Emerging pair shine on national stage

MATEUSZ BEREZNICKI broke new ground as he stormed to England Boxing Youth Championship glory.
Gosport ABC's Mateusz Bereznicki celebrates with Tony Gaze, leftGosport ABC's Mateusz Bereznicki celebrates with Tony Gaze, left
Gosport ABC's Mateusz Bereznicki celebrates with Tony Gaze, left

The Gosport powerhouse stormed to an unprecedented third title of the season for his club with another memorable success.

And he was joined by Fareham’s Louis Small at the last stage of the competition, who has earned an England place after beating two internationals on his run to the final.

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Bereznicki defeated Grainger Park’s Lucas Wilson at 81kg to be crowned cadet champion.

Coached by John Gaze and Darren Blair, the 16-year-old has broken new ground for his club after NAGBC and Development Championship success in recent months.

Blair rates the talent as the best the club has seen.

He said: ‘It’s three titles this season for Mateusz – not many people do that.

‘He’s the best we’ve had. To do what he’s achieved is something else.

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‘He had a boy in the Southern Counties final and the semi-final, and they both pulled out.

‘They’re pulling out against him even in the championships.

‘He looked sharp and strong in front of the England coaches, so hopefully he’ll get his chance now.

‘Mateusz is improving all the time and will now get stronger and stronger.

‘I’ve never known anything like it. Everyone at the club is extremely proud of him.’

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Small faced a tough task on his route to the final after beating St Mary’s Robert Caswell to pick up the Southern Counties title and make the quarter-finals in Class B at 52kg.

He then overcame Wearmouth’s Adam Reichard and European Junior Championship competitor Raheem Muhammed to book his place in the final.

Hunslet’s established international Hope Price got the verdict at the last stage, but Small’s performances impressed selectors to see him earn a call-up.

Fareham matchmaker, Shellie Whiffin said: ‘We at Fareham Boxing Club are very, very proud of Louis’ achievement.

‘All three boys box for England and Louis left his mark again beating two of them to earn a place on the England squad.’

JORDAN CROSS