Last year Jamie Arthur decided to hang up his gloves after career that lasted over 20 years to focus on coaching the next generation of boxers and today he’s proud to announce his first ever boxing event.
The Rhydyfelin Sports Bar will host ‘Rumble In The Rhyd’ on Friday June 21st, under the jurisdiction of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association.
Arthur enjoyed a stellar amateur career which included numerous Welsh titles and culminated in a gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Having competed at all levels of the amateur code during his 12 years, he believes his current stable have the potential to make their own personal history.
He said, “Whatever level they’re at, our gym will help boxers achieve their ultimate performances and reach the goals we set together. I’m over the moon to host our own show because this is a big step to doing that. We’ll give our boxers a chance to box in their local area and it’ll be in front of their own family, friends and fans.”
Arthur’s Gym is situated in Rhydyfelin, through history the Rhondda region has produced numerous British boxing greats which include Jimmy Wilde, Freddie Welsh, Tommy Farr and Percy Jones.
Although in its infancy, the set-up achieved almost instant success earlier this year when three boxers reached the Welsh Amateur Boxing Novice Championship Final in March, with two winning coveted red Welsh vests. Sparky Price and Robbie Evans were the gyms first champions and Arthur is assured that they can go on to more success this coming season and inspire their stablemates to follow suit.
He said, “The boys did fantastic, it wasn’t just the fact that they won a title but the way they did it and conducted themselves. I was extremely proud of them and so was everyone else in the gym. It gave the gym an extra feel good factor and that’s helped everyone from keep fitters to their fellow amateur boxers.
“It’s not always about winning, especially in the amateurs, we’re here to guide the boxers so they can learn the lessons to be the best that the can be. As a trainer, I’m just as committed to helping my boxers as they are to improve and that’s why I know our first show is going to be a good one for the fans to see what amateur boxing is all about.”
In his professional boxing career Arthur again enjoyed Welsh and Commonwealth title success, while also competing for the British title three times. With Welsh professional boxing thriving and numerous champions being churned out, Arthur is adamant that it’s important to put back in to grass-roots boxing for the future generations.
He said, “If it wasn’t for grass-roots boxing then the sport wouldn’t be what it is. Amateur boxing is the bedrock of the sport and we’re determined to continue to do what’s best for it. We’d like to thank everyone who has made it possible for us to host our own home show and we look forward to seeing you on the night.”
Tickets for ‘Rumble In The Rhyd’ are £10, with concessions priced at £5 available for OAP’s and children aged under 12. There will be a limited number of tickets made available to buy on the door but to avoid disappointment, it’s advised to contact Arthur’s Gym for tickets on 07896878336 or 01443404733.
Visit www.ArthursGym.com for all updates.
