Eastbourne boxers fight at ‘biggest promotion’ in England

The Queensbury Boxing League’s event ‘Fortune Favours The Brave’ saw Alice Climpson, Oli Rickson and John Barnard, all from First Generation Gym in Whitley Road, compete on February 1.

The league is known for being a top-tier for amateur boxers and is one level below the professional circuit.

Alice, 27 from Seaside Road, made her debut in the featherweight division, fighting against Gemma Ruegg for four two-minute rounds.

She took home the division belt after two out of three judges ruled in her favour on points.

Alice said, “I was the underdog, it was my second fight in the Queensbury League, my first in this division.

“I was over the moon, it was an amazing feeling. That feeling is the feeling that makes you want to go back and do it all over again.

“Obviously everyone supporting me was proud. Everyone was screaming my name.

“It was mental. We took a good crowd along. Before the fight I was excited, nervous, it’s a big thing. This was one step further than I’ve fought before.”

Oli Rickson, 27 also from Seaside Road, made his Queensbury League debut against Ross Collins in the cruiserweight division, winning on a points decision.

The ex-army man said, “It was the biggest show I’ve boxed at. The whole experience was quality.

“To get the win was good, I didn’t box as well as I could have done, but I got the job done.

“I won and I’m going to take that forward on to the next fight.”

Oli had high praise for his trainer and the ethos at First Generation Gym.

He said, “I had great support at my fight. Will is doing a really good job with us down at the gym, it’s like a family, everyone backs everyone.”

John Barnard, 23 from Eastbourne town centre, lost on points in the light-middleweight division to George French, but said he is already back in the gym and focusing on his next fight.

The tree surgeon said, “I felt confident. It was the hardest I’ve ever trained for a fight.

“On the day though, I couldn’t get going properly. It was close but he landed better hits and had more pressure.

“I think I just missed out. I was just frustrated not to land more shots.

“I’m back in the gym training again and it’s about getting focused and going again.”

First Generation Gym trainer Will Williams said, “It was great. This league is the biggest promotion in England.

“To do what they’ve done is a good thing. Credit to them for coming in and putting the work in.

“To get to this stage and pick up wins, it’s a great achievement. If we suffer losses we can put things right as well.”