“I was disillusioned so I moved back home to Welshpool and started looking for a gym that was a better fit. I settled with Mark (Wall) and haven’t looked back since.

“His gym isn’t too far from me. It’s about an hour or so away, nothing crazy, and we have clicked. I enjoy working with him.

“I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt and can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

The 23 year-old enjoyed a stellar amateur career which included Welsh schoolboy titles, international bouts and two senior Welsh ABA final appearances.

Now, after signing a ten-fight deal with promoter, Marcus Anderson, the owner of the It’s-A-Bout Boxing brand, Sinden is determined to have even more success as a pro boxer.

“I enjoyed my time as an amateur but I’m ready to prove myself as a pro,” he added. “At this stage of my career it’s about gaining experience and getting rounds under my belt.

“It is early days but I have high hopes. I want to kick on now and make up for lost time. I only want to have a couple of 4x3’s before I move up to six and eight rounds and, by the end of my 10 fight deal with Marcus, I’ve been promised a shot at the Welsh Title. That’s my aim.”

Top of the Digbeth bill sees Erdington light welterweight, Chris Truman, take on Liverpool’s Stephen Jennings for a British Masters belt.

The undercard also features exciting Burton welterweight, Tom Shaw.

Coventry’s Troy ‘Terrifying’ James will also be in action whilst former Prizefighter challenger, Northampton lightweight, Jamie Spence, and prospects Michael Mooney and Ainsley Seivwright complete the card.

Tickets are priced at just £25 General, £50 Ringside and £75 VIP Ringside. They are by calling the Box Office on 0845 467 3930 or 07888 870 650.