Noel makes big impression in quarters
MACCLESFIELD Boys Boxing Club’s Noel Straw travelled to Swadlincote in Staffordshire to compete in the quarter finals of the National Schoolboy Championships.
It is a massive achievement for any boxer, basically the best kids in the country taking each over on in front of enthusiastic crowd who all know their boxing, proper genuine fans.
So after a two hour drive young Noel stepped on the scales and was point three pounds over so on to the car park it was a case of skipping rope out and a couple of miles jogging and sprinting to make the weight – this sport is a tough old game and the things kids have to do is commendable such is their determination to box.
Half an hour later and he was back on the scales and bang on ready to go.
Noel’s opponent was a local lad with an absolutely brilliant record of 15 bouts and 14 wins, Ellis Panter from Burton Park, Northants.
Both kids weighed in together and wished each other all the best – what a sport, both kids about to go to war and they are wishing each other all the best!
So after the intro it seemed like the whole room had come to watch Ellis, the place erupted as his name was announced.
Unperturbed, Noel took his bow and they came face to face.
This was a scorcher as both kids went to work and with absolutely nothing between them they went back and to with both having great success.
Ellis started fast but Noel always coming back the stronger. Towards the end of the round this was going to be a tough one to judge, but looking round the ring at the judges there where none from our region instead the majority from the Midlands which is always a concern but this contest was so close we thought Noel had a edged the win, especially with a blinding third round.
But it wasn’t the case and after some deliberation the win was given to Ellis – no arguments from our side, this was a fantastic bout with both kids giving their all and great to see Ellis raise Noel’s hand at the end in appreciation of a deserving opponent who had made him work for the win.
Noel wished Ellis all the best for the finals next weekend which was refreshing too – gentlemen of the sport even though they were schoolboys.
Well done to Noel Straw, a great advocate for our club actually working to get to the quarters no easy ride with buys, but a lot of tough rounds to get there and only just being pipped at the post. One to watch for the future.