Southern Counties crowns in sights of young guns
Southern Counties glory is in the sights of the area’s top young boxers.
A host of talents emerged victorious from the inter-county round of the ABA Schoolboy Championships against Surrey at a sell-out Gosport show.
And they now bid to progress to the Eastern Counties section in Bognor tomorrow.
Copnor’s Tyson Hamer stole the show at 70kg in class 3, proving his hard work in bringing his weight down had paid off as he overcame Smallholding’s Jake Gilbert.
Proud coach Bob Taylor said: ‘It was Tyson’s first win against an opponent who has had a few wins.
‘He wouldn’t come down from the ceiling after the win. It was quite an achievement.’
Heart of Portsmouth’s Duane Foster progressed in class 2 at 34kg against Guildford’s John Paul.
Foster, despite being the smaller boxer, used impressive handspeed and accuracy to chalk up a unanimous decision.
Jack Featherstone was unlucky to drop a majority decision to former Guildford’s ABA champ Luke Thompson
Joe Hunt and Oliver Langton both put in brave performances in defeat, while Jack Fenton progressed through walkover.
Waterlooville’s Callum Duncan was a minor’s winner at 36kg against Cooper Boys’ Lewis Hill.
Gosport’s Blake Downes earned praise in defeat, as he stepped up a level to face Guildford’s Lewis Matthews at 44kg in class 2.
Ted Harris Boxing Academy’s Jimmy Barnard went down fighting against Farnham Warrior’s Ben Stevens.
Now minor Harry Needham will walkover at 42kg, while Tyler Hall (class 1, 36kg), Ashley Davenport (class 2, 57kg) and Frankie Clarke (class 3, 38kg) all hope to progress.
Coach Ted Harris said: ‘They are all in with a good chance and are improving all the time.
‘Ashley’s a strong boxer with a good record and Harry could go all the way.’
Fareham pair Louis Small and Ryan Thompson will also be in action in Bognor.
Waterlooville’s Harrison Strange will compete in class 1 at 50kg, while Victory’s talented Albie Higgon boxes at 54kg in class 3.
Gosport’s Callum Pankhurst walks over at 60kg in class 2, as does Moneyfield’s Sid Williams (class 3, 44kg).
Meanwhile, Leigh Park stage a jam-packed show at Havant Academy today.
Clubs from all over the country will join local outfits for the event.
Tickets for the show cost £10 (£5 concessions). Doors 2pm, boxing starts 3pm.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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