Bronze for Ali, 15, while Danish stays undefeated

Boxing - Peterborough Police Club fighters in action

Fifteen-year-old Ali Raja fought in the National Development Championships in Swindon on Friday afternoon.

The Peterborough Police Amateur Boxing Club fighter was competing in the junior under 57kg category against undefeated fighter Louie Ward from the famous Repton ABC.

This was a gruelling, but very skilful contest.

Ali was using his long range to deliver devastating power shots and Ward always trying to win the exchanges on the inside. This really was enthralling bout and Ali certainly had the cleaner better work rate, however to the look of disgust from one of the judges Ali lost on a poor split points decision, allowing Ward through to the finals which he won with ease.

Head coach Chris Baker said: “I was so proud of Ali and his performance.

“This really was a winning bout for Ali who can honestly say he can hold his own with the best in the country. And to come away with a National bronze medal is some achievement. Great things to come from Ali this season.”

On Saturday night Danish Asif, an eighteen-year-old from Peterborough, boxed on the Harrow and District ABC home show against an undefeated boxer Ryan O’ Connor at 64kg.

“Danish was up against it from the start, an undefeated fighter, on his home show with a massive crowd behind him,” said Baker.

“This didn’t phase him at all as he used his skill and footwork to avoid a very tough front foot fighter and then come back with quality power shots delivered with accuracy on target.”

Every round was action packed with Danish having his arm raised as the winner in an impressive points victory.

Danish has now maintained his undefeated record with four bouts and four wins.

Baker added: “There’s great things to come from this very young, impressive and exciting prospect.”

Ali denied by poor split points decision after gruelling and skilful contest

The club are hosting a • dinner show at the Holiday Inn, Thorpe Wood on Saturday (8pm) in conjunction with Peterborough United FC.

Some cracking senior and junior bouts have bene lined up with a dozen clubs represented, including several from the police club.

Coach Paul Goode with Ali Raja (above) and (right) with Danish Asif and coach Mark Dane