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06
Mar
Ripon boxer wins club’s third Yorkshire Elite Belt
A Ripon Boxer has won his club a third Yorkshire Elite Belt.
Reece McAlpine, 22, was crowned the Yorkshire under-57.5kg champion at a show held at Ripon Bowling Club.
Representing Ron Hopley’s Ripon Amateur Boxing Club in what was its home show, McAlpine beat Batley Amateur Boxing Club’s Vinnie Broadhead on a split decision.
There were 13 other fights on the card last Friday (February 27).
Speaking to the Stray Ferret yesterday (March 5), Hopley said:
Vinnie Broadhead has had about 32 fights, so he’s got plenty of experience. Friday was Reece’s 22nd. Reece won the first round easily and just edged the second round. In the third round, the other lad really came out fighting.
It’s a bit of joy for him because he’s been on the wrong end of so many split decisions, which should have gone the other way in my eyes, so it was good to see him get the win.
Ripon ABC now has three Yorkshire elite titleholders. Ben Julian won the club’s first in June last year, while Imogen Hawkridge bagged a second last month.
Hopley added that it means a lot for “a little club” like Ripon to have three of Yorkshire’s elite, and that it was something they could be really proud of.
McAlpine has been boxing for Ripon ABC since 2022. Hopley believes that his next year will be his best yet.
He said:
I want to turn him pro next year, after he’s reached around 50 fights. There’s no reason why he can’t – he’s got all the attributes. He will go on to be a pro for sure.
It would be good for the region, too. There’s a lot of talent here and at other boxing clubs in the area.
Ripon ABC will host another event at Ripon Bowling Club on Friday, April 3.
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