THERE was a capacity crowd for Tavistock Amateur Boxing Club’s first show at Tavistock Town Hall.

Town Hall managers said the evening was a ‘great success’, and Tony Fennell of Tavistock ABC said the atmosphere was ‘steaming – everybody said it was a really good night.’ The club plans to hold more events later in the year.

In a 14-bout programme, three Tavistock boxers represented the town: 13-year-old junior Aiden Whiting and two senior boxers, Peter Jarman and Joe Dyke.

Aiden had a bout against a taller and heavier opponent, Nile Thomas of Barton Hill ABC. Aiden was able to score points, using good angles of attack, but the longer reach and close-range work of his opponent meant Aiden lost on a points decision.

Peter Jarman faced Wilf Ballo of Mayflower ABC in the penultimate contest of the evening. In round two Peter accelerated his pace and his punching and the referee stopped the bout in his favour.

In the last bout of the evening Joe Dyke fought the heavily-built Sydenham boxer Nathan Chillingworth.

After using his straight punches to good effect, Joe was declared winner on points on the narrowest of margins. He received the cup for best Tavistock boxer of the night.

See Thursday’s Times for more pictures from the event.