THE annual boxing event at the Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange-over-Sands proved a great success, despite some disappointing results for Barrow’s boxers.

The sold-out dinner show, organised by the Furness Freemasons group, witnessed three skills match-ups and 11 competitive bouts, along with seeing £11,000raised for charity as well.

The highlight of the card was a contest between Barrow ABC’s Louis Smith and Marc Haughton, of Carlisle Villa, and this eagerly-anticipated confrontation between two skilled pugilists did not disappoint.

It was three rounds of non-stop action as both men showed their skill, aggression and athletic ability, and the two opening rounds were shared to leave the outcome then resting on the third.

Both corners knew how tight the contest was and their charges went out with words of advice ringing in their ears, but when the final bell sounded it was Carlisle man Haughton who has his arm raised after getting the nod from the judges. Both combatants received well-earned, sustained applause from the spectators who appreciated the display they had put on.

First up of the Barrow boxers had been 10-year-old Ryan Jones who took on another Carlisle boxer, Leyton Nimmo, in a non-scoring skills bout. Despite their tender years and inexperience both showed great talent in both defence and attack.

Furness Catholic had Jamie Reynolds making his debut, but on the night he came up against a more experienced, older and stronger opponent in Jay Nicholson, of Tyldesley Centurions.

Even so, Reynolds never took a backward step despite taking some heavy punches and was still eager to continue when the bout was stopped. No doubt he will learn from his maiden outing in the ring and, under the coaching of Team Ryan, come back a better fighter for it.

Also in action was Barrow ABC’s Brandon Smith, who took on Joe Kelly, from Carlisle Villa, and this was another close encounter which saw the boxer from the north of the county get the decision.

Both proved very skilful exponents of the noble art with Kelly having an advantage in reach which proved crucial. Though bloody and bruised, but unbowed, Smith can reflect that with a little more luck and accuracy he could well have gotten the nod from the judges at ringside.

Once again the ferocity of the contest was reflected in the sporting way in which the two opponents congratulated each other at the end of the bout.

It was a special night too for Newby Bridge lodge member and MC Ralph Spours, who received rapturous applause when Furness and South Lakeland Masonic group chairman Peter Schofield informed the audience it was his 25th anniversary of taking on the role. His cries of “Gentlemen, gentlemen” issued before his announcements are very much part of the fabric of the evening.