There was more success for Newark Amateur Boxing Club last weekend when both Sam Hardy and Alfie Briggs-Price stepped into the ring to take part in the England Boxing National Junior Championships on Friday 18 and Sunday 20 March.
Friday was particularly busy for Suggy’s Gym and Newark ABC, with Bailey Sugden fighting for the ISKA World Title on the same night, meaning the corner team had to split up to look after boxers and kickboxers alike.
First up for NABC on Friday, Sam was in dominant form against Travis Dunwell, a game opponent from Bracebridge ABC. Although Travis never stopped trying, Sam always had an answer and dominated the contest with fast combinations and great foot work.
Despite the fact that Travis tried to impose himself on Sam in the second round, the Newark boxer stepped it up and gave Travis a standing eight count before continuing to dominate the third to win by unanimous decision, which took him through to the National Quarter Final.
He was immediately followed by Alfie who, after a slow start, took control of the pace of the bout with long and strong combinations.
Up against Noah Burton with a record of 12-0, Alfie nevertheless always looked in charge and, after winning the East Midlands Vest by unanimous decision, he too was through to the National Quarter Final alongside his teammate Sam.
The two Newark amateurs were back on it later in the weekend, when both Sam and Alfie were boxing again in Leicester, representing the East Midlands against Yorkshire/North West champions on Sunday.
Sam was due to compete against John Lee Varey from Purge ABC, who turned up to the weigh ins prepared to box two-time National Champion and Finalist last year Sam.
But he was not allowed to box as there was a problem with his boxing card so Sam stayed to support his Newark ABC club mate Alfie, who was up against the talented Isaac Diesa May from Moss Side Fire in Manchester.
Diesa came out firing, putting Alfie under pressure, but Alfie soon got into his rhythm and the first round saw him getting the upper hand and just nicking the round.
After a competitive second round, Alfie again finished the stronger of the pair but In what was a really closely fought contest there was everything to play for in the last round.
Once again Alfie dominated and had his opponent stumbling from some great right hands and body shots on the inside, leaving the Newark team confident of getting the nod which was exactly what they got.
“For Alfie this is furthest he has ever got in the National Championships,” said Dean Sugden. “Now he and Sam will both be heading down to Guildford next weekend to box in the National Semi-Finals and Finals.
“Everyone says momentum is important in boxing – well, these two have got just that with emphatic performances not only last Friday and Sunday but also on last month’s Home Show here in Newark.
“Now everyone here at NABC on Castlegate is looking forward to more success from them both in next weekend’s match ups at the Guildford Spectrum in Surrey, which will be broadcast live on YouTube by England Boxing.”
SUGGY'S GYM 
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