Birkenhead boxers success at the National Junior Boxing Championships

‘Sugar’ Shay Pinnington, 13, who attends Co-op Academy in Bebington and Connall ‘Fazza Jr’ Farrell, 13, who attends St Mary’s Wallasey secured themselves silver medals ranking them number two in England for their weight category.

Leon Burns and Shay Pinnington

Leon ‘Banger’ Burns, 15, who attends SJP Plessington High School, was crowned champion after he secured a gold medal.

Leon Burns Photo: Phil Bryan

Liam ‘Frean Machine’ Freany, aged 12, who attends Woodchurch High School, ranked number three in his weight category after achieving a bronze medallist.

Liam Freany Photo: England Boxing

Head Coach at Venture Gym, Sean Trodden, said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements of our team of fighters.”

Since Covid, Birkenhead Venture said they have had a restructure and developed a “road map for success”.

Sean said: “The roadmap is working as four out of five lads in the championships brought medals home. Hopefully next season a full house of golds is on the cards.

Shay Pinnington Photo: Phil Bryan

“When Covid hit, and the gyms were told to close it had a devastating effect on the sport.

“When we were slowly allowed to reopen, we could only have small outside sessions with no contact sparring which made preparations hard.

“Despite the difficulties, there was a young group of lads who looked hungry and were in training every night and never missed a session.

“With the help from Coaches Sean Trodden, Neil Oxton, Paul Farrel, Hassan Alsaigh and Robert Girven, the work began, and the kids excelled.

“As a club we are ecstatic with the performance in these championships.”