LUCKY young Furness boxing fans will get a Christmas present that packs a punch thanks to the generosity of a local fight fan and businessman.

Joe Murphy has donated two junior tickets for the upcoming Ross Cooksey and Mike McGoldrick bouts on the MTK Global show in Bolton on December 20.

Murphy, of Joe Murphy Flooring, is a keen boxing fan and well-known local footballer, and Brook Street Head Coach Jeff Moses is very appreciative of his gesture.

“Joe Murphy bought two tickets for the Ross Cooksey and Mike McGoldrick bouts and has donated them to the kids,” said Moses. “This is a great gesture from Joe, and shows the local community working together.”

It’s an exciting December for Furness professional boxing, with Cooksey and McGoldrick’s fights coming just six days after fellow Barrovian and former English light heavyweight champion Liam Conroy’s quarter-final in the Golden Contract tournament at Brentwood.

Meanwhile in the amateur ranks, promising Barrow ABC teen Ethan Holt showed his dedication and spirit to get in the ring at short notice at the Wigton ABC show last weekend.

Holt, who last year reached the finals of the England Boxing Novice Championship, lost on points to A Armaan of Grange Park, but was commended by Moses.

He said: “It was gutsy effort and shows that win or lose, Barrow ABC are always ready to go.”