PROMOTER Mark Neilson says 2021 was a good year for Neilson Boxing as they’ve developed in and out of the ring.

Last year, Neilson Boxing brought boxing back to Swindon after a two-year lay-off due to Covid forcing the sport into a standstill.

In addition to two sold out shows at the town’s MECA in Regent Circus, Neilson was also able to acquire the inaugural members of Neilson Boxing’s stable whilst adding staff to the promotional company as they prepare for 2022.

Reflecting on 2021, Neilson says it was a productive year all things considered as he looks ahead to a busy year.

“We did three shows last year. It was meant to be four, but we had to cancel one of them because of a lack of availability with fighters, that was the story of the year,” he said.

“On the positive side we did three shows in quick succession, we’ve got some momentum and we’ve got eight shows booked in for this year already.

“Last year I also spent some time building up Neilson Boxing as a business, we have a new Operations Manager in Kyle Neilson and we have a few others so we are making progress.

“It (2021) was a development year for us. Some of the fighters we have signed made their debuts, I think we have come a long way because in December 2020 I didn’t manage anyone, now I manage six fighters.”

As well as dates pencilled in for shows in Swindon, Neilson is looking to take Neilson Boxing across the South West, with events set to take place in Oxford, Gloucester and Bracknellin the coming 12 months.

However, there will be nothing immediate as the British Boxing Board of Control announced a blanket postponement of boxing for January, due to a lack of medical staff available.

The suspension is set to be lifted for February, but Neilson admits there is a sense of history repeating itself following the BBBofC’s decision.

Despite this, the Swindon promoter remains hopeful that the sport will be able to resume shortly.

“This time last year we were in full lockdown mode at the beginning of January because of the Delta variant which was running rampant,” he added.

“It’s a bit surreal that a year later, we are in the same situation with all boxing postponed for January, which is a blow for the sport but hopefully it’ll be back up and running again soon.”