Leison wins national title for Bulkington

Leison Taylor…beat Remy Martin in the NABGC finals in Bridlington

BULKINGTON – a relatively small gym with a big reputation – is celebrating another day of national glory.

This time it was the turn of teenager Leison Taylor to again put the Warwickshire village on the boxing map.

On Sunday, Leison, aged 16, won the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs championships at 53 kilos (Class B). At Bridlington, he gained a split – 3-2 – decision over Brighton and Hove switch-hitter Remy Martin.

Bulkington spokesman Franke Waugh felt Leison won all three rounds.

He said: “He boxed really well, set a high pace against a tall, awkward opponent and forced his opponent to work with him which didn’t suit Remy.”

Leison is yet another one to watch from a club which, under Brendan Norman, has produced a string of fine amateurs and pros. Exciting middleweight River Wilson-Bent served his apprenticeship at the gym and quality pro Callum Singh is currently flying the Bulkington flag in the paid ranks.

The teenager has won 29 of 41 bouts, collected four Midlands titles and three Box Cup golds. He reached the finals of the national junior championships earlier this year. In all, he fought five times to capture Sunday’s national title.

Franke said: “He’s a come-forward, aggressive fighter with an excellent engine, but he’s starting to box a lot more.”

Next for Leison is a step-up to the youth championships in January which will see him box over three minute rounds for the first time.