CLOSING OUT THE SEASON
Islington Boxing have their final show of the season, Reggie Hagland updates us
ISLINGTON Boxing Club hosted their fifth and final home show of the 2016-17 season on May 12 at the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square with over 500 supporters packing the West End venue. The dinner show featured its usual raffle and auction to raise much needed funds for the Hazellville Road club and 11 contests all of which had Islington boxers on one side of the bill.
Mo Gharib (Islington, 61kgs) continued his good form defeating the very tall and rangy Connor Marsden (Surbiton) over threethrees via split decision in a close contest. Mo tucked in close and aimed for both body and head of Marsden.
The final contest of the night was between London Elite champion,
Lamin Conteh (Islington, 71kgs) and George Harvey (Rumbles) over three-threes. Conteh picked his shots well and landed often, but Lamin won unanimously.
Jerome Campbell (Islington, 60kgs) lost unanimously to Mark Butler (Hillcrest). A below par Campbell lost against the forward fighter Butler. The Hillcrest boxer was later named ‘best away boxer of the night’.
In the performance of the night,
Masood Abdualh (Islington, 62kgs) dominated against elite boxer Fatjon Gola (Fairbairn) who had both weight and experience advantages over the Islington man. In only his fifth amateur boxing contest Abdualh boxed over three-threes for the first time and dominated all three rounds. Masood took both a unanimous points decision and ‘best home boxer of the night’ award.
Shaun Thomas (Islington, 60kgs) won unanimously against Matthew Saunders (Chelmsford). Southpaw Shaun Thomas boxed well throughout the three rounds and took a deserved victory against National Development Senior finalist.
Chris Cunningham (Islington, 75kgs) was one of four boxers making their debuts in the red and white of IBC. He won unanimously against Ray Firth (Attleborough) in Cunningham’s first appearance in the ring for over three years. Chris pressured throughout the contest and scored well when stepping forward to his opponent.
Jenson Curtin (Islington, 54kgs) started off brightly against Frank Watson (Danson) and soon got into his rhythm catching his opponent with good combination punches. Curtin was a deserved winner despite a spirited comeback from the Danson boxer. Joshua Strong (Islington, 60kgs) lost unanimously to Martin Mcdonagh (Fairbairn).
Connor Daly (Islington, 49kgs) won unanimously against Ryan
Dixon (Exhall BA). It was a slow start from the Islington boxer but Daly got into his rhythm and pushed his opponent back, his superior fitness and skill won him the contest over three-threes.
Also making his debut for the club on the night was Jay Jay Curtin (Islington, 60kgs) who lost unanimously against National Development Junior Champion,
Louie O’doherty (Chelmsford). The tall and fast O’doherty kept the bout at long distance. When Curtin managed to get his combination punches together he did have success. But O’doherty took the unanimous decision.
Slavisa Gegic (Islington, 70kgs) unanimously against Xavier Akinsete (All Stars).