Card Cancelled
May 30th was set to be a big night of boxing in Manchester at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, with Black Flash Promotions staging “Clash of the Titles”. The event featured strong domestic talent and several important title fights. In addition, the card highlighted the promotion’s continued commitment to grassroots boxing and fighter development.
Muhammad Ali, the WBC Asian champion, was scheduled to headline against two-time Welsh champion Willy Gilheaney. The pair were due to compete for the IBO International Welterweight title. Meanwhile, Stoke boxer and IBO European champion Kyle Davies was also set to appear on the card. Kyle had planned a quick turnaround after recently stopping Micky Ellison in his last outing.
Unfortunately, the show has now been cancelled. The event would have aired live on Talksport, but Black Flash Promotions released the following statement:
“Black Flash Promotions regret to announce that the Clash of the Titles event scheduled for May 30th will no longer go ahead. This decision has not been taken lightly. With multiple fighter withdrawals and injuries across the card, including the main event, we have been unable to keep the card intact despite our best efforts.”
Black Flash Promotions and Grassroots Boxing
The cancelled card contained plenty of talent, and Black Flash Promotions remains heavily rooted in the mantra of “build from the ground up”. Pat Barrett formed the promotion in 2014 and has steadily built both its media platform and grassroots boxing presence. Furthermore, Barrett launched the promotion to create opportunities for Northern fighters while placing strong emphasis on fighter development.
Pat Barrett understands the sport inside and out. As a former British and European champion, he is well placed to help mould and develop upcoming talent. Northern boxers also tend to attract loyal support, and the crowds regularly turn out in strong numbers.
Black Flash Promotions has become an excellent launchpad for fighters in the area. The promotion helps build profiles and creates recognition within the boxing scene. Notable names such as Zelfa Barrett and Lyndon Arthur have strong connections to the promotion. More importantly, Black Flash consistently gives rising prospects valuable opportunities.
Black Flash Promotions Keeping Fighters Active
Despite the card being cancelled, many of the fights have now been moved to the following week. As a result, fighters will not lose the benefits of full training camps. Black Flash Promotions has worked hard to salvage as many bouts as possible and keep boxers active.
For example, Taz Nadeem (8-1), who was originally due to fight on May 30th, will now compete on the “South Manny Storm” card on June 6th in Wythenshawe. The card is stacked with local talent and prospects: James Francis, Josh Paladino, Kieran McDaid, Clark Smith, Macaulay Mcgowan, Huey Malone, Kaine Tyrese Martin, Marvin Tomlinson- so whilst the Talksport card is off, Black Flash are working hard as ever to produce cards people will turn out for.
The importance of small hall shows and grassroots boxing remains as relevant as ever. It forms the foundation on which the entire sport stands. Grassroots boxing is raw and authentic. Without it, the top level of the sport would eventually dry up.
