MBBC aces shine in cracking contests
IT was yet another busy week for MBBC as they had boxers competing in three separate events in quick succession.
They were in action in Stoke-on-Trent on a Queensberry ABC show, with Mackenzie Darricote taking a bout on 48 hours’ notice against home fighter Shay Shaw.
This was an absolutely cracking contest with some restrictions in the first but after that they were allowed a free range and both kids looked like seasoned boxers as they moved round the ring.
Mackenzie was showing great skill and confidence catching with some superb shots but Shay was no push over and held his own for the most part but it was clear that had this been a contest Mackenzie would have edged it.
Next up was Katie Smallwood who hadn’t boxed for over 12 months against another home fighter as she went up against Lia Crowe.
They’d boxed before and Katie had won on a split decision so this was a return contest. Katie had been working hard in the gym and the coaches were looking forward to seeing her in the ring.
In round one and two she looked confident and was picking her opponent off at will, but Lia was tall and was throwing some nice long range shots using her height advantage to its full, but she struggled to catch Katie with any significant shots and Katie had managed to edge the first two rounds.
In round three Katie switched off and went flat footed, lying on the ropes and letting Lia catch her at will with the more quality shots. It had been such a great first two rounds but was much different in the third, and it was as if someone else had got in the ring.
Katie then got a standing eight count, and when you start lying on the ropes you make your opponent look good and on their home show it’s a problem.
The coaches couldn’t argue when the result was given and Lia avenged her first loss taking the win on a split decision.
MBBC were then back in Stoke-on-Trent for another event, taking part in a Ten Count ABC show at Abbey Hulton Sports and Social Club.
They had two boxers on the show, and first up in his third skills bout was young Archie Dale against home fighter Jamie Hope.
Both lads had weighed in bang on 37kg and it was a great bout. There was the usual restrictions in rounds one and two but in the third they were let loose and this was what young Archie had been waiting for, as he got the chance to throw as many different shots as he could.
That’s exactly what he did as he knuckled down and went to work and this was by far his best round. Both kids did brilliantly and gave the crowd something to shout about in a great start for the show.
Next up was Dylan Stephenson also boxing a home fighter, as he took on Jamie’s older brother Lewis Hope.
Dylan was taller and as they touched gloves at the start of round one, it didn’t take long for Dylan to find his range.
With round one in the bag, round two was much the same but it was clear who was on top as his shots were more accurate and his work rate a lot higher.
Round two also appeared to be won, and Dylan still managed turn it up another gear as he went to town in round three, catching at will with some beautiful shots that were by now mostly unanswered.
Yet again it was another class bout but there was only ever one winner, as young Dylan Stephenson got the win on a unanimous decision.
On Sunday MBBC’s busy schedule then saw them head to Alfreton, competing on a South Normanton ABC show at the Post Mill Centre.
First up making his debut was Rocky McGuire, and with a name like that it was inevitable he’d be entering the ring at some point, so at 10 years of age he had been looking forward to this for a while.
His opponent was home fighter Alfie Begg from South Normanton club, and the youngsters were allowed to just go for it from the start.
The referee was trying their best to control it but it was a fast paced bout and both kids gave a good display for the onlookers. It was very evenly matched but Rocky seemed to get the better quality shots off.
Next up was Zac Smallwood who was facing Bradley Aldred from A Rock Boxing Club in a skills bout.
In the first round there was only the lead hand allowed, and both kids boxed well and were respectful towards each other.
Both lads did well and it was much the same in the second, with Zac catching the punches then retaliating with some nice shots. In round three they both went to town and both gave a great display.
There wasn’t much between these kids but it was Zac’s first ever trip inside the ring and was Bradley’s third, so a great bout for Zac and he should be really proud as there are many kids in the gym that don’t make it this far.