Matty scores a historic hat-trick (From Leigh Journal)

Matty scores a historic hat-trick

2:56pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport

LEIGH boxer Matty Burgess made history on Saturday.

The 15-year-old capped some impressive performances on display in the show featuring Leigh Boxing Club against a North of England select team.

Burgess became the first boxer to hold three north west region champion belts at three different weights at the same time.

Already the light welterweight and light middleweight champion, the St Marys High School pupil blasted his way to a unanimous points’ victory over Chris Keeler, of Beartown ABC, to take the welterweight belt.

He also took his fourth boxer of the night award.

Ashley Peyton was also in scintillating form, defending his elite light middleweight belt against Ali Mahmood,of JR Gym ABC, while boxer of the night Adam Ridge also successfully defended his lightweight belt when taking a unanimous points win over Dan Gill, of Carlisle.

Middleweight Lee Collier was an unlucky loser in his bout with James Nesbitt, of Irlam, while Phil Hervey seemed to have outworked Nathan Askew, of Whitehaven, only to lose out to a majority decision.

Other notable performances came from youngsters Coan Gildardt and Josh Taylor, Simpson Heald Pearson as well as junior boxer of the night Oliver Ward.

Tom Jones was in brutal form, outpointing Dean Laughlin, of Whitehaven, while middleweight Tony Boardman boxed intelligently to outpoint Kieran Ball, of Irlam.

There were other strong performances from Jordan Nicklin, Jason Weir and the returning Michael Connor.

Josh Taylor and Jimboy Price were also in winning form in Maryport, Cumbria, on Friday night.

Taylor, aged 13, showed great composure to outbox his more experienced opponent James Penman, of Maryport, while 13-year-old Price turned in a power-punching performance to defeat Stathi Stephanou, of the home club.

Meanwhile, 12-year-olds Josh Waterworth and Zach Evans produced excellent performances to winning their schoolboy championship semi finals but, along with teammate 11-year-old Niall Gregson, lost out in close points decisions in the finals in Manchester.

And 15-year-old St Marys High School student Jason Weir was in great form on the Blackpool ABC show, defeating the strong Tom Chippendale, of Sandygate ABC, with an all-action performance, giving his outgunned opponent three standing counts before forcing a third-round stoppage.

Josh Taylor continued his boxing education taking part in a skills bout on the same show.