REPORT BY: JAMES BOVINGTON

YOUNG Bradford novice boxer Ciarno-Noel Wilson threw “the cleanest backhand you could imagine” on his debut on the Haynes Promotions show in Leeds last weekend.

The youngster knocked his opponent to the canvas in the first of three rounds of the fight to ensure a statement victory on his first outing.

Speaking after his win, the Bradford fighter said: “I’d trained as hard as I could and was eager to get the knockout.

“I rushed into the fight but quickly calmed down and started picking my shots. I’d been practicing this punch.

“The nerves were there whilst waiting for my bout but disappeared during my ring walk.

“I was in the zone to knock my opponent out. The moment I landed that perfect punch I knew he wasn’t getting up. It was better than any punch in my sparring sessions.”

Twenty-year-old Wilson is a former student of Appleton Academy who runs his own business cleaning PVC and gutters.

He’s been training at Dean Hunt’s Solid Impact Gym for seven months, and his decision to train there has proved worthwhile.

He said: “I’ve always been interested in boxing and when I found a local gym, I stuck to it and have been dedicated to improving each session.

“I can’t thank my coaches enough for pushing everyone to be the best version of themselves. Boxing has massively benefited my mental and physical health, and I’m now excited for my second bout on October 5 in Derby.”

Hunt set up Solid Impact last winter with business partner Gul Israr and now trains thirty fighters from all cultures and background.

And Hunt was impressed with what he saw on Wilson’s debut.

He said: “Ciarno hasn’t been with us long, but he has raw power. He trains his socks off.

“He’s always asking for advice on how to improve; he's a coach’s dream. I knew Ciarno was ready for his first competitive bout.”

“Ciarno initially forgot the gameplan and started like a man possessed swinging haymakers.

“However, he soon started working off the jab and straightening his shots. There was some good technique there, and then that punch which knocked his opponent out cold was amazing.

“The other boy was fine, fortunately and both he and Ciarno are to be commended for their courage. There’s lots to learn but it was a fantastic first performance as one of five boxers on the show all of whom won.

“We’ve champions among them, and I wouldn’t bet against Ciarno joining that elite group next year.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Ciarno Wilson can contact him by email (wilsonciarno0@gmail.com ) or on 07562 456294.

Those interested in training at Solid Impact located on Nesfield Street near Forster Square can contact Dean Hunt on 07412 648741 or at huntydeano@outlook.com . Hunt and Wilson are also contactable on social media.