Evolution Boxing Club recently welcomed Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Chair of Policy and Resources Committee, Alderman Billy Ashe MBE, to its club to showcase the excellent work they are undertaking for young people across the area and to meet one of its renowned members who recently reached for the stars for world title glory!

Alderman Ashe MBE heard how coaches at the Carrickfergus-based boxing club are working with young people from the town in a bid to educate them about the dangers of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and the benefits of getting involved in sport. The free programme, which is open to any young person from across the area, currently has children aged between eight and 17 attending.

Evolution Boxing Club is owned and managed by Carrickfergus man Iain Mahood. Iain works from his gym in Carrickfergus, where he trains professionals during the day and the youth of the town at night. He has had fantastic success as a trainer and dedicates much of his free time to supporting young people.

Alderman Ashe MBE also had the opportunity to meet the club’s professional boxer, Anthony Cacace, who has held the British super-featherweight title since 2019 and the IBO super-featherweight title since 2022. Anthony recently lifted the IBO super-featherweight title with a split decision over Michael Magnesi on the Joyce-Parker bill in Manchester.

Anthony works closely with world champion trainer Iain. The pair have a long-standing connection to boxing, crossing paths over the years before successfully working together to achieve great results.

Chair of Policy and Resources Committee, Alderman Billy Ashe MBE, comments: “I am delighted to visit this thriving boxing club, which is producing world-class talent and helping support our youth.

“I received such a warm welcome and got to see first-hand the hard work undertaken to support the local boxing community. The club’s got a great community feel and it’s brilliant to see Iain planting the seeds of hopes and dreams in the next generation and proving that it doesn’t matter how big your dreams are if you work and believe in yourself you can achieve anything.

“Well done to Anthony with his recent win in Manchester. This has really put the club on the map and I am delighted both Anthony and Iain’s hard work has been recognised.”