Boxing
Midland title delight for duo

TWO Cleary’s ABC fighters lifted ABA Midlands senior novice titles at Bell Green, Coventry on Saturday.

Myles Vale and Nav Manku both produced accomplished performances to book their place in the national quarter-finals later in the year which is a tremendous achievement and yet again enhanced the growing reputation of the Leamington-based gym, headed by former professional Edwin Cleary.

The fast-improving 22-year-old Manku was never troubled in securing a unanimous points victory over Tim Larkin (Solihull) in the 60kg category.

Vale, 19, was also a unanimous points winner over I Malik (Wellington ABC) in what proved a brusing encounter between two extremely fit boxers.

Vale employed a nice tight guard and had by far the better technique which helped get the nod from all five judges.

A delgihted Edwin Cleary said: “ Nav has shown tremendous improvement since joining the club and now boasts an impressive record.

“Myles’ fight was like a war between two boxers with similar styles but he defended much better to stop his opponent’s shots hitting the target.”

Meanwhile, Paul Dable, who was beaten on his debut the previous week, bounced back in fine style to record a unanimous points victory over C Hamblin (Derby) in a super-heavyweight fight at Drayton Manor Park on a show hosted by Tamworth ABC.

Fellow Cleary’s ABC stable-mate Wali Jan traded big shots for three rounds but lost on a majority verdict to P Kaminski (Reading).

Both boxers received a standing ovation at the end and Jan did have the satisfaction of picking up an award for the best fight of the night.

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