Duo packing a punch to pick up national prizes
WASHINGTON PAIR BACK IN ACTION FOR MORE TITLES
TWO boxers from the region picked up national honours at the England Boxing Championships finals in Grantham.
Oliver Robson and Julianne Peel from Washington District Youth Boxing Club took the honours for the first time in the club’s history.
Oliver, 12, who attends Biddick School, took on Owen Hendricks from Gemini ABC in the 42kg minors final, dictating the fight to win by a unanimous decision.
Head coach Mick Wilson said: “Oliver boxed superbly, controlling while in the centre of the ring.
“To box like that in a national final in that manner is tremendous, winning by a unanimous decision.”
Julianne, 14, from Oxclose Community Academy took on Neve Lawson from Seconds Out Boxing Academy in Ferryhill, winning by split decision.
Wilson added: “Neve tried to unsettle Julianne, roughing her up whenever she could, but Julianne stuck with it, with her good style and slick footwork.
“She gained a very close but deserved split decision in the end.”
He added: “I really love the attitude of both boxers, who never miss a session – they both deserve their number one spot in England.
“To get one champion would have been nice but to get two is incredible and just shows that the hard work our coaches has put in had paid off.”
The club has also recently hosted its home show, which proved to be a knockout after a successful day for the club’s up-and-coming talent.
The boxing club, which has gone from strength to strength since forming four years ago, hosted 16 bouts, with 15 of the clubs members participating in the home show.
Wilson said: “Following on from the home show we also had success in the Regional Championships. We entered four boxers, three of them picked up North East titles.”
Ethan Gilmore, Julianne and Oliver all claimed North East honours, while Lewis Robinson missed out on the final prize, Wilson adding: “I thought Lewis getting beat was a harsh decision.”
Dylan Gray and Edward Douglas also put in winning performances, taking the titles of best junior and senior boxer respectively on the night.
Wilson added: “The club is doing really well at the moment, and we are pleased to announce we have been accepted by Metro Radio for their kids active summer project.
“These funds will help towards our mini bus as we are away most weekends at competitions, so a minibus is what we are fundraising for to get the boxers to events all over the country.”
Oliver and Julianne are both in action again soon in the schoolboy and girls national final, going for the club’s first national winners titles.
Wilson added: “To round off another good period for the club we will now be taking the squad to compete in the Hull Box Cup, which will be a good finish to the season.
“This is all down to funding and help from our sponsors Washington fireplaces, Sora Group and Pinpoint Recruitment, as they keep the club going.”