Shortlist unveiled for Midlands fight gongs
Hamza Uddin…up for male prospect of the year
THE shortlist for the Midland boxing gongs has been announced!
On Sunday, February 9, at Cannock’s Premier Suite, the annual Midlands Area Boxing Board of Control awards ceremony takes place. It’s not so much the Oscars, more the Rockys.
And under Board boss Matt Harris and Scott Murray, who runs the venue, the event has become a glitzy, red carpet affair: a chance for fans to mingle with champs past and present.
Many who rose to national, European and world honours began their journeys with a prestigious Midlands award.
And 2024 really has been a stellar year for great championship battles.
Matt Harris said: “When Scott first got involved, we were looking to sell 100 to 125 tickets and it’s just taken off.
“By the end of this year, we will have had 13 or 14 area title fights, which is a record. It’s been a good year because everyone has worked together.”
For me, the most intriguing category is male boxer of the year – I’ve whittled my own shortlist down to three, but have yet to select a winner.
Was Shabaz Masoud’s superb boxing display in taking the IBO super-bantam belt from Liam Davies enough alone to earn him the honour? Conah Walker, after two great wins and a highly controversial points defeat, would certainly be a worthy recipient.
But I’m edging towards Ekow Essuman on entertainment alone. He beat two top unbeaten men in the two best Midlands fights of the year, in my humble opinion.
Tickets - £25 each or £200 per table of 10 – are still available, sponsors still welcome. For more information contact harris.matthew95@yahoo.co.uk or ring 07805103279.
Here’s the list in full. Why not pick your winner and tell me the reasons?
I’ve included my tip in each section, bar “male fighter”.
Male Prospect of the Year: Hamza Uddin, Oscar McCracken, Jimmy Burnside, Dylan Clift, Yahya Abdullah, Zach Evans, Tom Pogson.
My tip: Hamza Uddin
Danny Quartermaine…in the strong “male boxer” category
Male Boxer of the Year: Conah Walker, Kieron Conway, Shabaz Masoud, Liam Davies, Ekow Essuman, Danny Quartermaine, Troy Jones.
My tip. It’s a tough one, but on the back of two absolutely thrilling victories over top, unbeaten men I’m edging towards Ekow Essuman.
Male Bout of the Year: Ekow Essuman v Owen Cooper, Ekow Essuman v Ben Vaughan, Nathan Heaney v Brad Pauls, Aaron Bowen v James Todd, Kieron Conway v Ryan Kelly, Ryan Griffiths v Lewis Morris.
My tip: Essuman v Cooper.
Female Prospect of the Year: Omarah Taylor, Doina Costin, Mia Holland.
My tip: Omarah Taylor.
Kirstie Bavington…my pick for best female fighter of the year
Female Boxer of the Year: Emma Dolan, Nicola Hopewell, Jess Barry, Kirstie Bavington.
My tip: Kirstie Bavington.
Female Bout of the Year: Emma Dolan v Shannon Ryan, Jess Barry v Chelsey Arnell.
My tip: Emma Dolan v Shannon Ryan.