University of Portsmouth extend unbeaten streak

From left to right: Gym01 and University of Portsmouth team Taren Aujla, Ryan Rodruigez and Reswon Rai following their win at the University of Exeter. Picture: James Connor

Ryan Rodriguez and Taren Aujla both delivered victories, while Reswon Rai suffered a close decision loss.

And the success meant the student squad maintained their 10-year unbeaten record in team matches against other universities.

Rodriguez, who won a silver medal at the King of the Ring tournament in Sweden in November, fought James Peck at 56kg.

He boxed smartly throughout and was awarded a unanimous-decision win.

Rai then met the experienced Aron Syverson in the 64kg weight class

The away fighter was coming off a year absence and that told in the first round as he started slowly.

Rai picked up in the final two rounds, though, and landed some hard shots on Syverson’s chin.

The battle went to the judges’ scorecard, but the University of Portsmouth fighter lost via split decision.

With the scores level, Aujla stepped into the ring against Shaun Lee-Tassell in the deciding bout at 75kg.

The Exeter man put Aujla under pressure with body shots in the first round, but he weathered the storm.

In the final round, the Portsmouth fighter picked up the tempo and stopped Tassell to win the match for the visitors.

James Connor saluted his team’s performance.

The Gym01 and The University of Portsmouth Boxing Club head coach said: ‘Ryan used patience and accurate straight shots against a strong opponent.

‘I was extremely happy with him as he boxed punch perfect for the entire fight and picked up a good victory.

‘Reswon picked it up in the next two rounds, landing some stunning shots on his opponent’s granite chin.

‘He was very unlucky not to get the nod but needed to be more convincing on away turf.

‘Tassell threw everything at Taren, throwing body shots constantly – something not often seen at his experience level.

‘Taren stopped his opponent in the third round after constant pressure, decisively winning the match for us against the odds.’

The three fighters will again enter the ring on the University of Portsmouth’s Fight Night 2 at The Union tomorrow night, along with 13 of their team-mates.