Last weekend saw two Newark amateur boxers heading up to Liverpool to take part in the England Boxing National Semi Finals.
Sunday 27 November was an afternoon which ended in one win and one loss for the Newark ABC youngsters but Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden was full of praise for both Mantana Price and Alfie Briggs-Price, who conducted themselves impeccably throughout their respective bouts.
“Up against a much more experienced opponent in Longsights Manchester’s Mohammed Nasir, whose record of 26 wins was twice as many as Mantana’s 13 bouts, 16-year-old Mantana Price boxed brilliantly to take the win and, in my opinion, didn’t drop a round in their contest,” commented Dean.
“He followed instructions to a tee, clearly showing that there’s so much more to come from him and we’re all looking forward to seeing him box in the Finals in Bridlington on the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December.”
The event also featured 16-year-old Alfie Briggs-Price taking on another very strong and capable opponent in Harrison Barker from Legions in York.
“From the very first minute of round one, both boxers were exchanging some really strong artillery,” said Dean. “I didn’t see any major or clear punches land on Alfie but the ref stepped in to give Alfie a standing 8 count, much to our surprise.
“Shaking that off, when his opponent came running back in it was Alfie’s turn to stop him in his tracks with a beautifully timed right hand. But Harrison recovered quickly, rushing straight back in again on Alfie, and there was more surprise from everyone present when the ref gave Alfie another count.
“I genuinely didn’t see Alfie get hit, let alone get hurt, in that second exchange. He hasn’t been stopped before in a single one of his 30 amateur contests, even when he’s been on international duty – all I can say is that he was really unlucky in this one and it was obviously not set to be his day.
“Closer to home, Mantana and Alfie will both be among the 18 young boxers walking out into the ring locally in just over a week’s time, when they feature on the card of the latest Newark ABC Home Show at Farndon Memorial Hall on Friday 9 December.
“This show’s already a sell-out and they’re always strictly ticket-only events – if you want to support Mantana, Alfie or any of the Newark ABC boxers based here at Suggy’s Gym, check availability by contacting any of the Newark amateurs direct as soon as our next event is advertised.
“We are putting on the maximum number of contests we’re allowed for the December one and I’ve no doubt it’s going to be another action-packed evening, with lots of our youngsters going all out to give their families, friends and fans a great way to end the year.”
SUGGY'S GYM 
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