Bradley shows his courage

WESTON Amateur Boxing Club's season has come to an end, with the boys boxing over three venues in the last three weeks.

Walcot in Swindon was the first with 11-year-old Bradley Warwick due to face Walcot's Nasri. At the weigh-in there was hope of Bradley getting his first win, his opponent was shorter than Bradley for a change.

Unfortunately, Nasri took one look at Bradley and cried off. Bradley was offered another opponent from the Walcot Club, Callum Large who was taller and unbeaten.

In the first round, Bradley showed his courage, attacking his opponent Large and caught him with some solid shots.

The second round saw Large use his height and reach advantage to better effect, keeping Bradley at distance with his straight punching. Bradley tired in the third round, allowing Callum to catch him with some good shots of his own to take the decision of all three judges.

Seventeen-year-old Jake Giddings fought at the same venue in a middleweight contest against home boy Said Saleem. Said charged out of his corner and launched towards Jake with a couple of haymakers, but Jake sidestepped his opponent and landed a straight southpaw lead following by a solid rear left. Jake drew first blood, landing four solid punches one after the other.

Jake was advised by his corner before the second round just to keep control and keep doing the same thing. As soon as the bell went, Said again charged forward, but this time Jake got caught out. He got back his game plan and started give out a beating, Said receiving a standing count.

The third round saw Said make a last gasp attempt, throwing punches with maximum effort, as Jake bobbed and weaved, then countered with a punishing mix of punches himself. Jake took a comfortable unanimous decision.

The following week, Weston travelled to Cinderford with a promising unbeaten boxer, Conor Littlewood, to face an Irish select team from the West Coast of Ireland.

Conor's opponent was 13-year-old Shane Ward from Olympic ABC from County Galway, who had a very impressive record. Churchill schoolboy Conor took control of the contest from the opening bell, keeping the Irish lad on the end of his long sharp jab, followed by three or four fast hard left/rights.

The second was the same and you could see the Irish Lad getting frustrated shaking his head at not getting any success. In the third round, Conor tired a little with the temperature in the ring up in the 80s, though Ward had a couple of successes Conor still remained in control.

Then came the decision, the referee collected the cards viewed the results looking confused. The decision was a majority win to Ward. Two Irish judges had given it to Ward, the English judge to Littlewood.

Finally, Weston,travelled the short trip to Patchway Sport Centre in Bristol, with the talented 15-year-old Jay Barford.

He faced Bristol's Empire boxer Samuel Clarke, who from the opening bell weighed into Jay with barrage after barrage of punches and it took a while for Jay to adjust.

Clarke took the first, but Jay started to find his range and box, rather than get stuck in a scrap for an even second round.

Jay knew he had to work hard and box in the third which he did,making space for his punches. It was a close contest and a difficult one for the judges to decide on.

One went in favour of Jay 7-5, one in favour of Clarke 7-6,and the final judge gave it as a 5-5 draw. Amateur boxing does not entertain draws, so the judge whom gave it at five apiece, decided in favour of Clarke as the aggressor.

If anybody wishes to become a member of Weston ABC, you can contact coach John Cleary for further details on 07786 371164.