Thrilling night of boxing at ATHA Showbar

THE ATHA Showbar played host to a night of knockout action at West Hill Boxing Club's annual show on Saturday.

Many of the 13 bouts on the card were closely-fought affairs as competitors arrived at the Bexhill venue from all over the South East.

The home club had five representatives on the card, of whom senior John Verlander and juniors Simon Powell and Sid Smith were victorious.

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"The show went very well," said West Hill coach Dave Bishop. "There were some really, really good bouts there."

The pick of them involved light welterweight Verlander. After a tight first round, Verlander, from the under-10 bouts category, seemed to catch opponent Joe Burden (Dorking ABC), from the under-20 bouts category, with just about every shot in front of a raucous home crowd. Verlander got the verdict on a majority points decision, although Bishop felt "he clearly won it".

National Cadet Championship semi-finalist Smith (14 years, 49 kilos) exacted revenge on L. Dawson (Earlsfield ABC) for a controversial points defeat against the same fighter earlier in the season. Smith was particularly strong in round two en route to a majority win.

Powell also earned a majority call in a closely-fought 15 years, 52 kilos contest against L. Bates (Earlsfield ABC).

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Barry Buchanan wasn't so successful in the top-of-the-bill fight against the fast-improving Lloyd Ellott (Hove ABC). Ellott dominated the 65 kilos senior tussle from start to finish and earned an unanimous points decision.

Ben White was also out of luck as he lost on a majority against Dougie Mew (Portsmouth City ABC) in a cracking 14 years, 49 kilos encounter.

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