Club’s first show is a knockout success

The Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club squad and coaches who competed in the hugely successful show at Pebsham Community Centre

More than 300 spectators crammed into a packed Pebsham Community Centre last Saturday night to enjoy 21 keenly-contested fights.

Bexhill ABC coach Terry Freeman said: “It couldn’t have gone any better. It was a really good night, everyone was happy and we made a good impression. It (putting on their own show) was a pipedream five years ago and now it’s a reality.”

Eight boxers from the host club were in action and the first of them, James Marsh, performed superbly on his ring debut. The 15-year-old produced a near flawless performance to triumph on a unanimous points decision in a 49 kilos bout against Otis Noble (Phoenix ABC).

Fortune frowned on another 15-year-old, Alfie James, who was on the wrong end of a very controversial split decision in a 63 kilos contest against Yusif Shar from Bognor. The crowd couldn’t believe James didn’t get the verdict having appeared to have won hands down.

Nakibul Khan had no such issues with the judges after recording a unanimous points success over the more experienced Oliver Wilkins from Twickenham and earning the ‘best home boxer of the night’ accolade in the process.

The 15-year-old, 55 kilos talent impressed all in attendance with a classy performance which extended his career record to six wins out of seven, all of them by unanimous decisions.

Josh Mabb stepped into the ring for his first bout, against Harry Raffan from Felbridge ABC at 70 kilos. Although the 17-year-old lost on a unanimous points decision, Mabb performed well and caught his man with some good shots.

Shanto Khan, the 17-year-old elder brother of Nakibul, also lost on a unanimous points decision, against Harry Coleman (Phoenix ABC) at 74 kilos. Khan lost the first two rounds, but clearly won the third and might therefore have split the verdict.

Ayrton Makin contested his first fight, against Ryan Moir from Rusthall ABC, and what a fight it was. What it lacked in technical ability it more than made up for in heart and the crowd was enthralled. Makin eventually lost on a majority decision despite flooring his man in round two, but well and truly played his part in what was named ‘fight of the night’.

Tam Nabizada also lost on a majority points decision in a really good 68 kilos contest against Nic Mascerenhas from Brighton City ABC. The 18-year-old wasn’t helped by sustaining a cut following an accidental clash of heads.

Ashley Mountain (88 kilos) lost on a unanimous points decision, but gave a good account of himself against the heavier and more experienced Gabriel Daramola from Danson ABC.

A word of praise is due for matchmaker Tone Godwin, MC Simon Astill and ring girl Shannon Belcher.

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