IT was a big night for the Jersey Boxing Community on Friday, as three of the Island’s talented boxers showed out and held their own in Britania Boxing Club’s Dinner Show.
Held at the Felbridge Hotel in Crawley, Ben Murray of BoxinBusiness brought over one of his most talented fighters in Steven Alder, while the Jersey Boxing Academy’s Daisy Franks and Emily De Gruchy showcased the sport’s promising future in their skills bouts.
“That had to be one of the best away shows we’ve ever been to,” said Charlie Franks, President of the Jersey Boxing Academy. “The Felbridge was a lovely hotel, but this was a proper sawdust boxing show with an audience of 350 people, so that atmosphere was absolutely fantastic.”
Steven Alder
A huge test awaited Alder in his second competitive bout, as a last-minute change of opposition saw him take on the man-mountain Joel Phillips of Rush Green ABC, a 6′ 6″ opponent who held a big advantage in size and reach.
Although it was a “big ask” according to his coach, Ben Murray, Alder remained unfazed to put together a very clinical performance and take control from the off.
Whatever he lacked in height, Alder surely made up for with technique, speed and elite movement. The Caesarean had no trouble in closing the distance, being explosive to suddenly spring forward and lay some devastating combinations at great speed, before then utilising elite footwork and head movement to duck and dodge any incoming punches.
It really was a commanding showing from the Jerseyman, as he had done enough to earn a unanimous decision victory while representing Britania Boxing Club.
“Joel Phillips was an absolute giant – we knew what we had to do and that we had to stick to a gameplan,” said Murray. “With Steven’s work rate and how hard he’s worked in the gym and his effort, fitness and ability, we were more than confident that he could do it.
“In every department, we gave away a lot of height and a lot of experience – Joel had five fights under his belt, while this was only Steven’s second. So, it was a big ask, but we were fully aware that Steven was more than capable of winning this fight, which he did brilliantly.”
This fight provided a great moment in Alder’s boxing development, as Murray went on to say: “It was a big learning curve, as you have to fight all shapes and sizes. His first fight was against a really technical lad, and this one was massive – but still technical, I don’t think he’ll ever fight someone that height ever again.
“Every fight, you have to fight someone a bit different as an amateur boxer, so it was a great experience for Steven. We can’t ask any more of him, he trains hard and my dad, Alan, has put in a load of work getting him where he is – so he also deserves a lot of credit.”
Daisy Franks and Emily De Gruchy
As well as Alder’s show-stopping performance against the odds, two of the Jersey Boxing Academy’s talented prospects in Daisy Franks and Emily De Gruchy took the next step in their journey towards competitive boxing, as both fought in skills bouts.
First up was the 11-year-old Daisy Franks, who was stepping between the ropes her second skills bout, following a successful debut on the Academy’s first-ever home show last year.
Although she experienced some pre-fight nerves, a much needed pep-talk seemed to do the trick, as she rose to the occasion in the ring.
“As soon as that bell went, she was absolutely fearless,” explained Charlie Franks. “Up against a much taller opponent, Daisy just went through the motions and really put it on her – she was just relentless, I don’t think she ever stopped throwing punches.
“Daisy really has proved that she can handle herself in the ring, I mean UK opposition are really tough. She’ll be fighting the same girl again for a skills bout at our home show, so she’s very excited.”
Next up was 13-year-old Emily De Gruchy, who came in following a tough six week training camp where she “wasn’t feeling her best”, lacking in self-confidence.
However, after a few words of encouragement from a number of people around her, De Gruchy shone brightly in Crawley to really make a statement.
“For the past six weeks, Emily had absolutely no confidence – she was full of doubt and wasn’t feeling her best,” Charlie Franks continued. “However, as soon as she stepped in that ring, she was just completely different.
“Up against a bigger girl from Britania Boxing Club – who are renowned for shaping quality fighters – Emily completely owned it from start to finish, controlling the space and piling on the pressure to control the fight – now, she’s chomping at the bit to get back in there.”
