Redditch Box Cup

( St Marys boxers, Perry Mullholland, Billy Eastwood, Joe Hickford, Lewis Southgate, Tom O Sullivan )

Three medals secured for st marys with more to follow... 

First up for St Marys, in a class one U32 kg semi final was Perry Mulholland vs Declan Macdonagh from Hooks (West London), Perry took control of the ring from the first bell boxing at a comfortable pace landing with accuracy, as the fight went on he became more dominant pinning his apponent on the ropes with some good body/head combinations. He won unanimous which puts him through to the final next saturday,boxing for a gold medal against a young talented boxer from Eastisde ABC Birminham.

Next up for the saints in a class one under 46 kg final was Joe Hickford.
Joe secured a gold medal against Kyle Grocutt of Cleckheaton ABC Yorkshire, The first round was very close as Grocutt made it very difficult for Joe to get into a rythem by coming in with his head low and throwing wild swings, during the second Joe started to work his apponent out and landed some clean uppercuts which detterred the Yorkshire boxer, that allowed Joe to create space and land some good combinations to give him the unanimous win.

Two late pull-outs from northern opponents in their group meant that there was an all Kent affair in a straight final in the under 40kgs 5-14 bouts category. Skilful 14 year old St Mary’s boxer Billy Eastwood met the strong Joe Roswell (Rumbles, Sittingbourne). The mix of styles gelled well and made for an intriguing contest, with both having their successes. The fact that the judges were split in their decisions, showed how close the bout was. Although Roswell was awarded a majority points decision and Eastwood had to settle for silver, on another day, Billy could well have got the nod.

In an under 44kgs semi-final in the 15+ bouts premier group, Lewis Southgate was faced with the daunting task of boxing against the reigning London champion and National schoolboy finalist Darren McDonagh, from the famous Dale Youth club. McDonagh is known for his strength and high work rate, but the Luton based youngster proved not to be a respecter of reputations. After two close rounds, it was all on the final round and a late surge from Southgate sealed victory for the 14 year old who not only booked himself a place in this Saturdays final, but also claimed his best scalp so far in his boxing career.

Also in action was Tom Sullivan, who was unfortunate in his semi final contest against a very strong L Cupi from Corby abc. Tom lost when the referee stopped the contest in the second round, leaving him with a bronze medal.Tom has had a fantastic season, reaching the National semi finals of the Schoolboy championships.

St Mary's are back in action on Saturday for the remaining finals, again at the abbey stadium in Redditch. Good luck to Perry and Lewis who are boxing for gold medals.