Ewbank keeps hold of title

Boxing

Jack Ewbank retained his Southern Counties 69kg title with a split decision win over home boxer Adam Birch in the finals at the Golden Gym club at Southampton on Saturday. However, there were mixed fortunes for Ewbank’s clubmates Charlie Smith, Jez Achong and junior Eric Swan. Smith lost on a split verdict against Brandon Davis from Hastings, and junior Swan missed out losing a close decision against more experienced opponent Tom Ryan, of Tunbridge Wells. Meanwhile, Achong moved straight into the National quarter-finals after his opponent Josh Douglas, of Brighton-based Moulsecoomb ABC pulled out due to injury. Ewbank beat Birch on a unanimous decision on his way to the title last year. At the weekend he bobbed, weaved and slipped away from Birch’s rangy jabs, as the home fighter tried to use his height and reach in the first round. Ewbank also used good footwork to get in and out of range and to counter, switching his attack to head and body. The second round proved a tactical affair with both boxers trying to nullify each other. Ewbank took the initiative going into the last, keeping the pressure on and punches flowing. He worked hard, finding success to the head, followed by left and right hooks to the body, slipping and weaving Birch’s advances. Smith lost out in his three, three-minute round B final, with each round hard fought and both boxers earning the appreciation of the crowd at the end. Swan, with only two bouts behind him, was up against an opponent who had won six of his nine fights.

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From left to right Eric Swan, Jamie Carter, Jack Ewbank, Andy Wilford, Charlie Smith, Dennis Jarvis and Jez Achong