Late change fails to ruffle Sam
Boxing
Sam Noakes lifted the Southern Counties amateur belt with an impressive stoppage victory at Portsmouth on Saturday.
The Westree boxer was up against a late replacement in Jacob Gabriel (Basingstoke) after the holder Adenes (Heart of Portsmouth) pulled out through illness.
Noakes was unaffected by the change in opponent, stopping the experienced Gabriel by technical knockout in the final round of their under- 64kg bout.
Head and body shots rained in during an even opening round.
Noakes looked more confident in the second round, landing heavy body shots which slowed his opponent.
The stoppage was there for the taking in round three with Nokes dropping Gabriel with a superb left hook. Gabriel took an eight count but when Noakes immediately connected with a right uppercut, the referee stepped in.
Noakes will defend the title against Adenes in Eastbourne on March 3. Trainer Eddie Henderson said: “It was a cracking fight. Gabriel’s a good kid – he’s had 88 fights – but Noakes was too strong for him. He’ll fight Adenes next, the challenge is out there.”
Lilly-May Underwood made history as the first girl to fight for Westree.
She was on the Hornets show in Ramsgate, taking on Georgio Green in a skills bout.
Underwood, 13, has been with the club for about a year after previous stints with Maidstone Gurkha Boxing Club and Rumbles in Sittingbourne.
Henderson said: “We’ve had girls at the club before but none have ever boxed on a show, so Lilly’s made history.
“She trains hard and is a dedicated little thing. She showed a lot of the skills she’s learned at Westree, which was good to see.”
Teddy Sutton, 16, was an unexpected winner on the Hornets show in just his second bout. He’d won his first contest on points but was up against a more experienced opponent in William Waller (Creekside).
That didn’t stop him completing a unaninmous points victory.
Henderson said: “We stretched him by putting him up against William, who’s had six fights.
“I knew he wouldn’t get hurt but I didn’t think he would win, so it was a bit of a shock. I’m pleased with him.”
Charlie Whitehead lost on points to Leon Young-Rogers (Woking). The 15-year-old Westree boy boxed well but his legs went towards the end.
Henderson added: “We were pleased with him. He just needs a bit more roadwork.”