Boxers put on a knockout show at annual event

A packed Connaught Hall witnessed a fine evening of amateur boxing on Saturday night - as Attleborough Boxing Club held its sixth annual autumn show.

Billed as Return of the A-Team, the card included a series of bouts between young and enthusiastic fighters, keen to showcase their skills.

Headlining the evening was a hard-hitting contest between Attleborough’s Micheal Jordan and Kevin Oboh, of Finchley.

Both fighters landed powerful punches but Oboh was awarded the decision.

It was heartbreak for Connor Holloway as he stepped into the ring with Ryan Ford of Stubbys Gym, Oldham.

Holloway, 20, bounced back from some powerful blows and a standing eight count, only for Ford to claim victory by TKO after sending Holloway to the canvas.

There was nice work from both boxers as Attleborough’s Misha Vasiljevs took on Fichley’s Patrick McDonagh, Vasiljevs getting the decision in a close bout.

Kieran Lancaster and Dylan Parker entered into a bloody war, the crowd erupting as both boys kept courageously coming forward in what was named the Bout of the Night.

Both received standing eight counts before Parker, the Away Fighter of the Night, saw his arm raised.

Marc Riley started off well in his bout against Lowestoft’s Cameron Wade, but Wade finished strongly and claimed the decision in a closely-fought contest.

Harry Burst and Carlos Fernandez, of Kingfisher, entered into an all-out battle of wills, Burst’s determination seeing him win the bout and the Home Fighter of the Night award.

Sixteen-year-old Levi Dennis had the appreciative crowd on their feet as he stepped into the ring, and the audience cheered just as loudly after he defeated Joe Gonella, of Billericay.

Lewis Nagle, 14, made a strong debut in his first competitive bout, claiming a first-round TKO victory.

After a fast start by Kingfisher’s Jack Bell, an array of strong punches caused the referee to give the overwhelmed Bell a standing eight count before Nagle was back at his opponent to finish the job.

The night proved sweet and sour for brothers Tyler and Lewis Bolingbroke, Tyler was beaten to the punch by Connor Buckley of Allcomers, whilst Lewis outclassed Finchley’s Martin McDonagh.

Charlie Connaughton showed masses of skill as he met Alfie Smith, from Colchester, in a bout which saw both fighters on top at different stages, Connaughton shocked to see his opponent take the decision.

The evening’s entertainment had begun with a bang as 12-year-old Daelarrna Blackwell had her first skills bout in front of a home crowd against Tamworth’s Shevaun Hathaway.

Both girls proudly displayed great footwork and masses of potential.

Further skills bouts saw 12-year-old Kyle McKechnie and Tom Cash, 13, both put on good displays against thier respective opponents, Alfie Buckley from Allcomers and Norwich Diamonds’ Dylan Shepard.

The club also paid tribute to England boxing official Aubrey Day, who has dedicated more than 65 years to the sport.

England Boxing representative Derek Roulten proudly awarded Aubrey a long service award to thank him for the tremendous difference he has made.

Head coach Jon Dennis said: “It was a great honour to be a part of Aubrey Day’s long service celebration, he is a lovely man who has put in years of service to the great sport and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”