A TALENTED duo of Grimsby Boxing Academy (GBA) fighters jet off to Denmark today to take part in the Hvidovre Box Cup.
With more than 450 boxers – from the USA, Germany, Russia and beyond – expected to feature in the prestigious competition, pair Dan Wellings, 23, and Bailey Dyas, 13, will face a difficult task.
But it's one they shouldn't fear – the Grimsby club have twice taken part in the Copenhagen event before, winning five gold and two silver medals in the process.
Head coach Andy Cox told the Telegraph: "We are all very excited to head out to Denmark and we think we have a very good chance of doing well.
"We have been there and won some medals before, so that gives us much-needed confidence.
"Our fighters have been doing really well against other boxers from this country, so we want to throw them into the ring with people from other nations and see how they get on."
The GBA fighters will be able to rely on good form ahead of their international challenge.
Wellings – the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire lightweight champion – successfully defended his belt with a comfortable victory over Darryl Felstead earlier this month.
Following a cagey start to the bout, Wellings took control from round two and, ultimately, recorded a unanimous points triumph.
Meanwhile, on the same Benny's ABC card, Grimsby's Bailey Dyas gave as good as he got before falling to a points reverse against Hallam Rickett.
The Oasis Academy Wintringham pupil showed signs of his dominant best against the home fighter, but a late counter-attack eventually condemned Dyas to defeat.
Youngster Connor Burrows completed the local involvement on the night, putting in a good show before losing to Aaron Joseph.
GBA's Danny Hall added: "We had three very good performances, even though all the results didn't go our way. I'm very pleased will how our lads are performing."
With the trip to Denmark expected to cost Wellings and Dyas £400 each, the club were pleased to receive support from local sponsors.
Paul Greaves, from Approved Roofing, handed over a cheque for £100, while the Wintringham Academy contributed £300 to the cause.
