Young boxer triumphs in match after team's tough start

Isaac and Louie with trophy's after their bout

Hamer Amateur Boxing Club faced a challenging week in the ring, but ended on a high note with a resounding victory by 16-year-old Isaac Coyle.

The week began with two close defeats. On Saturday, 7 December, Azaan Hussain, also 16, travelled to Lancaster University to face local boxer Freddie Tyson of Lancaster Boxing Club.

Days later, on Wednesday, 11 December, 17-year-old Austin Heneghan engaged in a tough bout against Rhys Holden at Eccles Boxing School in Eccles. Both contests were fiercely fought but ended in narrow losses for the Rochdale fighters.

However, the tide turned for Hamer ABC on Friday, 13 December, at the Hideout Sports Arena in Farnworth. The event, screened on YouTube, saw Isaac Coyle take on Louie Newnes of Halliwell Boxing Club in a gruelling and explosive encounter that brought the crowd to its feet.

Hamer coaches Matt Lagard and Steven Connellan were eager for a positive result, and Coyle delivered in spectacular fashion. Both fighters entered the ring to a boisterous crowd, and when the bell signalled the start of the first round, Coyle charged out of the blue corner to meet Newnes in the centre of the ring.

From the outset, the match was relentless, with both boxers trading punches in rapid succession. Coyle landed a decisive right hand followed by a stiff jab, while Newnes retaliated with a powerful right of his own, raising the intensity in the room.

Undeterred, Coyle responded with a precise one-two combination, setting the tone for the bout.

As the round progressed, Coyle began to find his rhythm, consistently landing accurate shots and gaining the upper hand in exchanges. The crowd roared as both fighters stood toe-to-toe, delivering punishing blows right up until the bell.

The second round mirrored the first, with Coyle unleashing a strong right hand and jab to start. Despite Newnes fighting back, Coyle maintained his composure, finishing each exchange with clean, impactful punches. The Hamer boxer’s precision and power forced Newnes to hold on during close exchanges, a testament to the pressure Coyle was exerting.

Before the final round, coach Steven Connellan instructed Coyle to fend off his opponent's holds and maintain an aggressive pace.

When the bell rang for the third round, Coyle executed the plan perfectly. Meeting Newnes in the centre of the ring, the Rochdale fighter pressed forward, landing heavy blows that pushed his opponent onto the ropes. The crowd erupted as Coyle continued to dominate, securing a unanimous decision victory.

The victory was a well-deserved Christmas gift for Hamer ABC and a proud moment for Rochdale’s boxing community. The match highlighted the skill, determination, and resilience of the young fighter, cementing his reputation as a rising star.