NEW HACKNEY ROCK?
Monsuro likened to Andries by the family who trained the three-time light-heavyweight belt-holder
DON DAVIS Boxing Academy reckon they have found a new Dennis Andries.
Andries had Davis in his corner when he took the WBC light-heavyweight belt from JB Williamson at Picketts Lock in April 1986.
Davis also trained, among others, Errol Christie and, a few months short of his 80th birthday, he still visits the gym set up by son Richard and named after him.
Don will have liked what he saw from Taiwo Monsuro on the club’s show at the Black Prince Community Hub.
The 27-year-old cruiserweight was matched tough against Tino Belot
(Dale Youth) and pulled off a points win.
“He is very strong, can knock you out with either hand and he has a great engine,” said head coach Richard. “Tino was flagging towards the end. He couldn’t stay with Taiwo. He is like a modern-day Dennis Andries.”
Monsuro only joined the club a few months ago, and the best win of his career was a timely confidence boost with the NACS coming up in April.
Clubmate Daniel Buisha
is also set to enter. He is dropping to light-heavy after winning the London Development title at 86kgs earlier this season.
Matthew Moores won the Development Youth title at 54kgs, Davis saying a narrow points loss to Liam Wood (Guildford) for the Southern Area belt has convinced him the 17-yearold has the tools to go all the way.
“Liam is one of the best in the country,” said Davis, “and Matthew pushed him all the way. That was a big performance.”
Davis also has high hopes for Cameron Slew, a 57kgs senior who’s won all seven bouts.
Davis says he has 25 boxers carded – including 16 seniors – and said: “The boys are all hungry. There are gyms where the fighters come and go, but everyone here is looking to win something; they all have the same positive mindset.”
Davis grew up with boxing.
His father was an 18-211 pro between 1963 and 1970 and Richard said: “I was in the Thomas ‘A’ Beckett [gym] with my dad since I was born!
“Errol Christie was my best mate. We did everything together. As I was growing up. Dad thought boxing wasn’t for me. I wasn’t on the streets and I didn’t get into fights at school.
“I was always hitting the bags at the gym, but I didn’t compete until I was 21 years old. I was a late starter and it was just a hobby to me. I had around 20 bouts for Miguel’s, so I know what the boys go through.
“We have set it up so they can stay with us when they turn pro. We want them to ideally have 50-60 amateurs before they turn pro.”