Andy 'The Rock' Costello vs Gianlucca Sircci
On saturday 29th September Exeter Project Mayhem's Andy Costello and Ruthie Wright made their way to 'The Scala' in London where they fought on the same chessboxing bill in respective title fights.
Chessboxing, the surreal sport in which rounds of chess and boxing are alternated, is growing in popularity as a spectator sport at an alarming rate and Ruthie and Andy lead the way as competitors.
Ruthie was first up, fighting for the British flyweight title against late stand in Jenny-Anne Dexter who brought some nice boxing skills and competent chess to the table. In what transpired to be the contest of the night Ruthie established her dominance in the ring and over the chess board. winning by tko in the sixth round.
Andy Costello fought Gianluca Sircci, a professional boxer from Italy, for the European title. Andy soaked up some early pressure from an aggressive Gianluca in the first round of boxing before fighting his way into the contest and finishing strongly in the second. Meanwhile the former Devon junior chess champion took control at the board, winning Gianlucas queen and forcing his resignation to take the title.
Project Mayhem boxing coach Stewart Telford cornered the couple, making it a night to remember for the Exeter MMA club.