Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Show one of the best ever
Boxing
Head coach Kevin Place hailed Whitstable School of Boxing’s dinner show at the King’s Hall, Herne Bay, on Friday as one of the most successful ever.
There were 15 bouts on the bill with 11 WSOB fighters in action.
Four youngsters took part in skills bouts with Loui Ebbs boxing well against opponent T Fellows of Swale Gloves with Place saying: “I was pleased how he came through, he put him under lots of pressure.”
Dan Cohen faced L Evans of Sandwich and Place said: “He used his footwork and is definitely going the right way, he is improving.”
Isaac Divine took-on B Spicer of Sandwich in his first ever bout and Place said: “He pushed him from the start,” while Archie Rumball impressed as he faced-off against Sandwich’s M Medgett.
Place added: “He showed his skills and was making him miss as well as landing some lovely shots. All four boxed well.”
Place was forced into action to find an opponent for Ronnie Murray after a pull-out three days before the show and eventually matched him with older, heavier and more experienced D Beeney of Westree.
Place said: “It wasn’t the bout I’d have gone for but Ronnie’s attitude was ‘let’s give it a go’ and he won. He was good, it was a messy fight, it could have gone either way but he got through three rounds which was the main thing and got a split decision.”
George Theze was in action against R Goddesdon of Westree and wasted no time in forcing a standing count for his opponent in the first round.
Place said: “He boxed well through all three rounds but then the other kid got the decision. The hall was silent. He was our clearest winner of the night so nobody could understand it. It was a shocker.”
Alfie Sutcliffe faced old rival John Cooper of Repton, whom he had beaten at his opponent’s own show last time out.
Place said: “They were looking for revenge but Alfie came through it again and won a unanimous decision.”
Sam Menzies faced L Mccarthy of Westree in only his second ever bout and proved simply too good for his opponent on his way to another unanimous verdict.
Place said: “He boxed well and gave him a count in the second round – he was just too strong for the kid in the end.”
Noah Latham enjoyed a debut to remember against R Murphy of Sandwich.
Latham stopped his opponent with a TKO just 40 seconds into the opening round, with Place revealing: “He’s very raw but he stayed upright, his hands were high and he stepped to the side before he stopped him with a right hand over the top.”
Kai Gallagher faced T Mcterman of East London club Fairbairn but was on the wrong end of a split points decision after a gruelling bout. Place said: “It could have gone either way, it was all-action, a brilliant fight.” George Elms faced J Hercus of Essex University BC, a heavier fighter with a better record than Elms. Pl a c e said: “These were 80kg lads landing some heavy shots but the crowd brought the best out of George. He stepped up and won it on points, I was pleased with him.” Place thanked Dave Theze of Chapman’s Restaurant, Canterbury, for sponsoring the programmes, Lee Murray for helping with organisation, Darren Wilton from The Neptune Pub, Whitstable, for sponsoring the trophies and club secretary Kim Vincent for the raffle prizes, plus parents and supporters for their support during the bouts on the night. He added: “The funds raised will help the club to progress. It was a great night, one of the best we’ve ever had.”