On Friday 1 December at Farndon Memorial Hall sponsors, friends, families and fans saw a record number of wins for Newark Amateur Boxing Club and head coach Dean Sugden said that, for him, it was the style and fashion in which the wins came that was so impressive.
“I have literally been bringing all the ideas, training plans and development work picked up with the best boxers in England from seniors, youths, juniors and schools to deliver sessions at Newark ABC here at Suggy’s Gym,” said Dean. “I was a little worried some of the boxers wouldn’t keep up but Friday night proved they had, from the skills bouts to the more experienced bouts. Every one of the boxers approached their bout in the right way which is why we had so much success.”
The show began with 13-year-old Riley Scaife, who showed some great skills against a strong boxer in Patrick McCann from City of Leicester Lightning. “Skills bouts are great way to get the boxers used to boxing in front of people and not getting hurt as the emphasis is on skill and both boys got their hands raised at the end of this one,” said Dean.
Then it was the turn of 14-year-old Alex Priestley, in another skills bout that was a really well-matched contest against Jack Cliffe from Westway ABC that saw the referee shortening the contest just before the end as Alex was dominating due to superior technique and skills.
Next to step into the ring for Newark ABC was 11-year-old Leon Jordan in a bout that really got the crowd going as he went to work on his opponent Anthony Brinkley, also from City of Leicester Lightning. Leon gave his opponent all sorts of problems with his movement, angles and better shot selection to take a unanimous points win for Newark ABC.
“We then saw his club mate Harrison Gent in a rematch which was asked for by the other club,” said Dean. “Harrison didn’t wait around, going straight to work with some great punches that rocked back the head of Lucas Cope from Eastwood ABC in Nottingham. Harrison didn’t let up – after the first count he applied even more pressure, forcing the referee to stop the contest in the very first round.”
Then it was the turn of 12-year-old Jackson Daws who was up against the slightly shorter but very strong boxer, Tarlie Smith from City of Leicester Lightning. Jackson took control of the bout with some great boxing on both the front and back foot and was really unlucky to lose on a split decision.
Motivated by his club mate Harrison Gent, 13-year-old Otis Pearson went to war with his opponent Bobby Scotland from Wodensborough. Following clear instructions from Chad Sugden, who was the lead coach on his bout, Otis landed a heavy blow in round three and, after the referee gave his opponent a count, Otis jumped straight on to him with a beautifully timed right hand, at which point the referee had seen enough and stopped the contest in favour of Otis.
Up against Connor Hawkins from South Derbyshire BA, 15-year-old Robert Price was really unlucky to be on the wrong side of a split decision but he did show great composure and punch selection.
Currently leading the pack in the East Midlands for his age and weight, 14-year-old Joel Cook has locked horns with Harrison Skerrit of Braunstone Boxing Gloves before and their contests have always been high quality. This one was no different but Joel dominated with intelligent pressure, landing significantly more scoring blows to win by a split decision.
Then it was the turn of James Jordan, aged 14, who was in a very close bout against Danny Smith from Swinton ABC, a real back and forth affair with James just edging it after the three rounds to win by a split decision.
“Next up was Lennon Hage, aged 15, looking for his first win in a while and OMG did he make sure he got his hand raised!” said Dean. “After a cagey first round where both boxers were getting their distance and rhythm, Lennon stunned Braunstone Golden Gloves’ Jack Sharp with a combination of punches. He didn’t let him settle, landing some really big shots to body and head that left the referee in no doubt and the contest was waved off in the very first round.”
In what was his first fight for Newark ABC, 16-year-old Harrison Carroll listened well and, after following guidance from Chad, forced a third round stoppage against his opponent Khalifa Idress from Atlas Boxing & Fitness.
“Also making his debut for NABC on Friday night was 17-year-old Owen Lack and what a debut that was,” said Dean. “Strong, aggressive, intelligent and composed when applying pressure, he certainly looked the part, forcing a count on his opponent Callum Hannon from Sheffield’s famous Ingle Boxing Academy and pushing for a knockdown but had to settle for a really quality impressive points win.”
Last but by no means least was Chloe Davies, aged 18, who was hoping to get back to winning ways in her bout against Ahmed Maryam of Atlas Boxing & Fitness. It was a clinical performance that saw Chloe controlling space, distance and tempo to take a unanimous points win.
“Travis Dunwell was due to defend his East Midlands Challenge Belt on Friday but his opponent, the previous champion, didn’t fancy doing it again and withdrew only a few days before the show, leaving us struggling to find a match for Travis at the last minute,” said Dean. “But what a great night it was and well worth the hard work put in by all of our boxers and coaches.
“Here at Newark Amateur Boxing Club, we are really pleased to announce that we will be running another fully funded 10-week boxing course for under 18-year-olds, starting on Tuesday 9 January. Run here at Suggy’s Gym in Newark by Chad, the BOXWISE syllabus teaches discipline, teamwork and adaptability and also boxing skills. Anyone interested in joining it should text me on 07968 005797 or email dean@suggysgym.com as soon as possible.”
NABC’s LEON JORDAN – photo by CBG PICTURES
NABC’s OTIS PEARSON – photo by CBG PICTURES
NABC’s CHLOE DAVIES – photo by CBG PICTURES
NABC’s TRAVIS DUNWELL AND LENNON HAGE – photo by CBG PICTURES
SID YEOMANS, STEVE WILLIAMS, LENNON HAGE AND DEAN SUGDEN
Official photos by CBG PICTURES
SUGGY'S GYM 
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