Debut success for local duo

OLDHAM boxers Jack Ellender and Robbie Connor punched their way to victory on their debuts at Leigh.

The pair, members of the Derker-based Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre, impressed with their slick boxing skills.

Counthill School pupil Jack (11) made short shrift of giving away weight and experience as he recorded a points win against Centurion’s Tony Sampson.

Shaw-based Robbie (19) also triumphed on points against Manchester’s Micky Burke who also had to take a standing count.

Robbie, a student, has sparred with Olympic hopefuls at the English Institute of Sport.

The Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre, which is based on Derker Street, opened in June 2008 and has 15 registered boxers, though it offers more as it is also a community club.

Director Eric Noi, a former England amateur international and professional, says new members are welcome.

There are schoolboy, junior and senior sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (4.30pm-8.30pm), females on Tuesday (from 6pm) and also training on Saturday (from 11am).