Durie’s duo shine at top boxing show
Two Rutherglen club boxers were in action at their final domestic show of the season.
Stephen Mullen and Cambuslang lad Josh Bell both put in cracking performances at the Kirkintilloch Miners Welfare on Friday against local boxers.
First in for Durie’s ABC, and making his debut, was 10-yearold Josh at 37kgs against Leon Kaye. And right from the first bell the youngsters went straight for each other, neither wanting to give an inch.
This little scrap went for the full three rounds but the decision went the way of Kirkintilloch’s Leon 5-0.
Next in was Govanhill man Stephen, 68kg, who was taking a step up in opponents having won his last five bouts.
He was also fighting three rounds of three minutes for the first time, against local favourite Andrew Carr, and the Rutherglen club boxer was quick off the mark from first bell.
Stephen forced the taller southpaw onto his back foot and was catching him with back-hand rights and left hooks to have the crowd on their feet.
This bout also went to the judges who awarded Stephen the win by 3-2 split decision.
Head coach Archie Durie said: “That brings the domestic season to an end and it was a little mixed night in Kirkintilloch with a win and a loss. But even the loss young Josh had was a good learning fight.
“Even the home support were surprised this wasn’t a closer decision, but Josh gave it his all and will definitely take positive points from his first fight.
“And Stephen was delighted he handled the three, three minute rounds against a more experienced man than him and he did the business. Well done to them both.
“This now leaves Durie’s ABC’s Shahzman Parnez still to represent Scotland in Wales in the GB Tri nations at end of July, so our club stays open all the way through the season.”