ROCHE Boxing Club held its annual show at a packed Byerdon House Social Club recently which its head coach hailed as 'the best ever'.

Brian Roche, who had held 11 events in the 15 years since he opened his club said it could not have gone better as the Burnley club hosted young fighters from across the region.

"I've been running these events for more than a decade now and this is the best one we have had,"said Roche a former professional boxer who fought for British and Commonwealth titles.

"There were some terrific fighters on show and some brilliant fights which everyone really enjoyed. I pride myself on getting the match-ups correct and this year I got it spot on."

The show began with three 'show fights' for young fighters and Bilal, 10, James Tansey,10, and 11-year-old Patrick Ennis from the host club all produced impressive performances.

Ash Dwyer from Roche took part in the first competitive bout of the evening against Lee Davie from Timperley and it was the visiting fighter who won on a split decision.

The talented Ali Assad, 14, got Roche's first win of the evening when the North West champion made it eight wins out of nine when the A Pudney from Hebden Bridge on points.

And 15-year-old Alfie Bennett also enjoyed a points victory when the Roche fighter did enough to beat Christy Joyce from Littleborough.

Burnley-based Polish fighter, Angelika Chmielowic, was involved in one of the fights of the night but the 23-year-old narrowly lost on a split decision to Harrogate's Kay Edmond.

While Roche was delighted to see his fighters in action he paid tribute to one visiting fighter, Max Ellison from Blackburn club Technique ABC who proved to be just too good for Danny Khan.

"Max has got what it takes to be a top, top fighter," said Roche. "I was very impressed with him, not just as a fighter but the way he conducted himself. He was a great to himself and his club and I would definitely like to invite him back again."

Zurayne Shaqat, 18, and 15-year-old Naz Akeel both lost on points to Chris White (Carlisle) and R Ruddy (Jimmy Egan ABC) respectively.

Zed Bahkat, 19, got Roche back to winning ways with a unanimous points win over Kieron Monks from Natbridge but 18-year-old Soaib Mahmood was unfortunate not have his arm raised after losing on a split decision to Nicky Knights from Radcliffe.

The giant Bilal Khan, standing 6ft 7inch tall and weighing in at 18st, continued his unbeaten record, beating Al Whitley from Widnes to make it five wins out of five.

And Suliman Malik, 16, won his all-East Lancs duel with Timmy Murphy from Love ABC, Rossendale.

The best was saved until last when the fight between Mustapha Tahseen from Roache and Carlisle ABC's Pete Johnson was voted fight of the night.

"What a terrific fight that was," added Roche who saw his man lose on a split decision. "It was a real war and both fighters went for it. Everyone was on their feet at the end and it was fitting we saved the best for last."