Two shows on cards

THERE could be two open boxing shows next year following the great success of Saturday's event. This year's show sold out in a staggering 90 minutes when the tickets went on sale two weeks ago.

More than 800 spectators filled the Sir John Loveridge Hall and were entertained by an evening of top boxing action.

There were no noticeable crowd problems as the show went ahead without any serious hitches.

According to the Amalgamated Boys' Club secretary Paul Ferbrache, if a sponsor can be found for a second show next year then it will go ahead.

'We've obviously spoke about it but there is lots of considering to do because it costs about £9,500 to put it on. You need a sponsor,' said Ferbrache.

'There would be no problem in selling out two shows. I think we could have sold 1,400 tickets for Saturday's show.

'It's the biggest indoor show that ever takes place in the Channel Islands. We've got no worries about doing two shows.

'I think we'd probably have one in December or May along with the one in February. The one thing we've got to allow for is that if a boxer gets stopped in a bout you have to wait for 28 days before he can box again.'

The Guernsey boxing team took a brilliant 10-5 victory over the North of England Select team at Saturday's event. The Guernsey team's coach Graham Guilbert welcomes two shows in 2008.

'It would be great, it'd be superb,' he said.

'It was good night on Saturday. If we sort out a sponsor for the other one then it would definitely be a goer.

'They've not seen some professional shows as good. Even their big halls like Bethnal Green aren't as big as Beau Sejour and we can sell it out.'

Guilbert says the open show is highlight in the boxing calendar for his fighters as it's the only event they take part in on the island that is open to the public.

'They know everyone there - their girlfriends, mums, dads, friends and families,' he said.

James Woolnough was one of the most popular Guernsey boxers who was in action on Saturday evening. The 16-year-old was welcomed to the ring by an almighty round of applause by the crowd before his light-welterweight bout with Ryan O'Hagan.

Woolnough went on to take the fight by a unanimous decision. He does not feel that the event would lose some of its gloss if it took place twice a year.

'In a way maybe but I don't think so because two in a year is a good amount as the year goes so slowly from one open show to the next,' said Woolnough.

'It would be even better if it was a bit more often. It was brilliant on Saturday and it was probably the best open show so far.

'I think all the boys would be up for two shows: it's the highlight of our season.'

The coach of the North of England select team, Steve Walshaw, also gave his backing to the idea. Because of the good relationship that he has with the Guernsey boxing scene, he would certainly be the one asked to supply the opposition for the second show.

'It's definitely a good idea when you see how quickly it sold out this year and maybe next year the tickets will be sold on the black market,' said the Mancunian yesterday.

'The boys absolutely loved it and they can't wait to come back. Our own local shows aren't as big.

'We have some championships like that and the last one that size was at the Guildhall in Preston and that was when Amir Khan fought there after he won his Olympic medal.'

A group of supporters from Walshaw's local pub, the Canal Duke, filled a table at the show.

'They were making arrangements last night for next time and a lot of other people were coming up to me saying that they will come next year,' said Walshaw.

'Another show next year will be sold out just by people from Manchester.'

Anyone interested in offering sponsorship for the boxing should contact Paul Ferbrache on 07781 100114.