Griffiths impresses on pro debut as Bideford Boxers shine in Plymouth

Bideford boxer Harley Griffiths made a memorable professional debut in Neath, securing a hard-earned points victory over reigning Welsh champion Angelo Dragone.

The bout marked Griffiths’ return to the ring after a four-year absence — but his performance suggested he had never been away.

Griffiths started confidently, working behind his jab and scoring cleanly from range to take the opening round. Dragone increased the pressure in the second, but Griffiths met him head-on, showing composure, toughness and sharp counterpunching to win the key exchanges.

In the third, Griffiths pushed Dragone back, sinking in heavy body shots and producing his most dominant round of the fight. The final stanza saw both men stand toe-to-toe in a thrilling finish, trading punches and earning the appreciation of the crowd.

Griffiths deservedly claimed the victory on the referee’s card, winning 39–37 after an entertaining and hard-fought contest.

Manager and trainer Richard Grigg praised his fighter’s display: “Amazing debut last night for Harley Griffiths against Welsh Champion Angelo Dragone with a points win after a great fight. Harley should be proud — what a mature performance. Four years out of the ring and he looked as if he had never been away.

It’s an honour to manage him. This is just the start. We’ll be staying busy and looking to pick up a Welsh title within 18 months. The debut was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. Harley ‘Hank the Tank’ Griffiths is now 1–0.”

Reflecting on the night, Griffiths thanked supporters and paid tribute to his opponent: “Now the dust has settled, I want to thank everyone who bought a ticket. After over a year of setbacks, we finally got it done. Nothing but love for those who stuck by me when things weren’t going my way — it means a lot.

We took a very tough opponent for our debut. Respect to him. My team made sure I was ready — big shout to my coach and manager.

The next one will be bigger and better. We’re looking to stay busy now, but first let’s enjoy Christmas with our families and finish the year with good celebrations.”

Two of Bideford’s leading amateur boxers also produced strong performances in Plymouth.

Dre Beer headlined the show, challenging home-club boxer Oliver Pallin for the Western Counties Featherweight Belt. Pallin edged a competitive opening round with quick flurries, before Beer responded strongly in the second, using sharp footwork and clean counters to level the contest.

With everything to fight for in the last round, both boxers produced a relentless work rate. The judges struggled to split them, eventually awarding a split-decision victory to Pallin. Beer’s efforts were recognised as he received the Best Fight of the Night trophy.

Team-mate Pete Fitzgerald secured a split-points win in his rematch with St Pirans’ Kayden Tremmeling. Fitzgerald dominated the early rounds behind a tight guard and powerful straight shots. Tremmeling rallied late, but a strong final burst from Fitzgerald sealed the decision and the victory.