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Boxing Day
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CELEBRATE BOXING DAY ON AUGUST 27
Iain Ferguson
No, not another reminder of Christmas, but a spotlight on the athletes who train hard, pull on a pair of gloves and step into the ring. They all deserve admiration for taking part in what has been referred to as ‘the loneliest sport’.
AIBA International Boxing Association has proposed August 27 is celebrated as International Boxing Day in recognition of each individuals’ commitment and dedication to the sport. This is the third year in which it has been globally marked, although previously the date was July 22.
The association suggested the new date as it corresponds with a historic milestone in its history, co-inciding with the fi rst AIBA World Boxing Championship, held in Cuba in 1974 between August 17 and August 30.
More than 200 other membership organisations worldwide are members of AIBA, which was formed in 1946, including Boxing Scotland, with all following a consistent set of rules and standards across the international fi eld.
As members of Boxing Scotland, Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club is also linked to the worldwide ‘family’ of similar groups, so will be acknowledging the August event, depending on where Covid regulations sit, at least on social media. Like most clubs, their activities have been limited of late due to Covid restrictions, but they have carried on encouraging their members, fi rstly through internet based coaching, then gradually returning to inperson training, fi rst outdoors and more recently with strictly controlled numbers in the gym as the rules were relaxed.
Unfortunately all of the club’s scheduled home shows had to be cancelled. These are popular and have attracted capacity crowds, with the money raised ensuring the club’s survival for more than a decade.
Another is due to take place in the Nevis Centre this November which, if the Covid pandemic continues to recede, may be allowed to go ahead.
Apart from marking International Boxing Day, it should also see amateur boxers from all over Scotland returning to competition under the auspices of Boxing Scotland.
As the Corpach-based club has had a large number of championship wins in these events since its earliest days, hopefully its success will continue, even with reduced training. Happy Boxing Day!
Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson
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