Quartet ready to seizeshot at national glory

And Fareham and Gosport ABC’s are out to seize their opportunities to make their mark on the big stage this weekend.

Louis Small and Bradley Miller go into battle as they aim to become Fareham’s first national champions in around a quarter of a century.

Small meets Queensway’s Danyal Mahmood, with the 15-year-old aiming for success at 50kg.

Miller goes at 52kg as the 16-year-old locks horns with Aston ABC’s Hubish Khan.

It will be a landmark weekend for Fareham as they prove they can punch their weight with bigger rivals.

Matchmaker, Shellie Whiffin, believes the pair will do their club justice

She said: ‘The boys are excited and grateful for their chances.

‘They are up for it and are quite confident going in.

‘We’re showing that you don’t have to have a state-of-the-art gym to create good boxers. It doesn’t mean anything.

‘We have a back-to-basics gym but have got talent at the club.

‘There are a lot of people pulling together to help.

‘Leon Tyrell, Darrell Hare, Brian Finnie and Ralph Sweeney have all really helped the lads.

‘We wouldn’t have got anywhere without their help.

‘Now the boys are going to give it their all to become national champions.’

Rosie Ratzer (54kg) and Kelly O’Neil (81kg) lead the charge for Gosport in their two-pronged title tilt.

Gosport’s female boxers are flourishing, with O’Neill making a boxing comeback at the age of 25.

Ratzer, 21, hopes her roughhouse tactics can see her charge to success.

With Katie Smith and Stella Whitehead boxing in London last night, it’s a busy weekend for coach Darren Blair and his outfit.

Blair said: ‘We’ve got a real good team of girls with us at the club at the moment. Really good.

‘There is a chance now for these two girls to pick up national title – so we are concentrating on them both.

‘Kelly is making a comeback and has come back to her roots with us.

‘She is boxing well and has a girl with a similar level of experience.

‘Rose has been around for a while now and has worked hard.

‘We’ve done our homework on her opponent and are confident she will go out there and do herself justice.’

Gosport are also gearing up for their dinner show at the Thorngate Halls on November 18.

Spaces are fast running out for the event, with seats available at £40 per head.

Blair added: ‘These events are crucial in helping the club to stay afloat.’

For tickets contact Blair on (07767) 662355.