Bradley Welsh gives local boxers stage to showcase talents

Amateur Boxing Association Scotland chairman Bradley Welsh says this weekend's events have proven to be his greatest challenge since the registered charity's inception in 2011.

Bradley Welsh in his Holyrood gym

Welsh, a former Scottish champion, began the Edinburgh vs the World Series five years ago which has sold out venues at both Princes Street Gardens and the Usher Hall – teams of boxers from London, Manchester and Newcastle having all been defeated by their Capital opponents in recent times.

An exhibition 12-round bout last night featuring ABAS 60kg champion Ross Love began this weekend’s boxing bonanza which is set to continue this afternoon when a team of youngsters take to the stage to showcase some of the Edinburgh’s finest burgeoning talent. The two-day event will then finish with Holyrood Boxing Club’s home show tonight – all events taking place at Portobello Town Hall.

“What I’m doing this weekend, it’s bigger than anything I’ve ever done at the Usher Hall or Princes Street Gardens,” Welsh explained. “Ross Love did his 12 rounds last night against 12 different opponents but we also had another six bouts on the card too.

“This afternoon we’re having 22 bouts with kids from all over the communities around Edinburgh so we’re really promoting the grassroots side of things. Then tonight we’ve got the Holyrood Boxing show with another 18 bouts so we’ve got a lot happening.

“The participation rates are through the roof but social boxing is a big thing for me and it’s great to see the kids wee faces.”