JC’s ABC hosted their fourth show at a packed to capacity Sidac Social Club and yet again it proved to be an inspiring success, writes Jon-Jo Doherty.

A raucous atmosphere held the suspense as keen skilled local talent, practised an art form which has long been one of the toughest sports on the planet.

Cole Roughley bagged himself the prestigious ‘boxer of the night’ in a titanic affair against Jack Roberts from Old Swan.

Roughley commanded the centre of the ring and thwarted his opponent at every quarter. The young man delighted his ringside coach Melissa Kenny, growing from strength-to-strength with yet more experience under his belt.

In the skills contests which are set up to give young boxers a chance to establish themselves and are not judged, with no determinate winners or losers.

Corey Fletcher out first showed real zeal as a future prospect in his bout against Theo Lloyd. Ella Parkes performed supremely well against Kelsey Carney from ‘The Solly’ in Liverpool.

And in the final skills contest which was an ‘open skills contest’, allowing more freedom to express; Caden Hughes combated Mason Wainwright from Majestic ABC in Wigan.

He exerted himself from the start and showed yet again the strength in depth of the club, the young talent just on the horizon and possible future prospects.

Against strong opposition JC’s won six of the 10 competitive bouts that they were involved in.

George Donoghue delighted the home faithful notching up the first victory. He characteristically moved with great energy and was on the front foot from the first.

Next up was Jazza ‘Jasmine Davies’, showing great heart and determination and she wowed the onlooking judges, making swift work of Amelia York from Technique ABC in Blackburn.

Louisa Tunstall despite sickness earlier on in the week determinedly set foot in the ring against Alice Pumphrey from Sharpstyle ABC in Blackpool.

In defeat Tunstall held her head up high and with further experience and progressive learning, she vowed to come back stronger.

And Kevin Tol was handed a hard earned lesson in defeat and will hope to learn a huge amount. Zac Dwyer delighted family and friends, and as cool as you like boxed brilliantly beating his opponent Cassey Scott from the Jimmy Egans gym in Manchester.

Tyrone price fought with great determination and with a split decision and defeat the home faithful were right in feeling a little aggrieved. He’ll be back stronger though as you can see the young man has fire burning in his heart.

Ben Whittall wove his magic and duly gained victory as there was no doubt in this one.

Whittall’s enthusiasm showed just what can be achieved with a valiantly fought three rounds and a heroic win.

Tom Wilburn the ever fluid, ever more comfortable, stylish boxer warmed under the spotlight, showing a dazzling amount of ability and potential to take on just about anyone he chooses.

Amazing successes as the final curtain was about to bring down the end to another humongous evening. Alan Johnson took on the sixth best boxer in the country in Thomas Pogson from Imp’s Gym Scunthorpe. And what a showdown with both boxers taking blow for blow, and it might well have gone either way.

The judges gave it to Pogson, but JC’s Alan Johnson who having just been selected for Merseyside and Cheshire, was delighted in knowing that he can mix it with the best.

Another extraordinary night from a local boxing club that is seriously establishing itself on the big stage.

JC’s train on Jackson Street St Helens, and cater to young aspiring boxers from the ages of 10 and above. They also operate keep fit classes and boxercise for adults. They are open six days a week and have a friendly team ethos, and welcome all those in the local community.