Tommy Martin set for TV slot while his former St Ives club-mates star at Burgess Hall

Bradley Smith in action against Tom Cowling at Burgess Hall. (Image: Archant)

And now he is being lined up for his first live TV fight which is likely to be on Live Nation, the boxing channel, in February.

Shona Whitwell, the three time national champion, against Adelaide Baker. (Image: Archant)

Martin’s latest performance drew praise from the 19-year-old’s promotor and manager Johnny Eames, who says TV is the next step for the St Neots sensation. “Some people may think that was too easy for Tommy, it probably was. The kid is a serious talent, he’s unbeaten in six in his first year as a pro and he’s still only 19.

“Tommy’s disappointed the other kid didn’t give him more of a fight but at the end of the day you can only fight who is in front of you. We have big plans for Tommy and if all goes well his next fight should be on a big TV show in February.”

This has opened up the possibility of Martin fighting on the undercard of the mooted British heavyweight title clash between Dereck Chisora and David Peace at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park in London. “It would be my biggest fight yet,” said Martin.

“My fans were brilliant in Stevenage. It’s not just St Neots fans now either, I am picking up fans in Essex and London and everything is going great.”

Ahmed came off the blocks hard and fast but Martin kept his cool, picking off his opponent with ease.

Martin used his superior ring craft to create an opening before throwing a powerful left, seemingly disorienting Ahmed, who confusingly turned his back and unsteadily headed towards his own corner.

Meanwhile, back in Huntingdonshire, Martin’s former club was hosting a big show at Burgess Hall in St Ives. “I think this was our best show in 10 years,” said the club’s head coach Steve Whitwell.

More than 400 turned out to watch the club’s boxers fight with Bradley Smith and Shona Whitwell starring on the night.

“Some of the boxing was the best we have ever produced,” said the coach. “All the bouts were very competitive and very close and this is easily the best all-round St Ives team we have ever had at the club.”

There were big wins for both Smith and Shona Whitwell with only two losses on the night for the host club.

Harli Whitwell, 13, was first up on and impressed in her skills bout against Saffron Wielden from Canvey ABC. In fact, the young fighter was so impressive she was later awarded the boxer of the night award. Second for St Ives was Hope Price, 11, who won a unanimous points decision in his first full bout against Adeel Hussain from Birmingham.

Shona Whitwell, 15, having her first fight since losing in the European Championships, also won with a unanimous decision against Adelaide Baker from Downend ABC in Bristol.

Smith, the 16-year-old who lost in the NABC semi-finals just last week, did not have it all his own way against Tom Cowling of South Normanton – but once he got into his groove he used his slick skills to outbox and frustrate his opponent for the decision.

Mohamed Hussan was the first senior on show and he beat Aaron Johnson from Stamford, while John Rodgman was almost making his debut and beat Jamie Cryer from Downend.

Masters boxer Matt Cable had a standing count win against Lee Farndale from South Normanton and Aaron Francis, making his debut at the age of 27, beat Will

Cobb from Rush Valley ABC in Oxford. “Francis was definitely the surprise of the night,” said Whitwell after Cobb was stopped in the final round.

Last up was Paddy Wright but this time a standing count went against a St Ives boxer and he was beaten by James Collins from Norwich Lads Club.

Now the club turns its attention to the forthcoming Schoolgirl Championships with Shona Whitwell going for her fourth title on the trot and the Junior and Senior ABA Championships early next year.

Whitwell told The Hunts Post: “I am confident we can produce at least one or more national champions again.”