Boxers aim to become kings of south
And a quintet of boxers will be hoping to collect Southern Counties crowns as the action hots up in the competition.
That will ensure they earn a place in the final stages of the prestigious national event in Rotherham next month.
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Hide AdTeam Wiseman’s Lewis Dentith secured his place in the next round as he earned an inter-county victory against Ramsgate’s Luke Kemp at 64kg.
Mark Chamberlain picked up a weekend walkover at 60kg and now faces a tricky assignment against James Lee.
Chamberlain faced Lee early in his amateur career and was pushed by his rival before chalking up a win.
Team Wiseman coach Daron Wiseman praised Dentith’s performance and explained both he and Chamberlain are focused on continuing their runs.
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Hide AdHe said: ‘The aim is for us to pick up two Southern Counties champions.
‘Lewis got the decision on Saturday against a well-schooled opponent.
‘He knew what he was doing but Lewis was just that bit fitter and more technical.
‘The other boy came to win but that skill was what made sure Lewis nicked it. Now they are both through and working hard to get ready.
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Hide Ad‘Mark has faced his opponent before and beat him in a close decision.
‘He’s a good kid but all the training has been put in and we’re quietly confident.’
Meanwhile, Heart of Portsmouth’s (HOP) Bailey Fowler and Walid Adenas are hoping to make it in an awesome foursome of HOP boxers who march on to Rotherham.
Fowler has been tasked with beating Sporting Ring’s Sonny Reed at 52kg.
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Hide AdAnd Adenas goes up against Brighton & Hove’s Joe Lumb at 69kg for a quarter-final spot.
Taylor Smith (60kg) and Ivy-Jane Smith (54kg) advance to the latter rounds of the competition with walkovers.
HOP’s Billy Cable put up a brave effort against NABGC Championship winner Lewis Southgate before bowing out of the competition last weekend.
Cable overcame Cowplain’s Tyler Stanley at 56kg on Friday before meeting Southgate the next day.
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Hide AdThe St Mary’s talent got the decision on that occasion as Cable put up a brave effort.
HOP coach Q Shillingford is hopeful his boxers will rise to the occasion.
He said: ‘Both Bailey and Walid have opponents from clubs which have produced a lot of champions.
‘So they have to be prepared for what lies ahead for them – and they will be.
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Hide Ad‘Billy performed well and had two quick bouts. He got the win on Friday but was in with a very good national champion on Saturday who got the decision. That’s the way it can go.
‘But we could potentially have four boxers in the quarter-finals next month.
‘If they win we’d have two weeks to get ready but they have look at what’s in front of them first.’
Moneyfields’ Owen Hooper will compete at 81kg on Saturday.