Boxing: Craigmillar memorial a huge success

Craigmillar Boxing Club raised almost £2500 as their first show in five years went off with a bang at the Jewel Miners Club. The event, which attracted a crowd of over 200, was held in memory of teenager Brett Lodge who was murdered in July 2011 after a vicious attack, the cousin of the club’s fitness coach Colin McCourt.

Head coach Kenny McCartney was inspired by the response in what proved to be a successful evening for all connected with the club and is delighted to donate the majority of proceeds to the unit at the Royal Infirmary that deals with severe head injuries. Boxer Jason Easton was also awarded the Brett Lodge Memorial Trophy for his prowess displayed in the ring.

McCartney said: “It was a great night and a lot better than I had hoped for. Every fight was close from the novices right through to the more experienced guys. It was a sell-out and we had to turn people away at the door unfortunately. But everybody I have spoken to was delighted with what we put on.

“I was thrilled with all the guys and they boxed really well. The judges awarded Jason the Brett Lodge Memorial Trophy for being the best boxer on the night and he really did put an edge on the show. He was too fast and strong for his opponent and kept pushing him until he’d had enough in the third round.”

McCartney now hopes to build on the club’s achievements and strive towards a more competitive future. He added: “We’re looking at having another show in September so we’re looking forward to that. Our first night back after the show we had over 40 bodies in the gym and ex-boxers coming back too so hopefully this will put us on the map.”