On Thursday 17.5.12, IBC had no fewer than 7 boxers competing on an 11 bout programme at the Legends ABC show which was held at the Hayes Working Mens Club.

JUNIOR REPORTS BY PAUL HAMMICK

First up for IBC was 12yr old CHRISTY McCARTHY (36kg) in a frantic contest against HASSAN AZIM of Dale Youth ABC. In the opening round, CHRISTY became frustrated and irate as he struggled to contain the constant mobility of AZIM who picked his straight shots well to counter the advancing McCARTHY. Towards the end of the round, CHRISTY’S frustration got the better of him and he picked up a public warning by the referee for dissent. AZIM took advantage of McCARTHY’S recklessness and remained composed throughout to take the points.

Next up was 12yr old MIKEY KERRIGAN (33kg) against JAMIE BRADLEY of Finchley ABC in a fairly even contest which saw MIKEY constantly in pursuit but sometimes falling short of the target as BRADLEY demonstrated good footwork to avoid KERRIGAN’S flurries. Eventually, BRADLEY began to tire and MIKEY found the target with increasing regularity as he never stopped trying, which paid dividends as his greater workrate earned him the points victory.

15yr old PATRICK J McDONAGH (51kg) boxed next against NASSER ALASWAD of Hayes ABC and although the Islington youngster started well, he seemed unable to avoid the accuracy of NASSER’S jab as the Hayes boxer repeatedly snapped his straight shots with efficiency. PATRICK persevered with the job in hand but seemed a little apprehensive in his attacks and struggled to establish any real authority. Both boxers looked visibly fatigued in the last round but it was ALASWAD who managed to impress the judges for the points.

15yr old MARTIN McDONAGH (69kg) had to concede height, weight and age to CONNOR WILLIAMSON of Legends ABC in a hard fought contest which saw MARTIN continually chasing and harassing his taller opponent with varying degrees of success. MARTIN took centre stage immediately but CONNOR seemed content to keep out of range by using the outskirts of the ring to good effect. It was a fairly even affair as both boxers had to work hard for their share of the spoils but towards the end of the last round, it was WILLIAMSON who seemed to have the edge in finding the target with a little more frequency and with the home crowd roaring their man on, the points verdict went to CONNOR.

14 yr old BEN TURNER (61kg) was next in action against JASON HELSBY of Finchley ABC in a match which saw the greater strength of TURNER dominating the proceedings. The Islington youngster just kept advancing and landing heavy shots to the body and head of HELSBY who, to his credit, managed to soak up a fair bit of punishment before making a spirited attempt to overcome his adversary. As the bout wore on it was evident that BEN was slowly but surely wearing JASON down with his relentless pressure tactics as he continued to bombard HELSBY mercilessly. The 3rd round saw a very creditable effort from JASON to try to claw back some of the deficit but TURNER was in no mood to relinquish his grip on the lead and it concluded with a unanimous verdict for BEN.

SENIOR REPORTS BY BEVIS ALLEN

Islington Boxing Club seniors Troy Smart and Anthony Ward both produced excellent performances at the Legends ABC open show, held at the Hayes Working Men’s Club, last Thursday evening 17th May.

Islington’s Troy Smart (under 54 Kgs), caused a few raised eyebrows in defeating the more experienced Alfie Hall (Marvels Lane) over 3 x 2′s.Smart started quickly, moving around the ring with quick feet and an even quicker left jab. Hall, stalking his opponent, found it difficult to pin his man down. The second round saw Hall receive a standing eight count after Smart had unleashed a four punch combination which wobbled Hall. The last round, Smart trying clever punch combinations which found their target with regularity. Right on the bell to end the contest, a left hook from Smart seemed to stagger Hall.The judges were unanimous in their decision to award the victory to Smart.

Islington’s Light Welterweight, Anthony Ward, impressed many at ringside, overcoming Muarat Chakir (Finchley & District ABC). Chakir, electing to come in low and swing with wild hooks, got caught early in the opening round with a wicked left hook to the body from Ward, which clearly had the Finchley boxer in some trouble. To his credit, Chakir kept coming and landed a useful looking right at the end of the round.The remainder of the contest saw Ward used his left jab to keep Chakir off balance, and then unloaded with both hands whenever he could. Not unsurprisingly, the verdict went to Ward by unanimous decision.