Boxing: Coach hails 'fantastic' season for Manx ABC

Demand means some classes now near capacity, says Peter Roberts

The head coach of one of the Island's boxing clubs is hailing 2025 as a 'fantastic' year for all involved.

Over the last twelve months, Manx ABC has provided opportunities in the sport for a host of athletes at both senior and junior level to get in the ring competitively or pursue a new hobby.

What's more, Peter Roberts adds, as it stands, they're nearing full capacity in some of their classes such is the level of demand.

When asked why he feels the popularity has grown again this year, Mr Roberts believes there's numerous factors behind it:

During the course of 2025, Manx ABC has been involved in multiple events both on and off-Island and has been able to field competitors from age groups ranging from 'schools bouts' up to adult level.

It's also hosted two major shows this year on Manx shores - the first of those was the inaugural Manx Challenge Cup in February which saw an Isle of Man squad face off against a Yorkshire select team.

More recently, Manx ABC welcomed a Merseyside squad for a similar show on Saturday, 8 November.

Separately, Mr Roberts also confirmed that three of its current or former athletes - Jade Burden, TJ Phair and Tom Murray - have all been long-listed for potential selection for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026.