Stars support Spa town gym big night

Fitzpatricks gym…part of Leamington fight revival

LEAMINGTON Spa – the Warwickshire town that gave the world Randolph Turpin – is certainly enjoying a massive fight revival.

It’s back on the boxing map, with a host of talented amateurs and pros.

Fitzpatrick’s Boxing Gym is a key part of the sport’s second coming in Leamington. Derek Fitzpatrick is creating special big in the sweat shop.

And on Tuesday, May 23, the fight factory stages a mouth-watering open night for sponsors and invited guests. Sorry, but it’s not an event open to the general public.

Those sponsors and invited guests are certainly getting their money’s worth. Such is the calibre of talent on show, I’ve bagged a seat.

Those sparring include top female fighters Jessica Barry and Vicky Wilkinson.

River Wilson-Bent…he’ll don gloves for the open night

And one of Britain’s best middleweights, River Wilson-Bent, will also be in the ring. That’s a measure of the man: he’s got a big fight coming up, but has still found time to support grass roots boxing. Barry, too, is only weeks away from a pro contest.

Derek told me: “Jess will be sparring Vicky Wilkinson and our other pro Lewis Howells will be sparring River. Also our new pro, former national championship Nick Leahy will be sparring Leo Fanthome, who you interviewed the other day.

“We also have our amateur Henry Faizey sparring. He beat Paddy Cash, from Finchley, two weeks ago.

“Cash won the Haringey Cup last year and there is a potential rematch there this year as both are in the mix.”

Looks like being a very enjoyable night.