Controversial decision sees Cameron bow out
PRODIGIOUS Spean Bridge boxer Cameron Whyte once again proved he can contend on the international stage despite an early exit from the European Junior Championships in Bulgaria this week.
The 15-year-old Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club boxer knew he was in for a tough week of boxing being the youngest competitor in his weight category, but Whyte was eager to prove his talent against some of the best junior boxers on the continent.
In the last 16 stage of the competition, Whyte came up against Armenian boxer Artur Shakhpazyan – who has previously won both a bronze and silver at the European Championships.
In the end, the young Lochaber fighter was unfortunate to bow out of the tournament after a controversial 3-2 split decision in favour of Shakhpazyan.
Despite the difference in age, Whyte’s ferocity meant he could pressurise Shakhpazyan from the opening bell, attempting to close down the ring while the Armenian darted in and out trying to steal points.
Neither boxer had gained a foothold until about 30 seconds to go when Whyte landed a crunching right uppercut then left hook to having Shakhpazyan looking uncomfortable.
This was the opening Whyte had been waiting for, pouncing on any opportunity to land more punishing shots until the round finished.
Whyte began the next round as he ended the first by putting Shakhpazyan under severe pressure and had the Armenian looking distressed at times. Not that this bout was a one-sided affair. The Armenian is a master at countering and had his fair share of success but Whyte looked to be the driving force in the contest.
The last round saw both boxers give their all in the ring but once again Whyte appeared to be landing the more eye-catching shots and the Scotland team were distraught to see the decision go against them.
As The Lochaber Times went to press, the Armenian had booked his place in the semi-finals and clinched a European medal for an incredible third successive year.
One of Whyte’s coaches, Niall Clark, reflected on the fight: ‘Although Cameron didn’t medal this year, his talent and pedigree are as good as anyone in Europe.
‘What a lot of people don’t realise is the dedication needed to achieve this level in the sport.
‘When the Scotland squad flew from Edinburgh airport in the early hours of the morning, Cameron had been training in the foyer of the airport hotel prior to leaving.
‘Then when the team arrived in Bulgaria his weight was checked and another training session took place to keep his weight under control.
‘His weight was checked again to determine how much food he could eat.’
Niall explained that this grueling process was repeated at 6.30am every morning and every evening until he was no longer in the competition. Within 24 hours of his contest with the Armenian, Whyte had gained around half a stone just through eating normally.
After his elimination and before returning home, over the course of four days Whyte took part in several heated sparring sessions with the number one boxers from England, Belarus, Poland, Finland and Germany.
Niall added: ‘Cameron is still looking to improve and learn which should stand him in good stead for the upcoming season.’