On Saturday 10 December, Newark Amateur Boxing Club’s Mantana Price made the trip to Bridlington Sports Hall to take part in the National NABCG Final.
Having already defeated an opponent with a record of over 25 wins in the Semi-Finals, for this one 16-year-old Mantana was up against Rainham ABC’s Medhi Sahak, a tricky southpaw with twice as many wins on his record as the Newarker had fights on his.
“Despite this, the exchanges and rounds were all closely contested and after the third and final one came to an end, we were all gutted when the win went to Medhi by a split decision,” said Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden.
“At the end of the first round, which had been nip and tuck, we told Mantana to go back out there and apply pressure but Medhi made it awkward by holding on inside.
“And when two opposite stances meet, sometimes the feet cross over and clash which is exactly what happened in round two, giving Montana’s opponent a chance to land a clean shot as the feet got caught up. But that was probably the only difference in the second, splitting what was another really close round.
“With all to play for in the last round, both boxers tried to get the edge but despite the fact that we were all hopeful Mantana had done the impossible against such an experienced opponent the split decision unfortunately went the other way.
“That said, Mantana can certainly hold his head up high after his performance and he was presented with a vest, a certificate and a silver medal to mark his appearance in such a prestigious championship.
“And right now, along with his fellow Newark ABC young boxers Sam Hardy and Alfie Briggs-Price, he’s already looking forward to the Elite Youth National Championships which start in January 2023.”
SUGGY'S GYM 
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