Young Rugby athletes shine in the boxing ring at regional event
Two young athletes from a Rugby boxing academy have taken an exciting step forward in their boxing journeys.
Jack Telford, 12, and Sienna Davies,14, from Bradby Club’s England Boxing Group, Rugby Boxing Academy, delivered outstanding performances at a regional boxing event last weekend.
Head Coach Byron Banton and assistant coach Steven Glover accompanied the boxers for the day at Northampton Amateur Boxing Club on Saturday.
Both young boxers took part in skills bouts — an important milestone for developing athletes. Skills bouts provide a boxer’s first introduction to the ring environment, allowing them to experience the atmosphere, preparation, and structure of a live boxing event in a controlled and supportive setting.
Each boxer completed three rounds of one minute and thirty seconds, with a one-minute rest between rounds.
In skills bouts, there is no declared winner; both competitors have their hands raised at the end — reflecting the developmental and sportsmanship focus of the format. However, what cannot be measured on a scorecard is courage, determination, and heart — qualities both Jack and Sienna demonstrated in abundance.
Their coaches said from the opening bell to the final seconds of the third round, both young athletes showed composure, resilience and skill beyond their years.
John Robertson club leader/youth worker, said: “Fighting hard until the final bell, they displayed the commitment and work ethic developed through consistent training at Rugby Boxing Academy.
"Their performances reflected the hours of preparation, including regular sparring sessions and inter-club experiences organised by Head Coach Byron Banton, who delivers sessions three times a week at the Bradby Club.
“Byron, known for his extensive experience and dedication to youth development through boxing, has worked tirelessly to prepare the group for competition environments. His commitment to taking boxers to spar at other clubs ensures they gain valuable exposure and confidence ahead of competitive bouts.
"The weekend was particularly significant for Sienna Davies. She is the first female boxer to represent Rugby Boxing Academy in a ring setting — and potentially the first, if not one of the first female boxers from any club in Rugby to do so. Her achievement marks an important moment for the club and for girls’ participation in boxing locally. It is hoped that Sienna’s courage and success will inspire more young girls across Rugby to step into the gym and take up the sport."
John said everyone at the Bradby Club and Rugby Boxing Academy is immensely proud of both Jack and Sienna.
He added: “Not only for their performances in the ring, but for the example they set to other young people accessing Bradby’s programmes. They have shown that dedication, discipline and bravery open doors to new opportunities.
"As they continue their development, both young boxers have bright futures ahead of them — and this weekend was just the beginning.”
For further information about Rugby Boxing Academy or to find out how young people can get involved, contact the Bradby Club on (01788) 544344.
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