Action five proving a hit in ABAs
Copnor's Tyson Hamer, right, progressed into the semi-finals with a 38-30 victory
A quintet of boxing talent stand on the brink of the ABA Schoolboy Championship finals after an amazing weekend of success.
Three local boxers all picked up quarter-final wins in Bristol on Sunday with outstanding performances.
Ashley Davenport, Albie Higgon and Tyson Hamer all shone with excellent displays against the western counties.
They have been joined by Moneyfields’ Sid Williams, who has already advanced after being given a bye to the semi-finals.
And Ted Harris Boxing Academy’s Harry Needham has gone one better with a bye straight through to the final.
His Ted Harris team-mate Davenport stunned reigning champ and England international Luke Connors.
Davenport came from behind to pick up a 14-11 win and underline his fast-emerging talent.
The 57kg entry at class 2 got on top as the contest unfolded, despite being hindered by illness in the build-up to the clash at the weekend.
Davenport moves straight to the final with no opponent in his class and weight this weekend.
Proud coach Harris said: ‘It was a hard bout against a really good opponent, so to get the win was excellent.
‘We’ve beaten the reigning champion who has boxed in the three nations.
‘He was a southpaw, so me and my coach Graham Thompson worked on tactics to deal with that.
‘Ashley had to miss training last week because he was ill but he didn’t let that put him off.
‘Ashley is a strong kid who listens and takes everything in. It was a great win.’
Copnor’s Hamer continued his astonishing run as he racked up his fourth win of the competition – despite going into the event having never previously chalked up a success.
Hamer delivered in a high-scoring battle as he grabbed the 38-30 verdict over St Ives’ William Jeffries at 70kg in class 3.
Coach Bob Taylor explained Hamer’s confidence is now sky high and his charge’s skills are fast-improving as the tournament progresses.
He said: ‘He was a strong opponent and it was a good contest.
‘You can see the improvement in Tyson, though. He has really upped his skills.
‘This competition has done him and our club the world of good.’
Victory’s Higgon delivered a hurricane of a win as he overwhelmed Oakmead’s Billy Harley inside a minute. Two standing counts saw the contest brought to a close early on at 54kg in class 3.
Working on unloading uppercuts on a shorter opponent in the build-up to the clash reaped dividends, as Higgon reached the semi-final stage for the second year on the bounce.
Coach Leigh Medway said: ‘It was all over in a minute.
‘His opponent came in low and was shorter and got caught with an uppercut as part of a four-punch combination.
‘That was something we worked on so it was pleasing.
‘He was given a second standing count, so that means an automatic stoppage.
‘Albie picked up an injury so was a bit doubtful and we had to cancel sparring last week.
‘But he was fine in the end and has a good chance to go further now.
‘It goes up a couple of levels now but Albie’s on fire.’
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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