Fortress prove force on the pro-am scene

National champs Maria Kyriakou and Sky Barnett with Gary Turner

THOSE who partake of a tipple at Fortress gym will be raising their glass this holiday to an outstanding year.

In its first full season as a pro-am establishment, the Dickens Heath, Solihull, sweat-shop has produced two national champs and seen its two professionals extend their unbeaten runs. Both Josh Rose and Dylan Clift are closing in on Midlands title fights.

Fortress boss Gary Turner said: “We’re only a small gym and it’s only been 18 months, but we’re really doing well. We’re getting the results.”

Gary and his team – Chris Clift, Dec and Darren – are certainly doing that and, with a 15 strong amateur squad, things can only get better. This season, Fortress boxers have competed in 30 bouts. It’ll be more in 2026.

National titles were captured by Sky Barnett, a 16-year-old from Stratford, and Maria Kryriakou, aged 31, from Kenilworth. The pair have only been amateurs for 18 months, but they’ve also enjoyed box cup successes in their brief careers.

Sky, who has lost just one of nine, won the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs open class competition at 52kgs. “I’m really excited for Sky’s journey,” 36-year-old Gary, from Sheldon, said. “She’s a switch-hitter who boxes out of both stances.”

Dylan Clift…unbeaten and closing in on a Midlands title

Maria bagged a development title at 54kg. Gary said: “She did a charity fight, a couple of white collars and fell in love with the sport. She had one or two bouts for an amateur club in Coventry, (pro champion) Jess Barry introduced her to me and she’s won six on the bounce.

“Because of Maria’s age, she’ll have a few more senior open class bouts, then one of her goals is to turn pro. She’s already sparred with Jess Barry.”

The two pros, managed by Anthony Manning, are progressing very nicely – and both have a strong fanbase. Dylan Clift fought twice this year, bringing his record to 5-0. Former outstanding amateur Josh Rose made his debut on a major arena bill earlier this month, has also fought twice this year and is 3-0.

“Dylan should be knocking on the door for a Midlands title next year and Josh is not far off that,” Gary said. “I’m really pleased.”

Josh Rose, 3-0 as a pro, with Gary. He’s making waves in pro game

Turner, who learned his trade as a trainer under Tom Chaney, has every reason to feel proud of the big strides taken in a short time.

He explained: “When I decided to open a gym in Dickens Heath, it was going to be one-to-one boxing training and that led to more people getting interested.”

That led to white collar training, then the move to the ABA and pro ranks. “I didn’t really want people who had already boxed,” Gary said, “I wanted new blood.”

Fortress is now full of new blood, with many of the 15 strong amateur squad awaiting their first bouts.

In Clift and Rose, they can see the graft it takes to reach the top.