Fight Town a success as live boxing returns to Swindon

PROMOTER Mark Neilson hailed Neilson Boxing’s Fight Town show a success after seeing boxing return to the South West.

Fighters from across the region featured in a show which saw a sell-out crowd come out to the MECA in Swindon. 

Stroud’s Max Mudway topped the bill in Wiltshire, as he secured his fifth win as a professional to remain unbeaten after beating Jordan Grannum 60-54 following their six round contest. 

Before that, former Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Luke Watkins made light work of his opponent Tyrone Williams, as the referee stopped the fight in the opening round after the 31-year-old registered a heavy knockdown. 

Featherweight Ryan Wheeler, who trains in Somerset, returned to winning ways with a solid performance and a points victory over Kev McCauley. 

Earlier in the night, fans were introduced to both Shabir Haidary and Megan Redstall who both made their professional debuts at the weekend. 

Haidary opened the show with an enthralling four round fight with fellow debutant Constantin Radoi, with the former getting the nod from the judges, winning 40-36. 

Meanwhile, Redstall came through a tough test in her first fight in the paid ranks, but ultimately boxed her way to a win over Ivanka Ivanova. 

Elsewhere, Bristol’s Aaron Sutton moved to 11-0 as a professional as he stopped his opponent Christian Gomez in the fourth. 

Reflecting on the action, Neilson says a lot of work went into the show, but he believes it all paid off in the end. 

“It was our first show since 2019, so it goes without say, it was brilliant to be back and it was really difficult with the COVID restrictions,” he said.

“We had a full house, it was full to the rafters and it was a really good atmosphere with some great fights.  

“Because of the shortage of opponents some of the debutants had really tough fights, but they still came through it which was a testament to them. 

“It was good to see Luke Watkins back, he managed to stop his opponent despite him being a heavyweight, so that just shows the power he has and we are looking at having him back out in November. 

“Max Mudway put in another solid performance to top the bill. Ryan Wheeler looked good in there too after such a long time away from the ring which again was great to see. 

“Lastly, Aaron Sutton did very well. He stopped a journeyman and that doesn’t happen too often, so he’ll be back out again soon.” 

Neilson Boxing are back on Saturday 2 October, as they head to Bracknell for their next show. For further information visit www.NeilsonBoxing.co.uk

Picture credit is Mark Page - Point 5 Photography.