Fridays first ever boxing event to be staged in Edinburghs Princes Street Gardens was a smash hit with spectators and boxers alike, as fans were treated to a spectacular night of sporting entertainment.
Things did not look good with rain still falling mid-afternoon. However the Weather Gods were kind as clear skies adorned the Capital by the time the event got underway, with the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle overlooking the packed arena.
The capacity 2000 spectators in attendance were given an evening crammed full of top boxing bouts along with a glitzy presentation including full video production, pipers, drummers and even the Braveheart speech, along with both National anthems which were given a rousing reception by the fans.
Boosted by the news that ABS has received a substantial funding injection from the Cashback for Communities scheme to the tune of circa £350,000; the largest attended amateur boxing event staged in Scotland since the 1986 Commonwealth Games kicked off with glimpse at some potential boxing stars of the future as some of Edinburgh and Londons younger boxers entered the ring.
First up saw an all local affair with Tylar Gibson starting the evenings proceeding against Ryan Love. In an entertaining contest young Gibson made history, winning the inaugural Princes Street Gardens bout 12-6.
Next up saw the first of Londons young boxers as Yusuf Saffa took on Edinburghs Ryan McCutcheon. Saffa issued a statement of intent for Team London running out a comprehensive 18-4 victor.
The next bout saw a much closer contest but ultimately another London win as Adam Chaima overcame Scott Brown 9-7.
The early evening entertainment concluded with two all Edinburgh bouts as seniors Tommy Philbin and Alan Anderson defeated local rivals Scott Grant and Neil Kennedy 12-3 and 16-4 respectively.
And so to the main event. With music filling the air and the massive screen behind the ring displaying a full video production, both teams took part in a ring walk as the crowd really got going, getting right behind the boxers and creating a fantastic atmosphere as darkness fell and the flood lit Gardens really began to take centre stage in the Scottish Capital.
The first boxers to enter the ring in the main Edinburgh v London contest were local boxer Martin Warner and Londons James Woodward. With the crowd really getting in the mood, the boxers responded by putting on an entertaining display, which Londoner Woodward eventually won 17-10.
The largely local spectators were desperate to cheer on an Edinburgh victory and didnt have to wait long as Jason Easton out-boxed Karl Ozinowski 20-14 in another high octane bout.
Edinburgh doubled their win tally in the next bout as the powerful Peisy Kosrowpour stopped Londons Andre Bowen in the 2nd round to the delight of the home crowd.
London responded in the fourth bout with Mike ORourke getting the decision against Phil Coppola, although it was a well earned victory ending a close 10-7.
With two wins already under their belts, Edinburgh looked to capitalise as Christopher Given stepped in to the ring against Londons Rakim Noble. This was one of the most closely fought bouts of the evening with Edinburghs Given winning by a single point 13-12. The next bout was just as closely contested although this time the result swung in Londons favour as Enrico Mullins overcame Keith Colgan.
London continued to press, with the atmosphere now building to fever pitch and the English Capitals Samba Mohindra put another point on the board for the visitors winning a tight contest against Steven Lindsay.
By this point, despite the crowd spurring on Team Edinburgh, London were going for the jugular taking the next two bouts and an unassailable lead. First up Christos Ioanniou shaded a close bout against David Dickson before Simon Lewis ran out a more comfortable winner against Brian Forsyth 18-5.
In the last Edinburgh v London bout, local boxer Keith Barr restored some parity to the overall result in a high scoring and highly entertaining bout against Jack Warren which the capacity audience enjoyed to the full. Making the final points score 6-4 in favour of London, Edinburghs Barr mounted a late challenge to take the bout 24-21.
The last pairing of the evening lifted the audience once more as Edinburgh boxers Sean Spence and Sean White squared up to end an explosive evening of boxing. With the crowd getting behind both boxers, it was Spence who responded best, taking the bout 12-5.
This was an ambitious and ultimately hugely successful boxing event. This will be the first of many, as Amateur Boxing Scotland continue their Bring Back Boxing campaign designed to increase the numbers of young people taking part in the sport at grass roots level, develop the talent already competing for medals Nationally and Internationally and raise the public profile of amateur boxing from a spectator perspective.
Judging by the boxing on show and the packed audience in attendance in the Capital on Friday night, these plans are beginning to take shape.
Reflecting on the event, ABS Chairman Richard Thomas said There are a number of people who made this event possible and I would like to give thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and running of the event, especially Bradley Welsh for his commitment and enthusiasm in the promotion of the event. Thanks must also go to Keith Walters, ABAE Chairman for putting the London team together and thanks also to all associated with the London team who travelled.
Finally, thank you to Edinburgh Council for backing the event, in particular Brian OMalley and also Lothian & Borders Police for their full co-operation
