Wisbech Boxing Club to hold its first open show for five years

By ADAM LAZZARI

WISBECH Amateur Boxing Club is set to hold its first open show in five years.

Club secretary Saphire Lee confirmed this week that the event will be held at Thomas Clarkson Community College on October 17 and tickets are now available.

Mrs Lee said: "This is fantastic news for Wisbech. We've had real trouble finding a venue to hold a show. Many people are anti-boxing and don't want us, so we're incredible grateful to everyone at Thomas Clarkson Community College for allowing us to use their facilities."

There were fears last year that Wisbech ABC, the home of European schoolboy champion Eli Frankham, may close because it had always relied on income received from open shows.

Plans were made to hold an open air boxing show at Wisbech Town Football Club's former ground at Fenland Park in July last year, but this was cancelled because their application to Fenland District Council for a entertainment licence was submitted one day past the deadline.

Mrs Lee said: "This is set to be a spectacular event for the town. We aim to have about 15 fights with boxers coming from all over the country.

"We hope to get all of our Wisbech boxers on the bill as well as some of the guys from Chatteris and March."

Frankham said: "I fight all over the country so local people don't have a chance to see me box.

"It will be great to fight in front of a home crowd - I've not done it for years."

Tickets are �30 with a three-course dinner and �10 without.

They can be obtained by contacting Mrs Lee on 01945 583266.

n Boxing fans will get a preview of Frankham in action tomorrow (Friday) when he gives a boxing demonstration at ASDA supermarket in Wisbech from 10am-2pm.

ASDA sponsor Frankham and he will be collecting sponsorship money on the day to help pay for travelling expenses and training equipment.