Dan heads Toward glory with victory in Banbury
BIRTLEY’S relentlessly-successful amateur boxing club is a bit like a goldsmiths – it makes a point of hording all that is precious and shiny.
A club which began life at the town’s old fire station now has a state-of-the-art gym and continuously gathers national and international titles by bringing through the cream of young talent.
Whereas clubs like Repton dominated in this country, Birtley have become a true power base to more than challenge them.
Their latest success story Dan Toward has just been crowned England 75kg youth champion over three days of back-to-back boxing.
The national quarters, semis and finals were held in Banbury with Toward knocking over opponents like skittles.
First up came Tyreiq Campbell from the Repton club, whom he dispatched on a unanimous points decision.
Then it was Joel Garrett (Avalon) who also comprehensively went the same way and finally former England international and national champion John Hedges from Hoddesdon BC suffered the Toward treatment.
Birtley official Danny Boyle said: “Dan proved exactly why his evergrowing reputation is well warranted.
“The final was a duel between two top-level boxers which saw Dan using his superior timing and reflexes to pick off his opponent.
“In doing so he joined an exclusive list of Birtley boys who have won this title. Former winners include GB boxer Mark Dickinson and last year’s senior eite champion Ben Rees.
“Team Birtley will be looking to bring Toward through to secure similar successes, continuing his excellent junior and youth form into the senior ranks next year.”
Toward’s stablemate Lukas Wilson took bronze in Banbury, described as “a fantastic achievement for a boxer who has only been at the club for three months but has a big future.”
A great start to 2019 will now see Birtley look to their junior section when they begin yet another national title quest today by sending a strong squad to Grainger Park for the Tyne, Tees and Wear round of the tournament.