Birch wins Junior ABA title

15 year old St Marys boxer Jacey Birch won twice in two days last weekend to bring 3 Nations Gold back to Medway!

As there was no suitable entry in her under 46kg weight category from Scotland, it was down to 2 English boxers and the Welsh champion. The Gillingham based Birch was drawn to box semi final on Saturday in Rotherham and was pitted against her long time rival Morgan Ansell (Clearys ABC, Midlands). The tricky Ansell who has won National Boxing and Kickboxing titles looked to keep Birch at Bay, but Jacey was able to land with enough combination punches over the 3 rounds to secure the judges points decision.

24 hours later on Sunday, saw Jacey up against the Welsh Champion Catlin Cromie who was fresh having a bye to the final. The strong Cromie came out fast trying to land big punches on Birch, banking that she would be tired from her efforts the previous day. However, Birch showed she could be flexible and change tactics and outbox her strong opponent. This helped Jacey onto a unanimous points win and saw her crowned British junior ABA champion. All her coaches are happy with Jaceys progress and dedication and she deserves this latest success. As she has proved she is number one in Britain, she will hopefully be picked to represent England at the European Junior championships later this year.

Meanwhile, having won twice in as many weeks, St Marys senior light heavyweight boxer Daniel Woledge was in action in the pre quarter final in Doncaster last weekend. Up against the North West Champion Jamie Mitchell (Poole of Life), after an even first round, 22 year old Woledge seemed to have done enough to definitely win the last two rounds with his superior strength and in fighting. However, surprisingly the split decision was awarded to the Manchester based Mitchell