2:52pm Tuesday 10th July 2007
By Brian Gomm
LEIGH Amateur Boxing Club had a busy end to the season with boxers appearing on shows in Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport and Guernsey.
Eighteen year old light heavyweight Robert Bordon travelled to the Channel Islands as part of an East Lancs Squad and was matched with Guernsey's 23 year old Wayne Calladine.
From the first bell, the powerfully built Calladine marched forward throwing heavy blows at his younger opponent, but blocking the shots well, Robert soon began to fire out fast scoring jabs. After a close first round the home boxer cheered on by a vociferous crowd again attempted to blast through Bordon's tight guard, but once again showing clever footwork, the Leigh boxer began to score regularly with jabs and backhands. Now taking a lead into the final round Bordon picked up the pace and rained combinations on the tiring Calladine to gain a deserved unanimous points win.
Appearing at Stockport County FC, 13 year old Jordan Alexander was paired with Stockport Bredbury ABC's Stephen Johnson in a lightweight contest. Having had his previous two contests fall through, Jordan was fired up for this and immediately took the initiative blasting through Johnson's guard with heavy combinations. One minute into the first round the referee intervened, and the contest was stopped to save the Stockport based boxer any further punishment. A great win for Jordan who was congratulated and presented with his winners trophy by former World Champion John H Stracy.
Later on the bill, East Lancs Junior ABA Champion Ashley Peyton was taking part in his first Senior bout opposite the very experienced Mark Kellet of Preston & Fulwood ABC.
Taking the centre of the ring Ashley jumped straight on his older opponent forcing him to the ropes with shots to body and head. Kellet though blocked and moved well and caught the possibly over eager Leigh boxer with a couple of clean backhands, but as the round ended Ashley once again backed the Preston boxer up with well timed combinations.
The second and third rounds saw the Leigh boxer now begin to score regularly with fast hooks and backhands, and despite a great effort Kellet found himself completely outgunned by Peyton. The final round saw Ashley show great composure in boxing his way to a unanimous points victory.
The following week Ashley was taking on former national inalist Tony Dowdall of Sefton ABC at Waterloo Rugby Club. In a cracking four rounder contest both boxers showed fantastic effort and bravery, the contest continually swaying one way then the other. Going into the last Peyton looked to be getting on top of his rapidly tiring opponent and caught Dowdall with a number of cracking right hands. At the final bell and to the surprise of the home crowd Dowdall took a majority points verdict. Another great performance by Peyton.
Unbowed by his "loss" in Liverpool Ashley took to the ring seven days later on the Moss Side Show, this time taking on Paramount ABC's vastly experienced Tommy Bradford. The Stockport based boxer, on the verge of turning professional, was another real test for the Leigh boxer. For four rounds both boxers showed great technique and heart, but while Ashley continually closed down Bradford and forced the pace, the Paramount boxer always had the edge and deservedly took a points win.
Earlier in the evening, Lowton High School's 13 year old featherweight Jonathan Brown took on Chorley ABC's Irshad Desai. Unbeaten going in, Jonathan set about Desai in trademark fashion, closing down the space and blasting away at body and then head. While the neat and tidy Desai moved well there was no doubt Brown was outworking his heavier opponent and took a first round lead.
The second round continued in the same vein, with Brown continually backing Desai to the ropes and catching him with hurtful blows. In the third the Chorley boxer did in fact begin to score with single shots but it never looked enough. To the astonishment of the crowd, and the Chorley boxer, Desai's hand was raised in a majority win.
Another successful season for Leigh ABC, saw Ashley Peyton and David Morris winning East Lancs ABA titles, while all the other local born boxers continued to improve and gain experience. Senior Boxer of the Year was Robert Bordon, Youth boxer of the Year was Ashley Peyton, while Junior Boxer of the Year went to David Morris.
Leigh ABC continues to train through the close season at the gym at Scott Street (off Wigan Road) Leigh. Juniors (8-14years/boys & girls) 5pm-6pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Seniors (male & female) 5.30pm-7pm.
The club is now looking to start Women & Girls Only Boxing Fitness sessions and Mixed Boxing Circuit sessions at the club (all equipment provided) and would welcome anyone interested to phone Adrian on 01942 602701.
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