Tom’s Touching Tribute

(Photo: Ricciardi Media)

A thrilling night of amateur boxing at the Villa Marina Royal Hall was bookended by two poignant moments on Saturday evening.

A 10-bell salute in memory of former WBA light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton took place ahead of the first of 16 bouts between fighters from hosts Manx ABC and a visiting select side from Merseyside and Cheshire ABA, while the card came to an conclusion with an emotional victory for home captain Tom Murray.

The latter beat Scott Brown on points after a tough heavyweight encounter, Murray dedicated the victory to his friend Kian Broadhead who tragically died in a car crash in September.

Posting on social media after the gruelling bout, Murray said: ‘My best win yet, because it was for you mate. Let us not forget the pure soul that you were.’

There will be a full report and more photos in Thursday’s Manx Independent.