St Ives Boxing Academy staged another successful show in the town last Saturday night – and nine of their own fighters were in action on home turf.

Aaron Francis delivered a headline-grabbing display at the Corn Exchange with the best performance of his career. The 29 year-old beat Jamie Hood from Hornchurch – a younger opponent with a better record – after impressing in all three rounds of the closing bout of a packed 13-fight show.

Trainer and club chief Steve Whitwell said: “Aaron hasn’t always got it right on the night, but this was a perfect performance and shows he can go onto much bigger things.”

Also in the senior ranks, Marco Pitta delivered a dominant display to see off Stu Prince of Watford ABC.

Paulis Zujevas won the Elite Championship Mid-Anglian Final with a second-round stoppage success against Gianni Antoh.

Zujevas forced a standing count before the referee stepped in as he unleashed a series of blows on the ropes. He now progresses to the Eastern Counties Championship semi-finals.

Jack Smith gave a fine account of himself in defeat to reigning NABC champion and English title-holder Ismail Khan of Dewsbury ABC.

Smith continually tried to attack his opponent, and while it wasn’t enough to earn the judges’ verdict, it provided valuable experience.

Tony Robb was stopped in the final seconds of his first outing for five years. Making his debut for the St Ives Boxing Academy, he was involved in a cracking clash against Ryan Amos of Bad Boys ABC in Nottingham.

But he took too much punishment against the ropes in the closing stages, causing the referee to halt the contest just as the final bell was about to sound.

There were mixed fortunes for the St Ives Boxing Academy juniors in action.

Tommy Browning returned to winning ways with a split decision success against Max Fussey of New Astley ABC, but his younger brother, Levi (12), lost out on a unanimous decision against Reuben Smith of Pinewood ABC.

Brian Lawless made an entertaining debut for the host club. The 17 year-old went down on a unanimous decision to Swanley Smith of Allcomers ABC after tiring in the final two rounds.

Ten year-old Michael Draper kicked off the show in a skills bout against Brandon Strand from Burton Park ABC.