MORE impacts in York’s boxing folklore are on the scorecard at Henry’s Gym, the club run by the city’s most successful professional fighter, Henry Wharton.
A big hit has been enjoyed by the club housed in Regent Building in Acomb, never more than the recent hosting of the Amateur Boxing Association Yorkshire championship finals - the first time such a prestigious championships has been staged in York.
That coveted accolade for the gym, which has only been uppercut and running for a shade over two years, recognised the momentum of the club.
And if further evidence was needed of the increasing status of the club, its first sortie into Europe yielded no fewer than four medals from five fighters.
Recalled Wharton, who reigned for several years as undefeated European, British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion: “Having the ABA’s here at our gym was fantastic. It was an incredible night.
“To be able to say we were the first club in York to stage the ABA’s is such an honour for all us, especially the lads themselves who have come on leaps and bounds.”
Two of Wharton’s young prospects triumphed on a night when the York Road premises were buzzing.
Kelvin Winn beat Whitby Boxing Club’s Bailey Olds in the 46-kilogramme contest, while John Patrick Harker was another Henry’s Gym victor, disposing of Hull Saints’ Callum Divine in the 58kg bout.
“It was such a brilliant night for the gym. All the lads did ever so well and showed that they can take on anyone,” added Wharton.
“The best thing for us all was when one of the ABA officials said the youngsters here were so ‘well schooled’ in the sport.
“For me, that’s just such a great compliment and testament to the work that we are doing.”
COMING FORWARD: John Patrick Harker, of Henry’s Gym, is ramrod straight onto the offensive against Callum Divine
From county to Continental opposition, Wharton also headed a five-strong young contingent from the club to the Denmark capital of Copenhagen to compete in an annual European show.
Henry’s Gym duo Sam Jordan and George Davey took gold, while there were silver medals for Sonny Wharton and Harry Kelly.
Yorkshire ABA champion Winn lost a controversial decision in the semi-final to an opponent who went on to take the gold.
As Wharton reflected on a record so far in 2015 of 36 wins from 42 outings - there is a club show at Henry’s Gym tonight - he declared: “The improvement in the lads since we first started has been phenomenal. It’s upwards and onwards.”
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