National Finals

16 year old St Marys boxer Karol Itauma experienced disappointment last Thursday when he heard his Welsh opponent for the national final had pulled injury. To add insult to injury, because he had already had walkovers and pullouts along the way, he couldn't be awarded the title as he hadn't competed during the championships. It got even worse as 15 year old Jacey Birch weighed in on finals day, only to be told half an hour later that her Welsh opponent had pulled out that morning. Her opponent had boxed the night before in a Wales V Scotland match and had allegedly sustained an injury. So, St Marys were down to one boxer competing on Sunday in Bristol. 16 year old Robert Caswell was pitted against England international  Alfie Swallwell (Phil Thomas ABC, Middlesborough) in the class B under 46kgs boxer. Although Swallwell looked confident as he entered the ring in his England kit, Caswell stood firm and took the fight to his opponent and caught him with several clean punches in a close first round. Although the technical Swallwell held centre ring for long periods, Caswell was still darting in landing quick combinations before retreating and action was nip and tuck. The bout was very close, but the judges went with Swallwell by points decision. However, Caswells coaches were not too disappointed, as Caswell had proved he can compete with top boxers on the big stage. Robert has always been skill full, but is a late physical maturer. It looks like he is starting develop now, so that will stand him in good stead in the new year. Bearing in mind Swallwell has only ever lost one bout before, there is no shame losing a very close bout that could have gone the either way.

Thankfully, Jacey Birch was able to be matched up to box in the Midlands this Friday night (16th), with organisers  also trying to match up Itauma as well, to ensure all the weeks of training 5-6 days a week, weight management etc do not go to waste.