MANGOTSFIELD School was the venue for the initial rounds of England Boxing’s National Junior Championships.
Hosted by Downend Boxing Club, the regional tournament in late February saw 18 quality contests, enjoyed by an audience of approximately 200 supporters.
Downend first-timers included John-Jack Connors, aged 13, Patrick Connors (15) and Tom Shinner (15), who took part in no-decision skills contests, while Ben Carpenter (22) and UWE student Jack Coyle (20) made their debuts, with Jack winning a tough and very good bout.
Miley Conors (12) opened the competitive bouts for Downend in a 30-kilo contest against Denis Hricko of Grange club in Cardiff.
A fast pace was set from the start, with both boxers throwing fast combinations.
The furious action continued for three rounds, with a close points decision going to the Welsh boxer.
Fresh from his National junior semi-final appearance, Ronnie Mills (16) took on the older Jayden Bannister of Paignton.
Ronnie used his trademark aggressive body punching to good effect, changing angles to take away Jayden’s reach advantage.
A great contest across three rounds saw the Downend Boxer take a unanimous decision.
Carmen O’Brian (16) took part in her second contest against the tough Laila O’Donoghue, of Synwell boxing club in Wotton-under-Edge.
Carmen attacked from the opening bell, and was met with equal resistance in what was a superb all action contest.
In the end on a 3-2 split decision, the win was awarded to Laila, in what could not have been a closer bout.
To close the show, returning to the ring after seven years, was Joe Adams (22), who faced the tough Laneon Balesco of St Ives, Cornwall.
Both boxers used their 75 kilos weight to deliver effective punching, in what was a back-and-forth, exciting contest that had the audience on their feet at the end.
A split decision went to Joe, sealing a successful return to the ring.
Other results: Frank Gibbons beat Jason Wolf (Cullompton) on points; Rupert Gibbons lost on points to Marley Dunn (Newquay); Rocco Parker beat Hussan Miah (Grange) on points; Egli Metaj lost on points to Ollie Cooper (St Pirans); Vinnie Ellis lost on points to James Smith (Pyramid).
Coach Claire Holloway said: “We are so pleased with the event, which had so many people attend to watch great boxing.
“Our guys boxed so well, and can take a lot from their performances.”
Downend Boxing Club returns to Mangotsfield School on Sunday April 6 for an amateur boxing showcase.
Doors open at noon and boxing starts at 1pm, with entry for adults £15 and under-16s £5.
The club is also looking for sponsors when it hosts the Bristol Box Cup in June. Anyone interested should email downendboxing@gmail.com.
Craig Turner