Browse Sections

• Rochdale FC
• Rochdale Hornets
• Local football
• Local cricket

Charlotte makes history in the ring for Hamer

22/12/2007

HAMER Boxing made history in Wigan last week when Charlotte Brown became the first female fighter from the club to step into the ring.

She didn’t disappoint as she was pitched in against the highly rated Rachel Wheatman who was representing the British Army.

Brown, in front of a baying crowd, could have been forgiven for being nervous as her opponent was led into the ring by a squad of soldiers playing bagpipes.

But the Hamer southpaw shot out of the traps and it was the final round before Wheatman knew what had hit her.

By then it was too late and Brown was a mile in front. The Army boxer tried to turn it round and gave it her all, but at the end of three action-packed two-minute rounds all three judges had the Hamer girl as a worthy winner.

The referee congratulated both boxers, and even the partisan crowd grudgingly accepted Wheatman had been beaten by a better fighter, cheering and clapping for a full five minutes after a fantastic battle.

Hamer coach Gary White was both surprised and delighted at the outcome and said: "I was a bit sceptical at first. I’m old school and believed the ring was no place for a girl.

"But I soon changed my tune after a couple of rounds on the pads. Charlotte is so dedicated, so strong, I’m converted. After a long time waiting for a national champion wouldn’t it be ironic if it was a girl."

Hamer’s Ben Foylan and Mark Britton were both in action at Leigh.

Southpaw Foylan, making his first start of the season, was up against Jordan Owen of Dynamics ABC.

Giving away weight and experience, Foylan used his superior boxing skills to outmanoeuvre the heavier man.

The result was never in doubt as the Hamer man used a wide variety of shots to ease to a comfortable points win.

Coach Paddy Joyce said it was the best performance he had seen from Foylan who recorded his third win on the trot.

There was disappointment, though, for his fellow southpaw Britton who made his debut against the undefeated Shaun Kelly.

A ding-dong battle ensued from start to finish, with neither man prepared to give an inch.

The fight could have taken place in a telephone booth.

Despite giving his all, it was not to be for the Rochdale lad.

Demands for a return bout were turned down, but Britton was pleased with his performance, vowing to be fitter next time.