The top young talents representing Cambridgeshire Police Amateur Boxing Club (CAMPOL) were in action at a dinner show in St Ives last Friday.
Supported by the Rotary Club of Huntingdon Cromwell, the event once again saw a host of club fighters measure up against their peers from across the region at a packed One Leisure sports centre.
The evening started with a set of skills bouts, in which young fighters demonstrated their growing talents in a non-competitive bout. Jack Smith, 11, from St Neots ABC, and Joshua Blanchard, 11, opened proceedings, and were followed by Lydia Nagle, from Attleborough ABC, who faced off against Taylor Roberts, from the host club.
The first competitive bout of the night saw 14-year-old Jonty Mulholland, of CAMPOL, take on David Jones, of St Neots ABC, with the latter coming out on top on this occasion.
Also making his debut for CAMPOL on the night was Tyler Roberts, who emerged victorious on a split decision from his clash with Charlie Potts from Nottingham-based Phonenix ABC.
CAMPOL’s Aiden Gillan, 18, went toe-to-toe with Kilian Hardy, of Harwich ABC, in the 70kg category but, despite three close-fought rounds, the former lost out on points.
Debutant Bhuntona Bragg, 19, did the host club proud with a sterling performance in his fight against Jake Brading, of New Saints ABC, based in St Neots. After a frenetic, fast-paced clash, Bragg emerged victorious, though Brading matched him blow-for-blow for much of the bout.
The last CAMPOL fighter in action on the night was Lewis Byant, who was matched with Joshiah Moran, of New Saints ABC, in the 83kg category.
Byant was in fine fettle from the outset and, after landing a flurry of heavy blows, the referee stepped in to end the fight in the home fighter’s favour, making for a satisfying debut.
The trophy for the best fight of the night went to Bhuntona Bragg.
Ian Honeywood, from CAMPOL, said: “It was an impressive performances in and out of the ring, with the winners beaming smiles and the boxers who lost, holding their heads high and being gracious in defeat.
“This is a gladiator’s sport, the dedication proves it works, for any sex, male or female, the positive performances make a coach proud, as we were in the same position many moons ago.”
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