Third time is a charm for Aqeel Ahmed wins gold, while Calder misses out
Motherwell fighter Aqeel Ahmed admits his third British Championship gold was the sweetest victory yet.
Light flyweight Ahmed won his third title in a row after beating Welshman Ashley Williams in his own backyard in Cardiff.
The gold medal is another string to Ahmed’s bow as he strives to make Team GB as well as being part of Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next summer.
He said: “I’ve lost to Ashley the last three times I’ve boxed him and he is a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist from Glasgow.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy but we faced each other three times between 2012 and 2013 and I know I’m a much better boxer now. Winning the third gold was the sweetest because it means I’ve won in Scotland, England and now Wales.
“I’ve shown I can win it wherever it is and I think that’s put me in a good position for Team GB.
“The other three boxers in my category were either currently GB funded or have been in the past so I’ve shown what I can do against these boxers.”
Elsewhere, Springhill ABC boxer Lynn Calder missed out on gold as she took on experienced fighter Shone Whitewell in the final of woman’s lightweight category.
The Shotts fighter was undone by the experience of the Englishwoman but head coach Frank Delaney believes it will stand her in good stead for the Commonwealth Games. He said: “Lynn was up against a really tough opponent who was a southpaw and that made life difficult.
“But she handled herself well and the experience will help her out in the future and more performances like that will help for the Gold Coast next year.”
Springhill Boxing Club are hosting a show on Friday, May 26, at Rival’s Gym in Wishaw.
Tickets are available from the club.