I’m on my way to the St. Anne’s club in the heart of Rock Ferry for my first ever boxing event. Attending with my friend and our girlfriends, my mind begins to race. Preconceptions of pumped up macho testosterone overwhelms me and I feel a little on edge. This is a story about how wrong I was….
When Mickey Allen invited me to his latest boxing event I immediately accepted the offer. Mickey is an old school legend of the Wirral boxing scene — the sensei of the Twelve Quays gyms and coach of some of the finest boxers in the region. I was at first worried about entering this raw and gritty world of fighting but what we uncovered that night was both magical and overwhelming.
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The Twelve Quays showcase on 24th August was a 15 fight extravaganza featuring Mickey’s gyms competing against rival gyms. Well matched boxers, both male and female, going head to head to fight for pride and victory. The purpose of the night was to raise money for Desire Adami, the golden boy of Wirral boxing and Mickey’s prodigy, to become professional.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
The fact that so many competitors, coaches and fans had turned up to support this lad’s cause was striking — as was the atmosphere. Rather than the hostile environment I had incorrectly anticipated, we experienced an energy and buzz in the Rock Ferry hall that was uplifting and inspiring.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
From the very first bell, bouts were fought with honour, grace and dignity. Winners were congratulated and losers were commiserated. We were made to feel welcome and we met some of the most honest, decent and true people around. There was no hostility here. This was a boxing community coming together for a common goal.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
From our ringside table we witnessed many closely fought contests as powerful blows were exchanged and the intensity increased throughout the night. In between fights, as feel good music played loudly, we took the chance to talk to many of the people in attendance including many of the boxers.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
One boxer told me: “Boxing saved my life. If it wasn’t for Mickey and training I’d be on the streets getting into trouble. Boxing and training so much I don’t have any energy left to get into trouble. Boxing has taught me self discipline too and training my mind. Boxing has saved my life.”
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
There were other boxers who said similar things that night and we met many new friends. A couple of the female boxers told us of their journeys — great women and true ambassadors for female boxing in the North West. During the night there was a great sense of camaraderie and collective spirit — the type I’ve rarely witnessed before.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
The audience were enthralled from start to finish and all in it together to support one of the most ancient forms of entertainment of all time. Each blow was met with a clamour, but certainly not an aggressive gesture — one of encouragement and excitement. The aggression took place inside the ring, whilst outside there was nothing but laughter, enjoyment and friendship.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
After a gripping night of combat, the final fight of the night was the soon to be pro Desire Adami. ‘Des’ won within the first round, much to the joy of Mickey and the home support, and it capped off an enlightening night of superb entertainment. We met many new friends and got a ringside view of what goes on in the North West boxing scene.
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
After the extravaganza Mickey told us: “I just want to say thank you to all the workers, paid and voluntary, for working on my boxing show and all the boxers home and away. Thank you to the supporters. I got this together with the help of brilliant people around me. A top night enjoyed by all and crucial to Desire getting to the next level.”
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
On the night thousands were raised for Desire’s quest to turn professional, covering his medical, living allowance, kit, equipment, diet licenses and more. Notably, the generous Sue Porter donated no less than £1,000 on the night as part of her ongoing support for Twelve Quays and North West boxing!
Thanks for a great night guys! Top man Mickey and good luck Desire — here’s to a future champion from Wirral!
Check out Twelve Quays boxing & Rocky’s gym on FACEBOOK!
Images courtesy of Amanda Toovey, Carl Haberla and Mickey Allen
