Stamford Amateur Boxing Club round-up

Stamford ABC have made a winning start to the boxing season and have a pretty full calendar up and down the country over the coming months.

Opening the account was star junior John Doe.

Head coach Mark Atherton stated that, as a two-time national finalist, big things are expected of Doe this season and he is showing tremendous form in the gym.

Doe was entered in the NABCG (National Association of Boys & Girls Clubs) national championships and quickly slipped into top gear by winning the East Midlands title with two bouts in two days against quality opposition.

The following weekend, Doe beat the best the Midlands had to offer in being crowned Midlands champion and his form was going from strength to strength.

However, Doe picked up a virus which left him confined to bed with a box of tissues and head coach Atherton had no option but to withdraw him from the championships at the national quarter-final stage.

He explained: "It was a very difficult decision to have had to make with John in such good form.

"However, as with all, the welfare of the boxer came first and, as not at 100 per cent, I had to withdraw him.

"We will mount an assault on the national youth championships with John in January 2024 and I am very excited about his prospects."

Next up was star senior Matt Cross who returned to the ring on the Norwich City ABC show on Saturday.

Cross was up against a very good home fighter, in front of a raucous home crowd.

After an even first round, Cross quickly began to move through the gears in the second round, punishing his taller opponent.

The third round continued in very much the same manner as the second with Cross showing great punch variety to seal the victory.

The club travel next to the Grantham home show where one of Stamford's newcomers has his first competitive bout against another home fighter.

Atherton added: "It most certainly is a busy and exciting time for the club with many newcomers alongside our elite level boxers in action over the coming months. The future is certainly very bright."

Anyone wanting to get involved with Stamford Boxing Club either as a future champion, a sponsor or a committee member (they are a voluntary run community club who always require help) should contact Mark on 07931 447892.