Charlie Jay and Jack Blencowe to represent Attleborough Boxing Club in England Boxing National Youth Championships

A spot in the next round of the England Boxing National Youth Championships is on the line for Attleborough Boxing Club’s Charlie Jay this weekend.

The Harleston-based fighter takes on Jayden Wade, from Norwich Lads, for a third time, in Billericay tomorrow, with the duo tied at 1-1 from their two bouts so far.

Last October, Jay lost out in a close decision in the final of the England Boxing National Development Championships, and will be bidding to take the first step on the way to reaching the finale of another country-wide competition.

“Charlie’s boxing Jayden Wade from Norwich Lads,” Attleborough’s head coach Jon Dennis said.

“He’s beat him before. It’s one apiece. Charlie first boxed him at a club show and lost when he was with his previous club.

“He beat him unanimously the last time and that was in the Eastern Counties round of the novices.

“Now we face him again in the first round of the Youth Championships.”

Jay will be competing in the under-67kg weight class of the Youth Championships, which culminates at North Solihull Sports Centre from February 10-12.

He will be joined by club mate Jack Blencowe, who won a national title in the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs Championship (NABGCs) in Bridlington last month.

“Jack hasn’t got an opponent in the first round, therefore he goes through on a bye,” Dennis confirmed.

“We won’t know who he’s potentially got next until the next round has been boxed, as you might have people withdraw or people not turn up on the day.

“It’s stage by stage and hurdle by hurdle. Every contest and every competition is an experience and is a learning curve.

“Both are on a boxing journey and this is all valuable experience for them.

“They’re both excited and ready for it, but we don’t underestimate anybody and may the best person win.”

Away from the ring, Shadwell Stud have donated a new mini bus to the club, one of several improvements made in the lead up to what promises to be another busy year at Attleborough.

“We’ve got a new ring, so we’ve now got four rings in the gym,” Dennis said.

“We’ve had the flooring all re-done and we’ve bought some more equipment. Obviously as a voluntary club we’re not in it to make money, we’re in it to reinvest in our members and give them a positive experience.

“The club’s in a good place. The sessions are booming. We’ve had to put extra sessions on.

“We’re getting in excess of 50 young people down there for a junior session on a Monday night and the membership is thriving.

“We’ll just continue to grow and do the best we can with what we’ve got.

“And we don’t just cater for elite boxers. We cater for people who use the sport of boxing for recreational purposes or to get fit.”