England call-up for rising star Wallace
Sunderland ABC’s Wallace Macleod has earned an England call-up despite losing out in a national ABA semi-final.
Mac leod put in an outstanding performance in the 52 kg youth ABA championship semi-final at Birtley ABC.
The Sunderland ABC starlet took on highly-rated Sahil Khan (Meridale), but Macleod started off with some terrific hand speed, catching the much taller Khan with some wicked left hands which were accurate and stinging in power.
Khan, who was clearly unsettled, rallied back when hurt, however for three exciting rounds Macleod looked a clear winner, but Khan was named as the victor.
The England and GB coach was there to witness the contest and was impressed by Macleod’s skill, and he has been selected to attend a European qualifying weekend in Birmingham which is a silver liningfor young Mac leod who was clearly disappointed by the decision in these mi-final.
Sunderland ABC held their open show at the Roker Hotel and Matty Stewart put on a show against Scott McGrady (Cleator Moor Cumbria).
Stewart, showing his usual style matching forward throughout, caught McGrady with some strong right hand counters to win a unanimous decision.
He also took best boxer of the tournament and now looks forward to the senior A BA Elite Championships.
Klay Munday (SABC) won on a unanimous decision against Isaac Ward (Ward Degnans) in a great first competitive contest for both boys.
Archie Morton (SABC) was a convincing winner against James Loan (Highfell ABC) on a unanimous decision.
A gutsy Hannah Foulds (SABC) took the first round against Anna Vincent (AA Academy).
The second round saw Vincent come back, unleashing some heavy blows to take the decision.
As a Don nell( SA BC) v HarleyFighting Fit Guru) was as kill contest, where Don ne ll showed great promise for the future.
Tyler Duckwo rh( SA BC) lost to Sonny Schubler (Wallsend) in an all-action contest, and Daniel Holden (SABC) impressed against C Marshall (Wearmouth) in a closely fought contest, with a gutsy Marshall taking a majority win.
Stewart, 75kg, and Travis Waters, 69kg, will both now go into the Senior Elite North East ABA Championships, starting on March 28 at Boldon Community Centre.