A TEAM of boxers from Solihull are heading over to Denmark hoping to deliver a knockout punch when they come up against some of the best talent Europe has to offer.
Josh Da Silva, Mitch Redmond, Louis Phillips and Elisse Glynn are all members of the ever expanding Solihull Boxing Club and are crossing the English channel to represent England at a major European inter-club championship.
Supported by Paul Archer, the club’s head coach, all four boxers will be competing in the prestigious Denmark Cup which takes place in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, over the weekend of September 25-26.
Mitch, 18, is a heavyweight, who was a national championship quarter-finalist last year, while 17-year-old light heavyweight Louis is already an England international and a defending national champion.
Josh, 15, fights at under 57k and is currently the Birmingham champion for his weight having won a Unibox Cup title by defeating other talented youngsters from the region earlier in the year, while Elisse, 14, fights at 52kg and was an ABA Finalist earlier this year.
“They’re all really excited about competing at an international event, and frankly I have every confidence that all four of them,” said Mr Archer.
“Everyone’s training very hard, and I have no doubt they will do Solihull proud.”
Elisse said she took up boxing after watching Nicola Adams win a gold medal at the London Olympic Games three years ago.
“The Olympics inspired me to take up sport,” said Ellise. “And I got so much enjoyment cheering on Nicola Adams that I decided to take up boxing myself.
“It’s a great sport, it’s skilful, challenging, with great discipline, and there’s a fantastic atmosphere at our club, so I’m really glad I got involved.”
A recent sponsorship with local Wetroom and Bathroom specialists OT Bathrooms has helped make it possible for the team from Solihull to look forward to their trip to Denmark.
Archer added: “It’s great that a local business is so supportive of what we’re doing.
“I can’t thank the guys from OT Bathrooms enough, but they know people involved in the club, and when they came along and saw what we did, and how much fun and enjoyment our young members have, they were kind enough to offer us a sponsorship.”
For more information about Solihull Boxing Club, which was formed 46 years ago and is based at Brackleys Way, call head coach Paul Archer on 07971 666007 or visit www.solihullboxing.co.uk.
