A SQUAD of 16 fighters from Islington Boxing Club got the chance to showcase their skills on Sunday when they stepped between the ropes for a special sparring session at Bulmershe Boxing Club in Reading.

Infants and junior members from the club, which is based in Hazellville Road, Upper Holloway, gained some vital experience as they boxed in front of an audience for the very first time.

“All in all the youngsters performed exceptionally well,” said Islington coach Scott Smart. I was impressed with how well many of them have improved in a short space of time. We’re hoping to take part in other inter-club sparring events soon.”

The future fighters who sparred were Joseph Came, Jayden Hedges, Jamie Richards, Teddy Glenn, Maddox Pommells, Daragh Murray, Kaine Khan, Cassian Campbell, Cianan Campbell, O’Shea Campbell, Rishon John, Alfie Suksiri, Benjamin Wotton, Kadir Mehmut Cinko, Leon Flanagan and John Mongan.