Novices star at fight events
Rutherglen’s own Durie’s Boxing Gym had several fighters in action at the Scottish Novice Championships last month.
First it was the championship prelims, held in tMotherwell’s Ravenscraig Sports Centre on October 18 and 19.
Durie’s had four fighters in action. First in was 11- year- old Gerard McTaggart at 34kg who was in against Bannockburn club 1314 ABC lad Colin Cairney.
Gerard secured his place in the semis with a split decision in what turned out to be a great bout.
The following day the club had two boxers in action. First in was 11-year-old Bridgeton lad Anthony Flynn fighting at 44kgs. He was in against Ayrshire club Doon Valley ABC Keigan McGuire. The more experienced Doonvalley boxer took the verdict by unanimous decision but Anthony can be proud of a brave performance.
Next in was Castlemilk man Jason Thompson fighting at 91kg. He was in against Jamie Anderson of Phoenix ABC of Dalmarnock. The Durie’s fighter controlled this bout and cruised in to the next round with a unanimous decision.
Next in for the club was Neil Stafford at 108kgs against Irvine Vineburgh ABC boxer Tommy Kelly. The Irvine fighter was victorious here after the ref called a stop to the fight just at the end of the first round.
The following week on October 25 and 26 saw the fighters who qualified in action at the semi finals and finals of the Champions in Ravenscraig Sports Centre.
Gerard McTaggart was first in against Ayrshire lad Jamie Warden of Garnock Valley. He made the finals with a unnanimous verdict over his opponent.
Jason Thomson was next in against Forsyth ABC man Stephen Price. Jason, once again, controlled the fight to secure his place in the finals.
The finals took place the following day with Gerard and Jason both featuring with a shot at titles in their weight classes.
Gerard took on Jay Colbourn of Bronx ABC in Edinburgh with a medal at stake. The fight went to the Edinburgh boy on a split decision, however Gerard did his club proud, putting in superb performances over both weekends.
Then it was Jason’s turn. He was in against Inverness club Highland Boxing Academy’s Kevin Mapplebeck. This was Jason’s hardest bout in the championships, but he rose to the occasion to win the title.