Banbridge Leisure Centre’s main hall was transformed into a fantastic sporting area last Saturday night in what was a highly entertaining fight night with some of the most talented amateur boxers from England and Ireland on show, when Banbridge Boxing Club hosted Bury ABC.

In keeping with the ethos of amateur boxing both teams entertained the arena together to great applause. Led by a piper, they marched inside the ring to the sound of the ‘Star of the Co. Down’, much to the delight of the eager audience.

Bury were led by their head coach and renowned trainer, Mr Mick Jelly. Of course all eyes were scanning for a glimpse of the younger Khan, but sporting silver and white shorts Haroon was not too hard to find.

It was local 10-year-old Conor Martin from Banbridge ABC, who got proceedings off to a great start. Up against St. Malachy’s Eugene McKeever, sitting at mere 33kg, both boys worked hard and showed no signs of nerves in front of such a large audience.

Martin shaded the first round as he put his height and reach advantage to good use. Leading with his right jab, he was able to pick off his shots off. However, McKeever showed reserve, chasing Martin down, he worked the inside to good effect.

Moving in close to Martin the St. Malachy’s boy was able to fight his own fight at close range, picking up some valuable points.

With just one round remaining, both lads went all out to get as many points as possible. Conor just shaded the last round, despite a spirited comeback from young McKeever. Martin took the fight 4-3.

Next up for the local club was Peter Maughan who met Bury’s Omar Haque in the 60kg division. The Banbridge ABC boxer found himself on the defence from the bell sounded as Haque peppered him with straight shots, forcing Maughan on to the back foot.

However the Banbridge boxer used his agility, steering himself out of harms way and just as Haque took the first round Peter came back in the second.

Forcing Haque back he chose his shots carefully making each one count, closing the gap to a minimum. The third round, which would decide the fight, saw the taller and more experienced Haque work the ring and by the end of the 90 second round it was a tough call, but the Bury boxer emerged the winner by just one point (8-7).

Another promising boxer from Banbridge ABC and a favourite with the home crowd was Adam McBurney who met Philip Bigmore from Springhill ABC.

This was one of the fights that stood out on the night in an impressive display of guts and determination. Bigmore was the more aggressive of the two and wasted no time in becoming acquainted with McBurney as he greeted him with a sharp left hook that rocked the Newry Road lad.

It was clear that Bigmore wanted an early stoppage but McBurney absorbed some heavy blows to the body as he continued to mix it.

However in the remaining two rounds Adam started to use his reach and refused to be drawn in.