Boxers from across the North West took part in the first boxing gala to be held by Audley Boxing Club.

And it was 20-year-old Taqiq Khan who maintained his impressive record to win his ninth fight out of nine. That puts him in contention for a place in the British Novice Boxing Championships.

Tariq was one of 10 Audley Boxing Club fighters on show and the lightweight certainly impressed his coach, Yaqoob Hussain.

Tariq has been with us for about 18 months now and has impressed me immensely, said Yaqoob who organised the event. He is a good trainer and a good listener. I only have to teach him something once and it sticks.

He came here with a lot of natural talent but he is improving all the time.

Yaqoob said that he will not hesitate to put Tariq forward to the next British Novice Boxing Championships which take early in the New Year.

He wasnt ready for this years competition but he will be for the next one.

Another talented youngster, Shakeeb Ali, suffered a rare defeat after losing on a narrow points decision.

The boxing gala is an annual event but this is the first time it has been held at Audley Community Centre as part of the Audley Peoples Festival.

There were winning debuts for 13-year-old Qasim Niaz and Mohammed Jabaar, aged 22, while Asraar Ali enjoyed a much needed win after losing his last few bouts. However, there were a number of fighters who missed out.

Yasar Khan, Mohammed Ihsan, Anthony Preston, Waseem Ahmed and Raja Afzal.

Yaqoob added: Ive been waiting a long time to hold a boxing gala at our own venue and the feedback I have received is very encouraging.