THE 33rd annual boxing event at the Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange-over-Sands proved a great success – despite disappointing results for localpugilists.

The sold-out dinner show, organised by the lodges of the Furness and South Lakeland Masonic group, raised £11,000 for charity to add to the £200,000 raised in previous years.

It is held under the auspices of Kendal Amateur Boxing Club and begins with a four course meal before the contests begin.

There were 14 bouts with pugilists from the Kendal and Windermere clubs taking part. It proved to be an evening of well-matched, all action fights that were much appreciated by the 200 patrons.

One of the highlights of the evening was an all action three round contest featuring Lewis Baldwin, of Kendal, who was up against Hamood of the Blackburn Cobras. Both pugilists showed plenty of skill, determination and stamina in what transpired to be three dynamic rounds showing the noble art at its best.

The decision went the way of the Blackburn fighter but it could have gone either way as both combatants were heartily cheered at the final bell by a very appreciative audience.

The first bout on the cards had been a skills contest between Jake Green, of Kendal, and Solomon Walker, from the Windermere club. Although not scored the two 12-year-olds took the opportunity to show the skills they have learned in front of a packed room.

The main highlight of the card was a contest between Barrow ABC’s Louis Smith and Marc Haughton, of Carlisle, and it did not disappoint.

Both corners knew how tight the contest was and when the final bell sounded it was Carlisle man Haughton who had his arm raised after getting the nod from the judges.

It was a special night too for Newby Bridge lodge member and MC Ralph Spours, who received rapturous applause when Furness and South Lakeland Masonic group chairman Peter Schofield informed the audience it was his 25th anniversary in the role.

Preparations are already underway for the presentation evening at Barrow Masonic Hall when the proceeds of the event are distributed. The Cumbria Grand Hotel has been booked for next year and with many of the tickets already spoken for it should once again prove a great success.