Newark Amateur Boxing Club celebrates its first awards night at Strays at The Ossington, Newark

Ten different awards were given to boxers and coaches at the first Newark Amateur Boxing Club Awards Night.

The ceremony was attended by boxers, coaches, families, friends, supporters and sponsors at Strays at The Ossington, Newark.

The ceremony, on July 9, was introduced with a speech by Suggy’s Gym head coach, Dean Sugden and NABC chairperson Nicki Peters-Bayford.

The awards were presented by Newark’s mayor Diane Ledger.

“Although we did have an awards night some years ago, this was the first one since Newark ABC was given charity status back in November last year,” said Dean Sugden.

He added: “Not only was it an opportunity to recognise the achievements of our boxers and coaches but it was also a chance to thank everyone who supports the work we do, from our coaches Chad Sugden, Megan Williams, Steve Williams, Sid Yeomans, Irvine Taylor, Paul Jordan and Dieter Gent, our matchmaker Sharon Jordan, all of our sponsors including Security2 and GSC Couriers, and Keith Girling and the other trustees.

“And last but by no means least our very experienced chairperson Nicki Peters-Bayford who not only organised this fantastic Awards Night but has been working hard behind the scenes over the past months and also shares my passion and vision for NABC, bringing a real knowledge for what we are all about as a club.”

The first one on the list, for the Most Improved Boxer Award, was won by Jackson Daws. Otis Pearson won the Best School Boxer Award, with Joel Cook taking the Best Junior Boxer Award and Travis Dunwell winning the Best Youth/Senior Boxer Award.

The Most Exciting Newcomer’s Award was shared by Alex Priestley and Harrison Carroll, the winner of the Coaches’ Boxer Award was Jackson Daws and Joel Cook won a second award on the night when he received the Boxers’ Boxer Award.

The Boxers’ Coach Award was won by Suggy’s Gym pro boxer Chad Sugden, the Chair’s Award was won by Harrison Gent and the final award of the night, the Head Coach Award, went to Owen Lack.

“Formed back in 2002 and based at 49 Castlegate, Newark Amateur Boxing Club is the longest-running club of its kind in the town and we look forward to working with the boxers and all of our supporters over the coming months and years, as we have some very exciting plans taking us towards our quarter of a century anniversary,” added Dean.