Boxing
Inaugural show is a knockout success

THE recently-formed Jackie Turpin ABC hosted its inaugural boxing show at The Assembly in Leamington on Saturday and it proved a resounding success.

The club, which is based in the old Castle Bar at Warwick Racecourse, was formed last year and is named after the youngest of the famous Turpin brothers who did much for amateur boxing in the area.

The crowd were treated to 11 bouts expertly put together by Nigel Howell who can be pleased with his first effort at match-making.

There were four boxers from the host club with 13-year-old Lucas Tonks providing the highlight by recording a smart points victory over Dale Sanderson (Kettering).

Tonks was expecting a skills bout but found himself in a proper contest and responded in fine style with a confident performance which augurs well for the future.

His efforts were further rewarded by being presented with the Jackie Turpin Memorial Cup, for the best local boxer of the night, from Peter Summerfield a lifelong friend of the Turpin family.

Tonks also shared the Betty Turpin Memorial Cup with Mark Edwards for their dedication and hard work at the gym throughout the year. The trophy was presented by John Turpin, grandson of the late Jackie and Betty Turpin.

Edwards narrowly lost his first fight on a majority verdict against Ben Wortley (Kettering) but did show plenty of promise.

Libby Durant suffered disappointment when a bleeding nose saw his bout against Romario McIntosh (Priory Park) stopped by the referee, while Bryan Deer, fighting at a heavier weight than usual, was stopped by Morgan McGhee (Exhall ABC).

Jackie Turpin ABC secretary/treasurer Lydia Turpin said: “We were proud of all our boxers who worked hard in preparation for our first show.

“They were all straight back in the gym preparing for their next fight with an increased sense of determination to win.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended the show to support us and we are thoroughly looking forward to our next show in May.”

Three boxers from Cleary’s ABC were also in action including Rheece Cleary in a skills contest against Callum Farden (Kettering).

Dan Quartermaine weathered an early storm from Jacob Alleyne (Capitol) before taking control but was unfortunate to be on the wrong end of a majority points decision.

Slow starting Sean Greenfield, who did very little in the opening two rounds, produced a devastating finish to take a unanimous verdict over Jon Roberts (Worcester City) who had two points deducted for holding.

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