By Eluned Darwin Goss, Second Year Law and French
On Friday 15th November, Fishies’ Fight Night was held at Document, hosted by Big John and accompanied by a Taylor Swift tribute act. The event brought together the two rival universities in Bristol: the University of West England, and the University of Bristol.
The 360-degree ring, the lighting, the black-tie dress code and the upbeat music all created high spirits and a feeling that the night was going to be a good one, and it was.
Here are the highlights of the night:
Fight One: Tom “The Reaper” Baldock v Flavio “The Balkan Bomber” Vela
Starting the night strong was blue Tom “The Reaper” Baldock against his red opponent, Flavio “The Balkan Bomber” Vela. Document was filled with excitement and tension as the first fight began. Feelings of university pride were evident, yet whilst blue and red cheered for their own colour, this fight was painted in the latter: Flavio’s red Albanian flag waving behind him, the support of his red UOB friends, and the red blood stains he left not only on Tom, but on the referee’s white shirt. Whilst the skilful Reaper was victorious, The Balkan Bomber’s power is undoubtable, not to mention his calm and collected attitude.
I interviewed Flavio and he told me that this university rivalry was ‘not at all evident’ during training. He said that he made some good friends, that everyone was friendly, and that personal improvement was the main goal. In terms of the fight itself, the experience of being in the ring, enjoying the fight alongside his supportive friends was a crazy, emotional and adrenaline-filled feeling. Flavio is happy to have experienced something he always wanted to do but is relieved to be able to relax a bit now – needless to say he was off to the pub to celebrate after the event!
Fight Six: Eleanor “Big Baz” Barrett v Alice “Big Al” Daly
As the second and final women’s fight of the night, this fight was accompanied by much support from female friends. Both Big Baz and Big Al entered the ring with impeccable poise, the latter being sponsored by Daisy’s. It’s an understatement to say that her pink floral shorts were cool. Both women were resolute and skilled, but Alice’s stamina was ‘big[ger]’ than Eleanor’s this time.
I interviewed Alice on her experience and she admitted that she had signed up for the fight when drunk at a Fishies club night, but as she is a big advocate for trying new things anyway, she thought 'what have I got to lose?' She said that she thinks it important for women to participate in boxing as it is a male dominated sport, and that the encouragement of this during training was 'overwhelming'. Women and men were made to feel equal, with 'two brilliant trainers play[ing] a huge part.' Alice said that she would love to see more girls getting into boxing not only for the fitness aspect, but to engage in something they might not ordinarily do. Despite now being a bit stiff, she feels the 'amazing high' of the fight, and is hoping to continue boxing. 'Regardless of gender, it [boxing] is a difficult thing to be doing!'
Fight Nine: Mohammed “The Punisher” Alhaurani V Arthur “T Flips” Tatham
This fight was a tense one, to say the least. Both boxers were glowing - not only with sweat, but with confidence too. This fight had the fewest breaks by the referee and displayed arguably the most skill. Ending on a tie, it was an interesting way to end the night. Many of the Red were unhappy about this result, arguing that their T Flips had more energy and was bound to win, quite potentially on his way to a technical knockout of The Punisher. However, others were glad to see blue and red confetti falling from the ceiling of Document, a symbol of peace. The crowd dispersed, the adrenaline rushing them out of Document and into the nightclubs to celebrate.
These are the remaining fights:
Fight Two: Callum “Stone Cold” Stone v Hugo “The Powerful” Parris
After UOB’s loss in the first fight, there were many hopes for the opposite result in this clash. Both boxers showed determination and confidence, however Callum did not lie when he said he was 'stone cold.'
Fight Three: Tiggy “The Basher” Bamford v Georgia “The G-Force” Dix
This fight was the first women’s fight of the night, which caused a great flurry of excitement amongst the female supporters of the crowd. It was interesting to see the difference in the ways in which men and women approach fighting. The boxers’ energy levels were high throughout, but “The Basher” came through with another win for UWE. Bosh.
Fight Four: Cal “The Wagon” Northcott v Charlie “The Punisher” Smith
What may have seemed like a losing battle for The Punisher in the first round switched in the last two: the Wagon was gradually defeated, handing the Red its first win!
Charlie told me that when walking into the ring, everything was loud, but 'as soon as the bell started I could only hear my own breathing and didn't hear any of the crowd'. He remarked that despite training for weeks, it all came down to just a few minutes of action.
'The feeling when the umpire lifted my hands to say I'd won was amazing.'
Fight Five: Louis “The Juggernaut” James v Tristan “The Terrible” Guy
This fight brought more drama to the ring than most: a terrible knockout of Louis. With Tristan triumphant, this was a second win for UOB!
Fight Seven: Dylan “Dino” Goodman v Piers “The Ringer” Rhys-Lodwick
Considered by some a one-sided battle, Dino finished the fight early, The Ringer losing a round to his UWE rival.
Fight Eight: Caleb “The Crusader” Faithful V Henry “The Gritman” Morgan
The tension from this fight could be felt from afar. With much contact with the edges of the squared circle, the willpower of both boxers was plain as day. Nevertheless, Caleb crusaded towards another blue victory.
The Gentlemen’s fight night was an interesting event to attend as someone who has never watched boxing before. Of course, it’s a sport which requires great skill, focus and self-determination. However, it’s certainly a relief to know that the participants became friends and weren’t merely young people up for a fight. Having spoken with some of the boxers, it’s an inspiring thing to hear that their goal was to try something new and to push themselves.
Featured image: Gentlemen's Fight Night
