Achong makes national finals

Boxing

Jez Achong is through to the National Development Finals in Grantham at the weekend.

The 20-year-old Ashford boxer gained a split decision over Essex opponent Bradley Cockett in the semi-finals at Ipswich Town Football Club’s Portman Road ground last Saturday.

However, there was disappointment for his two club-mates, Jack Ewbank and Luke Cross, who lost their respective bouts to take bronze medals.

Achong needed time to find his rhythm and range in his 75kg contest against Billericay and Wickford ABC opponent Cockett, who started strongly, catching Achong with some telling blows.

Both boxers looked to gain the advantage in the second round, exchanging punches and not giving any ground.

The last round saw both men dig deep, working non-stop to the final bell, with Achong getting the verdict.

He now travels to Grantham on Sunday.

Ewbank missed out on reaching the finals for a second successive year, losing his 69kg fight against Paul Gordon from Harwich ABC on another split decision. The first round was an even contest. Ewbank started the second well, working nicely on his movement, catching his opponent with solid shots to the body and left hooks to the head.

However, with 10 seconds left, Ewbank was caught with a solid left hook, followed by a straight right/left hook combination, and he had to take his first ever standing count, of eight.

The corner tried to convince him the fight wasn’t over despite that setback and Ewbank responded by giving his all in the final two minutes, affording Gordon no respite from a flurry of punches.

Cross also missed out, losing by a unanimous decision in 91kg plus contest against Aaron Palmer, of West Ham ABC.

Having beaten a bigger and heavier opponent in Cheltenham’s Robert McIntosh the previous week, Cross faced another stiff challenge against Palmer who stood 6ft 8in tall and weighed in at 110kg.

Southpaw Palmer looked controlled and poised early on, with Cross moving his head well and getting in some good counters.

The east Londoner worked at keeping Cross at bay with a good solid jab in the second, moving him around with good footwork.

Cross continued to fight gamely in the third, with some success in what was a tenacious effort, but ultimately in vain.

Winner Jez Achong, far right, with the rest of the Ashford party at Portman Road, Ipswich. From left, Brad Cross, coach Andy Wilford, Jack Ewbank and other coaches Dennis Jarvis and Jamie Carter