A NEWLY-QUALIFIED bricklayer from York who sees himself potentially boxing as a professional has just returned from a competition in Orlando, Florida, proud of his victory in an international bout.
Acomb’s MacKenzie Hodgson defeated Ecuador’s Hugo Falcon on points and has been invited to return to Florida in 2027.
Advertisement
“I jumped at the opportunity,” said MacKenzie.
“All boxers need to widen their experience, and I saw this as a golden opportunity.
“I controlled the bout throughout and was able to demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills and techniques learnt since I’ve been training with Glenn Banks at TSM boxing club.
“The competition was arranged by Wellington ABC in Middlesbrough. I’d met some of their boxers before, but it was great to be able to spar with them in Orlando as well as meet boxers from Florida, elsewhere in the US and from other countries.
RECOMMENDED READING:
“The main benefit was experiencing different training and performance styles as hopefully in years to come, I’ll need to adapt to what a wide range of boxers bring to the ring.”
Advertisement
A former student of Our Lady’s Primary School and All Saints Secondary, York College student MacKenzie, 18, has just completed his bricklaying apprenticeship with Ebor.
He added: “It wasn’t all work in Orlando. We got the chance to visit Gator Land, Volcano Bay and Smyrna Beach amongst other places.
“But for me everything is about the boxing. This trip has given extra impetus to my training to be the best I can be.”
MacKenzie appreciates ‘the generosity of all my sponsors in York with thanks to HD Removals, Ebor Brick Works, Snip Barbers, D&A Groundworks, Butlers Fisheries, Travel Monkeys Holidays and Malarky Paving’.
Advertisement
TSM boxing club on Boroughbridge Road York is managed by Steve Melton, with MacKenzie trained there in specific sessions organised by Glenn Banks.
MacKenzie is registered at LS20 gym in Guiseley, Leeds where Craig Wood manages his own stable of elite amateurs.
Glenn Banks manages the professional boxers registered there.
For further information about TSM boxing club contact Steve Melton on 07943 453638.