NEW SEASON STARTS OFF

Solihull begin their campaign with a show, writes Ken Myatt

SOLIHULL ABC’S first show of the season was a great success with a full house seeing 13 bouts all going the distance. The judges had a hard night picking the winners, with seven bouts reaching split verdicts.

Of the many exciting contests that took place at the show last month, the one that had a standing ovation was fight of the night that saw Demi Phipps (Solihull) get a split decision win over the classy Grace Hutchinson (Rose Hill). Hutchinson had a point deducted for leaning on which probably cost her the judges’ verdict.

16-year-old Rio Palmer (Solihull) caught the eye against game Conner Blackman (Buxton). Palmer’s clever boxing ability makes him good to watch. Two first timers Conner Walsh (Solihull) and Mohammed Kahn (Aston) had the spectators on their feet in a cracker at 62kgs, Walsh taking the verdict of the judges against a very game Kahn.

Buxton ABC coach Sam Fields stepped in to take over the corner of two of North Side’s senior boxers, whose trainer was unable to come with them from Manchester. Solihull would like to thank North Side and Buxton for their wonderful support, and the excellent MC Darren Burridge who had the whole crowd singing as he hosted proceedings.

RESULTS

(Solihull first) Cal Palmer outpd by N. Mulhern (Acocks Green) split, R. Gibbons outpd H. Davies (Donnington) unan, K. Everett outpd by J. White (Wild Star) split, I. Coombs outpd C. Holloway (Donnington) split, D. Phipps outpd G. Hutchinson (Rose Hill) split, K. Thompson outpd A. Ali (Windmill) unan, E. Thompson outpd M. Meir (Wodensborough) unan, R. Palmer outpd C. Blockman (Buxton) unan, I. Marclew outpd D. Mall (Christ the King) unan, C. Green outpd W. Adams (Wild Star) split, C. Walsh outpd M. Khan (Aston) unan, Robert Jones outpd by T. Reid (North Side) split, Dave Jones outpd S. Malvill (North Side) unan.