Eastbourne Boxing Club show brings high-quality bouts - and home success

First up, newcomer to the ring Harry McHugh put on a stellar display of counter punching in his skills bout with Sidney Joe Reed of Hailsham ABC. It was great to see Harry apply his skills in a calm and calculated display. Big things are expected from this Ratton School pupil.

Next up was lightweight schoolboy Harry Funnell boxing against Leo Brown of Westree in a return bout, Funnell having won the first match. In a 3-2 split, Funnell dropped the decision this time but showed heart, courage and improvement in an excellent bout between two great young boxers.

Ratton School student Alex Tsikvasvili turned the screw on Hampshire opponent Lincoln Phelps with a unanimous points decision. Tsikvasvili was accurate and unrelenting with the rear hand scoring well and regularly in a performance that again won him the ‘best home bout of the show’ award.

Youth boxer Kevin Hassan stepped into the ring for the first time against tall, rangy Joshaan Rana of Westside ABC. Rana started fast, establishing a good jab and taking the first round. After a few tactical words in the corner, Hassan changed his tactics and upped the ante, taking the next two rounds to take a narrow 3-2 points victory, a great start to his amateur career.

Vice-captain Josh Faithful had a very tough competitor in Kane Bennett of Roosters ABC. A fast start from Faithful allowed him to set his intentions but Bennett came back with some strong counters. With not much in it, Faithful took the decision on a 4-1 split against the formerly unbeaten man.

Cruiserweight Alfie Jacobs topped the bill and put the cherry on the cake with a stoppage win in the second round against veteran Danny Anderson of Croygas, Croydon.

Anderson, after many years on the white collar circuit, has moved up to England Boxing rules now but found Jacobs a little too sharp and accurate. Firing lots of straight shots and moving his feet in and out, Jacobs upped the pressure as he gave a standing 8 count in the first and the bout ended in the second after Anderson was knocked down.

EBC thanked all the officials of England Boxing for officiating, St Elisabeth's Church for their usual gracious hospitality, all the clubs, boxers and parents and to all of the EBC staff who work tirelessly to put these events on.

Thanks also went to Sayers & Bell Brickwork Contractors for sponsoring the trophies. Their support is very much appreciated.