Heaney is the 2023 top boxer, honours for Kelly and Farrell
Ryan Kelly with female fighter Beccy Ferguson and Vicky Wilkinson
RYAN Kelly’s thrilling Commonwealth silver middleweight title clash with River Wilson-Bent has been officially named the best fight of last year.
The 10 rounder, won on points by Chelmsley Wood’s Kelly, took the honour at Sunday’s Midlands Boxing Board of Control awards ceremony.
Hosted by Scott Murray at his Premier Suite, Cannock, venue and organised by Midlands Board boss Matt Harris, the afternoon proved a magical sell-out event for fans, fighters, promoters and managers.
And it was a successful event for Birmingham boxers. Kingstanding lightweight Niall Farrell, unbeaten in five as a pro, took the male prospect of the year gong – an honour previously won by a host of greats including Carl Froch.
Kelly and Coventry’s Wilson-Bent took the best battle silverware in a short-list packed with thrillers.
In October, at Birmingham city centre’s Holiday Inn, they waged war for the vacant title, my ringside report summing-up the action:
“Just when it seemed Ryan had solved the puzzle before him a right hand crashed against his chin in the seventh. He froze momentarily and Wilson-Bent, blood pumping from an ugly gash, hurled himself forward, raining punches against a man pinned against the ropes.
“Ryan survived the crisis and produced his most dominant work in the following session. A right of his own dumped River on the canvas. He was up at three and walked unsteadily to a neutral corner for referee Reece Carter’s standing count.”
Kelly attended Sunday’s event despite being scheduled to fight tomorrow (Friday) on the huge Telford International Centre show topped by Sam Eggington’s European title tilt.
He said: “We both contributed to a great fight, but after four rounds I felt I was on top. Now I want the best fights for my career and family.”
Niall Farrell with female fighter of the year Kirsty Hill
Farrell, from a famous Birmingham boxing family, takes part in his first scheduled six rounder in March – and believes longer distances will bring out the best in him.
The 26-year-old former outstanding amateur said: “I’m over the moon with the award. It’s been won by some very big names and I want to walk in their shoes.
“It’s time to look for titles – and the more rounds, the better me you’ll see.”
Nathan Heaney with Midlands Boxing Board boss Matt Harris
It was phenomenal Stoke ticketseller Nathan Heaney who claimed the biggest gong of the night – male fighter of the year. That was sealed by the 34-year-old’s huge British middleweight title upset win over Denzel Bentley, a bout most felt champ Bentley would win at a canter.
He said: “I still feel I have to prove myself as a fighter to the public because there are those who think Bentley just didn’t turn up on the night. I’ve got to prove them wrong.”
Kirsty Hill receives her award from European champ Liam Davies
Grimsby’s Kirsty Hill – a fire-fighter by day – took the female fighter of the year trophy. Hill, who enjoyed a busy 2023 with five outings, fought magnificently to outpoint Vicky Wilkinson for the Commonwealth junior-lightweight title in Wolverhampton last September.
“It can be hard mixing boxing with a full-time job in the fire service,” she told me. “But I love the job and you have to be fit for it.
“I’d absolutely love to fight for a British title, but I leave future plans in the hands of my team.”
Sian O’Toole was named female prospect of the year. Sian – partner of Birmingham’s former world amateur champ Frankie Gavin – ended 2023 with three wins and took the Midlands featherweight title in December.
A maths teacher by day, the 24-year-old said: “I’m really happy. It’s amazing to get this after only three professional fights.”
Emma Dolan’s October points win over Nicola Hopewell was named female fight of the year.
The afternoon also featured a host of recognition awards for boxers who have provided sterling service to the sport. It was good to see Digbeth’s Ben Fields, Sam Eggington, Arv Mittoo and Michael Mooney receiving loud applauds.