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This pre-Christmas boxing/dinner show at the Bristol Marriott Hotel could not have started the festive season in a more exciting and entertaining manner. Three well matched and competitive contests followed an hour long witty and informative talk by Ricky Hatton who was never short of words, even if some only consisted of four letters. The packed house, obviously inspired by the ‘Hitman’s’ personality, carried their enthusiasm into boisterous but controlled appreciation of the boxers all out efforts that were to follow.

Entering the ring for his first professional contest, 19 year old Alfonso Vieyra, a new signing for the Hatton camp, won a close decision over four rounds against Walsall’s Steve Gethin. Alfonso, or Alfie as he was called by the other boxers at Spaniorum Farm where he had prepared for the fight, did well to out-point Gethin, who may well have deserved at least a share of the points. Steve obviously thought he had won, as did some of the crowd. It was certainly a learning contest and Vieyra showed that he is strong, can box, and is not unwilling to fight. Referee Wynford Jones scored the bout 38-37

Peter Leworthy, ‘The Choirboy’, Bristol brought his fight tally to three wins out of 3, showing a better all-round ability than in his first two contests, possibly as a result of many rounds sparring with ‘Alfie’ Vieyra and Danny Butler. In a closely fought super-featherweight contest, a fit strong looking Shaun Walton, with the name ‘Slasher’ on his trunks, lived up to his name as he stalked Leworthy in each round swinging with both hands to head and body. In a pattern that continued almost throughout the contest, the Choirboys’ counter punches outscored Walton’s heavier blows with fast and varied combinations, including neat uppercuts. Shaun turned up his workrate in the last round, and possibly landed more punches than Peter Leworthy, but it was too late and although Walton thought he had won, referee Wynford Jones was accurate with his score of 59-55 in favour of the home fighter.

Danny Butler (Bristol), the British Masters super-middleweight champion returned to winning ways after his split decision defeat by Martin Murray in the recent Prize Fighter competition. Taking his record to fifteen wins out of sixteen contests, Butler did not have it all his own way against Tony Randell (Birmingham) in an untidy, brawling match that kept referee Winford Jones busy untangling the many clinches. Both boxers looking lean and well trained started at a fast pace but soon became involved in wrestling at close quarters. Styles had clashed!. The taller Randell throwing wide looping punches that seldom landed while Danny Butler just kept ahead with the straighter cleaner blows. As the last round started it looked as if the fight could still be won by either boxer, but Danny was still fast, still fit, throwing the cleaner punches and made the referees score of 59-57 acceptable.

A New Year brings new faces to Spaniorum Farm Gym. Almost certainly enticed by the fact that Hatton Promotions are working closely with Jane Couch M.B.E. and Spaniorum boxers, with the intention of promoting 7 shows in the coming months, Tex Woodward, coach and manager, has certainly had several enquiries from boxers wanting to join the farm ‘stable’.

The first of the 2009 signings is experienced amateur Martin Robins, winner of 43 contests out of 62 for the Downend A.B.C. Downend coach, Craig Turner, is quoted as saying that he thinks that Martin should do well in the professional sport, as former clubmate Pete Leworthy, 3 wins out of 3, has done.

Tex Woodward says, “ Martin has been training with Danny Butler and Peter Leworthy for a few months now and has improved immensely. I am sure Craig Turner will not be disappointed.

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