GOLDEN GIRLS
Broadhurst takes good win to claim tournament gold in Sweden
THE Golden Girl championship took place in Boras, Sweden over three days from February 1-3. Islington light-welterweight Amy
Broadhurst, recently crowned Ireland’s under 22 champion, reached the final. There she met Russia’s Alexandra Ordina, prevailing on a unanimous decision.
Ordina is an international veteran, winning gold at 64kgs in the 2016 European championships.
“Golden Girl champion 2019, wow!” Broadhurst said. “I got in with the European Elite champion and won unanimous. Couldn’t be any happier as today was a test for me. Today I proved I am up there with the very best and I’m ready for whatever comes my way this year.”
Broadhurst completed a good run, outpointing IK Ymer’s Linda
Larsson, a Swedish champion, in the semi-final. Broadhurst’s Islington clubmate
Sunni Torgman was also victorious in her lightweight final against Norway’s Henriette Opsahl Vasstrand.
Plenty of English clubs competed in the tournament, including Jersey Leonis whose Calli Bushell won the Elite 57kgs final as she outpointed Dejan Zavec Boxing’s Vida Rudolf.
Hoddesdon had a great tournament. Their Jade Huggins won gold in her Diploma class 46kgs final against reigning Esther
Lambe, of Setanta BC. Huggins was able to step inside and land to the body before switching the attack to the head. Not to be outdone Lambe went to work, hitting hard and with speed in the second round. In the final round both set their feet and traded non-stop in the centre of the ring, giving no quarter but Huggins, working in phases, landed the finishing combinations. Coach Sab Leo said, “It really was a shame that there had to be a loser. On this occasion Jade had her hand raised claiming the gold and for the second year in succession she became a two time Golden Girl champion. This victory sets her up for an assault on the national cadet championships to be held later in February.”
Hoddesdon boxers also competed in a round robin tournament in Sweden (see below).
Brandon Boxing Club also secured three gold medals. Club veteran and England international Megan Bainbridge had to concede weight but as she comprehensively outboxed her German opponent and fellow international Maria-elena Avram, taking gold for the second time at this tournament.
She helped out her teammates with her previous tournament experience. Frankie Lyall overcame a strong English boxer from The Met Police, Victoria Wipfler in their semi-final, then came up against a talented Canadian, Dakota Urban in the final. With the bout in the balance going into the last round, Frankie dug deep, overcoming a bloodied nose to grind out the victory.
Brandon 10-year-old Grace Kenny also won gold in the Diploma class. “Grace took it all in her stride with her grandad Stu in the corner it was an emotional moment as Grace collected her gold medal,” the club’s Alex Oliver said. “Three gold medals in three days for The Brandon girls. What an achievement. The whole area is extremely proud.”
A heart-warming story saw Wimborne Amateur Boxing Club defy snowy weather and a missed flight to make it to the competition in Sweden. A road accident shut the motorway and caused such a major delay that their team missed their flight. But a call to arms on social media came to their aid and ended up raising enough money for new flights. “We couldn’t believe the response,” the club said. “We want to individually shake all your hands and show you the faces of the kids you’ve just made dreams come true for.
“Everyone that donated and shared our post, you are truly wonderful people, we owe you so much.”