IN front of a packed school hall, brave Richards Bay High pupils traded blows on Wednesday night in a thrilling boxing tournament.
Expertly run by international boxing judge and referee, Ray Peyters, with ex-SA champion Freddy (Rafferty) Horn also sharing his wealth of expertise, the young fighters were in good hands as they put on a spirited display.
While most of the boys showed very little by way of ringcraft skills, choosing instead to slug it out toe-to-toe, they more than made up for this in terms of effort and enthusiasm.
The level of sportsmanship was also impressive, with humble victors and gracious losers in evidence once decisions were announced.
The large, appreciative crowd certainly got their money’s worth and the tournament proved once again that amateur boxing has widespread appeal and is extremely safe under proper management.
Well done to Richards Bay High and the organising team on this fine sporting initiative.
And there is more good news on the horizon for the boxing fraternity, with Horn shortly to announce a new club to be established at a venue in Meerensee.
