The Cumbrian club returned from the Robert Burns Box Cup in Scotland with three gold medals and one silver.

Two Wigton boxers also now hold Manchester Box Cup Challenge belts after another event recently.

And one of the club’s rising stars, John Paul Miller, is set to represent the North West at an event in Ireland later this month.

“The club is going from strength to strength and it’s really rewarding to see all the hard work the kids are putting in,” said coach Andi Crossman.

At the Robert Burns Cup in Dumfries there were victories for Wigton’s Harvey Twigg, Eddie Graham and John Paul Miller, while Ben Lightfoot came home with a silver medal.

Wigton’s boxers with their belts and medals from the Robert Burns Box Cup (Image: Wigton ABC)

“All the lads did so well,” said Crossman.

“We had three straight finals, but John Paul had to win a semi-final and then a final – which he did, boxing against some really good kids.

“His level is really stepping up. He’s rising above everybody and he’s been selected for the North West to represent the region against Ireland over in Dublin at the end of next month.”

Last weekend, meanwhile, saw Lewis Hand mark his recent return to Wigton ABC by winning a Challenge Cup belt at Timperley in Manchester.

“Lewis won by a points decision – he was up against a tough southpaw but Lewis gave a boxing masterclass, working off the jab, picking his shots well and getting a deserved victory for a great lad,” Crossman said.

“Robbie Pattinson’s opponent pulled out so he got the belt by default. It means we have two belt holders and they will defend them later this month.”

Those successes followed a well-attended and contested home show for Wigton ABC at the Greenhill Hotel on September 13.

“We had clubs coming from all over the country – from the north end of Scotland to Manchester and many more,” Crossman said.

Lewis Hand won a Manchester Box Cup Challenge belt last weekend (Image: Wigton ABC)

“We had ten boxers from Wigton on the show and there were some good results in amongst them.”

One memorable result saw 12-year-old Billy Dixon win the Andy Dixon Memorial Trophy – a prize for the best Wigton boxer. It was an emotional victory as Billy is Andy Dixon’s grandson.

“It was Billy’s first bout, and his display of boxing was second to none,” Crossman said.

“Even the more experienced kids didn’t match up to the quality he showed.

“He was dead emotional to win his grandad’s trophy.”

Crossman was also proud to see his son Dalton win his first bout.

Dalton also defeated the same opponent at another show the following day, while Harvey Twigg also won two out of three bouts in quick succession.

“Also at the home show we had Ben Lightfoot narrowly beaten after a really good display against a much more experienced kid,” Crossman added.

“We had Mike Dalton, who won on unanimous points, Harvey Twigg who won on unanimous points. John Paul Miller the same, and Lewis Hand was beaten by a very good kid – but he had just had food poisoning the week before, so he was a bit weak.

“Levi Shepherd got beat but with the performance he put on, it could have gone either way.”

Wigton coach Andi Crossman was also proud to see son Dalton win his first bouts (Image: Wigton ABC)

Crossman is delighted with the progress the boxers and club are making and is hoping to build further on their successes.

“The kids are listening to all the coaches and the success they’re having shows that,” he added.

“We’ve got a great set of coaches now. John Paul’s brother and dad went and put themselves through the coaching course so they could be part of the club’s coaching team, and his mum Beverley is helping out with the sponsorship side.

“It’s a lot to keep building on and that’s what we will aim to do.”