West Hill duo take on Wales aces

William Badrock and Toby Salmon represented Southern Counties England against a Wales Select squad deep in the Rhonda valleys, a traditional hotbed of Welsh boxing.

Wales were 1-4 down by the time Salmon (12years, 42kg) stepped in to contest his bout against Ioan Croft, of Cardigan Boxing Club. Salmon was clearly the stronger boy, but unfortunately lost out on points to Croft, who was far more experienced having won 15 of his 17 bouts.

Wales also won the next match to make the overall score 4-3 when Badrock entered the ring for a very important contest. Up against Callum Abbruzzese, of Pontypridd ABC, Badrock (14years, 42kg) used his height and reach advantage to great effect as he picked off his opponent at will.

He dominated all three rounds with an excellent display, culminating with a cracking left-right combination in the final round which had the referee stepping in to give a standing eight count to the Welsh lad. At the final bell, the decision was unanimous in favour of the West Hill boxer.

This made the score 5-3 with the Southern Counties England squad finally running out 8-4 winners. A return match is to be held in England next season.

West Hill debutant Brandon Davis (16years, 52kg) produced a very impressive display of speed and power to win by a unanimous decision on a show hosted by Romford ABC in Essex.

On the same show, Dennis Buchanan narrowly lost a split decision in his first elite contest in which the headguard is not worn.