Boxing: Local fighters on 'Roses' bill

From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Feb 2006.

TWO members of the area's newest boxing club have been selected to fight for Yorkshire in their county clash with Lancashire.

Anthony Smith booked his place in the `War of the Roses' clash with an impressive performance at the Guild Hall in Preston when he clocked up a solid victory.

He won every round of his fight to take a unanimous decision.

"His performance was superb and he impressed everyone who saw the fight," said his coach Paul Doust.

Smith also impressed top trainer Howard Rainey, who has coached European and World Champions and is currentlycoaching Silsden fighter Paul Newby. He attended the Eastburn club to give members a boxing masterclass.

The War of the Roses event has been organised as part of the testimonial year for Preston North End footballer Paul McKenna and takes place on February 8 and will also take place in the Guild Hall.

Smith joined Aiden Swift who had already earned his place on the Yorkshire team.

Former Keighley boxer Dean Newton, who also boxed for Bradford and with the army, has also joined the club's coaching team. With the number of boxers increasing the club needed extras qualified coaches and he passed a two-week course.

The Eastburn club is also organising its first dinner show, to be held on Friday, March 17 at the Rendevous Hotel in Skipton on Match 17. Information about tickets is available from Dean Newton on 07812-537-429.

n Boxer Anthony Smith is pictured above (centre) with coach Paul Doust (right) and Howard Rainey.

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