Shortlist revealed for Midland fight gongs
Griffiths v Dillingham…fight of year nomination. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
THE Midlands boxing awards – the Oscars ceremony for our fighting men and women – has grown into a very big event.
And with each year, the afternoon gains greater importance. That’s down to promoter Scott Murray, who now host the awards at his Premier Suite, Cannock, venue, and Midlands Boxing Board of Control boss Matt Harris.
It’s also down to the local board in general for ensuring the public are given a steady stream of title fights.
On Sunday, January 18, we’ll find out who receives the gongs for 2025 – and tickets are already selling fast.
Matt Harris said: “There have been more nominations than ever this year which shows the depth of talent we have in the Midlands.
“Each category was a nightmare to do. We’ve had some real good battles for our area titles, boxers in the away corner who have come to fight and nominations from all over the Midlands, as well.”
Jess Barry…up for two awards. Picture: Aidan Hewitt.
The shortlist has just been published and, as always, it’s a source of debate.
I think there’s some notable omissions, particularly in the “fight of the year” category. For me, the English welter title war between Ben Vaughan and Bobby Dalton at Kings Hall, Stoke, deserves the trophy. It’s not in the running.
And what about Midlands middleweight champ Troy Coleman’s breathtaking seventh round victory over Bradley Goldsmith in April?
The nominations for male prospect of the year underlines the rich talent emerging. It’s stacked with talent and three names are favourite in my book – Leamington heavyweight Lewis Williams and super-lightweights Huey Malone, from Coventry, and Joshua Rose, from Birmingham.
Big-hitting Jamie Edwards, from Coventry, would also be on my shortlist.
As for the big one – male fighter of the year, there can only be one winner, surely? Wolverhampton warrior Conah Walker.
Conah has emerged as a world force in 2025. He took the British welterweight title with a dramatic come-from-behind 11th round win over Harry Scarff, overwhelmed Liam Taylor and last weekend, in Monte Carlo, Walker sensationally blitzed Pat McCormack with only seconds of the epic left.
In future years, I’d like to see a new category introduced, “upset of the year”. My vote for the 2025 title would go to Warley heavyweight Solomon Dacres who was not given a prayer against unbeaten, big punching Ukrainian Vladyslav Sirenko in July, yet produced a boxing masterclass to win on points.
Joshua Rose…a prospect of the year nominee
Here’s the Board of Control shortlist.
Male Boxer of 2025 sponsored by The Vesey. Nyall, Berry Ollie Cooper, Conah Walker, Kyle Davies, Shabaz Masoud, Hamza Uddin.
Female Boxer sponsored by The Vesey. Jess Barry, Nicola Hopewell, Emma Dolan.
Male Prospect sponsored by Hatherley Commercial Services. Harvey Sturton, Lewis Lawton, Jack Dillingham, Huey Malone, Callum Seedhouse, Lewis Williams, Josh Rose.
Female Prospect sponsored by Edwin’s Auctioneers. Gemma Richardson, Jerry-Lee Palmer.
Female Bout of 2025. Shannon Taylor v Alisha Lewis, Jade Pearce v Kirsty Hill, Jess Barry v Linzi Buczynski.
Male Bout of 2025 sponsored by Stamford Boxing Media. Liam Dring v Craig Derbyshire, Tom Cowling v Aaron Bowen, Ryan Griffiths v Lewis Morris 2, Ryan Griffiths v Jack Dillingham, Shabir Haidary v Caine Singh.
What are your thoughts? Anyone you think should be on there?
*Tickets for the event are £25 each or £250 per table of 10. That includes a meal, souvenir gift/programme.
For information contact harris.matthew95@yahoo.co.uk or ring 07805103279.