THREE York boxers trained by former professional and local gym owner Henry Wharton were in action in the latest professional show arranged by Mark Bateson Promotions at The Engine Shed in Wetherby last Sunday, with two of them winning what Wharton described as ‘career developing’ fights won by Rafal Benka and Jack Marshall.

“This was the first professional boxing show staged at the Wetherby venue,” Wharton explained.

“We were delighted to see a full house enjoying the Sunday afternoon boxing.

“I was particularly pleased that boxers from Henry’s Gym starred on the show in four round matches and that Rafal and Jack won their bouts, establishing themselves as major contenders on the Yorkshire boxing scene.”

Twenty-year old super featherweight Marshall was twice a regional amateur champion and Box Cup gold medallist before winning his first professional fight in May this year.

For both Marshall and his opponent Londoner Jack England this was their second fight in the paid ranks and Marshall won on points having put his opponent through his paces.

Marshall explained the tactics behind his win, saying:”I was decisive with my jabs and rarely on the backfoot pushing through to get the victory,”

“I knocked my opponent down in the second round and kept him on the defensive.

“It was a good learning fight and I’m grateful to Henry for making it possible and for all the training he provides.”

Polish-born York resident super welterweight Rafal Benka also won his fourth professional bout against Doncaster’s Jack Smith with Benka putting the visitor under sustained pressure, although Smith did more than just defend and frequently came forward with effective jabs.

However, Benka’s delivery of one powerful combination after another out-boxed the visitor to win all rounds but one.

There was disappointment though for York’s Nathan Shepherd who, despite enjoying the most vocal support of the event, suffered his first professional defeat in this his fourth match in this his first year as a paid boxer as he lost to veteran Londoner Jordan Grannum.

“I honestly thought I’d won,” Shepherd admitted.

“I was hardly ever on the backfoot. I hit him repeatedly with some strong combinations.

“It’s a loss on my record but I don’t feel like I lost.

“But that’s boxing. I’ll reflect on it learn from it and hopefully be back even later this year."

Two other non-York boxers were in the home corner as Bradford’s Connor Lawrence beat Wakefield newcomer Iranian-born Kasra Zoughalian in an exciting match which showed quality matching.

Rising prospect Lancashire super lightweight was disappointed to be held to a draw by Spanish showman Miguel Zamora.

Anyone keen to see if boxing is for them or their child can best contact Henry at henry@henrysgym.co.uk or via the Henry’s Gym Facebook page.