IBC’s Tyrese Ramsey will be going for gold in Somers Town on Saturday

THE amateur boxing scene is promising to pack a punch in 2023 with the best and brightest that north London has to offer stepping between the ropes determined to land big titles and priceless ring experience.

A spectacular night of boxing is expected tonight (Thursday) when hundreds of fight fans pack into the Nobu Hotel in Portman Square, Marylebone, to show their support for St Pancras ABC.

Saints’ head coach CJ Hussein said it will be “an exciting night” for the Kentish Town-based gym, adding: “All the boys have been training hard and are really looking forward to it. It’s our first big outing of the year – it feels great to be back.”

The action won’t end there, however. On Saturday a trio of top talents from Islington Boxing Club (IBC) will be going for gold at the Somers Town Community Sports Centre.

Tyrese Ramsey, Elliot Elimasi and Aziz Ben Rouha showcased their skills with aplomb at the venue in Chalton Street last Saturday when they won their respective semi-final bouts in the London Boxing Youth & Intermediate Championships.

Boxing at 71kg, Ramsey recorded a perfect victory as he beat Stonebridge BC’s Zayn Khan 5-0 after three eye-catching three-minute rounds.

Elliot Elimasi

Ben Rouha was just as devastating in the 80kg division as he won 5-0 against Viorel Schiopu, who was also boxing for Stonebridge. And Elimasi, who was boxing at 86kg, completed a clean sweep for IBC with a split decision win over Kyron Oduro-Rogers, claiming a 4-1 victory over his Belvedere BC rival.

With three gold medals potentially heading back to the gym in Hazellville Road, Upper Holloway, IBC committee member and matchmaker, Reggie Hagland, said: “Having three finalists is a testament to both the boxers and our coaches. They all deserve a lot of credit.

“Tyrese and Aziz will be competing in the open class this year, which basically means they will be boxing the best of the best. Put it this way, there will be no easy bouts for either of them.

“Elliot, meanwhile, needs a little more experience and will be taking part in a number of club shows as he builds his ringcraft. It is going to be an exciting year for all three boxers.”

The bouts will continue to land thick and fast in February, the highlight of which will see IBC return to the Boston Dome in Tufnell Park to host their first open show of the year. Reggie added: “One of our main aims is to give local boxers a platform, a chance to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd.

“We consider the Boston Dome to be our home, and we’re really looking forward to being back there.”

IBC’s open show takes place on Sunday, February 19, with the doors opening to the public at noon. Adult tickets cost £20, while children under 16 are £10. For more information and tickets contact Reggie on 07786 080 885.