Seal puts the seal on top show staged by Christ the King ABC
Seal bows out of amateurs with a title. Pics: Seagap Photography
COVENTRY’S Christ the King club began the Christmas countdown with a bang and quite a few wallops.
Eight fighters stepped into the season with bouts on the amateur outfit’s show at city venue, HMV Empire on December 7.
Elite seniors Cameron Seal and Brandon Robinson (Old Hill) featured in a real tinsel title tear-up, with some ringsiders describing their contest as one of the season’s best scraps.
Neither of 75kg boxers wanted to give ground and were happy to fight at close quarters, setting a lightning pace from the first bell. Cam edged the first behind a solid jab and good defence. The second was desperately close, with the host club’s boxer just keeping ahead and landing nice uppercuts on the inside.
The last round could have been waged in a phone box. Both traded up close, but Cameron landed the more eye-catching shots to clinch victory.
A spokesman for Christ the King said: “Every boxer represented their clubs superbly. Highlight of the show was Cameron winning the Midlands Elite title in what was one of the best bouts you will see for a long time. A great way to end his amateur career as he now moves into the pro ranks.”
Layne McKinay searches for openings against Bobby Checkey
Layne McKinay, aged 14, gained a hard fought unanimous decision over Wallop’s Bobby Checkey at 41kg. Both boys set a fast pace, with Layne’s combination punching and neat footwork keeping him ahead throughout.
Zakh Khan, aged 14 and 58kg, was also made to work for his points win over Sudais Sheikh (Pound for Pound, Leicester). Zakh’s pressure and physical presence proved the difference between the pair.
Another 14-year-old, Nzo Burton, produced a standout performance at 51kg, halting Olly Hughes (Wallop) in the first. Relentless pressure and punches from every angle gave the ref no choice but to halt the bout after Hughes had taken two standing counts.
Acer Pattison and Alex Hannon treated fans to a ferocious battle
Acer Pattison, aged 15, was involved in a fierce battle with Alex Hannon (Derby City) at 45kg. Both boys gave their all, Acer’s edge in work rate being enough to secure a hard fought unanimous win. Great effort from both boys!
Senior Kyle Mcaukey fought well, but just lost out on points to Joseph Tobin (Hornets) at 68kg. Kyle set a ferocious pace in the first against a more experienced opponent before Tobin found his timing in the second and landed nice counters. The third was all action, Tobin just edging the exchanges to take the win.
At 75kg, senior Mckenzie Steane showed real grit to climb off the canvas in the second and battle back against Mohammed Khalifa (Atlas). This was a cracking bout and Mckenzie had his own successes in the final session before losing on points. He’ll take a lot of confidence from the performance.
Senior Jamal Hinkson landed heavy blows, but Ethan Spilby (South Derby) edged their 67kg bout by being the busier. It was competitive, hard-fought and entertaining.