STUDENTS training with Downend Boxing Club took to the ring in the grand surroundings of the Wills Memorial Building.
Bristol University’s annual boxing tournament was held on April 12, with a formally-dressed audience enjoying nine competitive contests involving boxers from the home university, UWE, King’s College London, Swansea University, Imperial College London, and guest club Frome.
The Bristol and UWE boxers have been training at Downend’s gym in the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds.
On the day, Felix Clarke (Bristol) beat S. Brogan (Swansea) on points.
Oscar Leney (Bristol) lost (retired) to YuYu Yang (Imperial College London).
Alex Richardson (Bristol) won (retired) against A Shportko (Imperial College London).
Jack Wang (Bristol) lost when the referee stopped his contest with K Carpenter (Frome).
Louis D’Abreo (Bristol) lost on points to Prem Matharoo (King’s College London).
Joe Muckle beat Redly Mireku‑Boateng (King’s College London) on points.
Stirling Thomas lost on points to Jack Stafford (Swansea University).
Two weeks earlier, a combined Bristol students’ squad from Downend tasted success in a tournament at Trinity College, Dublin.
Matt Smith (UWE) produced an outstanding performance in a hard-fought contest against Henry Sherlock (Dublin City University).
The bout featured sustained, toe-to-toe action throughout the opening round before Smith launched a decisive attack that resulted in a standing count against opponent.
Boxing effectively at close range, Smith secured a unanimous points victory.
Further success followed for UWE as Rowan Lewis faced Oliver Fitzgerald of Limerick University. Lewis displayed intelligent ring craft, landing clean, well-timed shots against an aggressive opponent to earn a clear points decision and a second title for Downend and UWE.
Bristol University’s Felix Clarke then took to the ring against Oleh Maynovych of the host Dublin club. Clarke delivered a composed and technically sound performance against a strong opponent, earning a deserved tournament title.
Another championship was added for Bristol when Stirling Thomas contested the 60kg final against Dublin boxer Gauray Naudiyal. A highly technical display in the opening round saw Thomas control the bout and frustrate his opponent, who was forced to retire at the end of the round due to a shoulder injury.
Elsewhere, Joe Muckle lost (RTD) to Godsword Usiba (DCU), Russell Yates lost on points to Stephen Murphy (DCU), George Carter (UWE) lost on points to Ben Tuohy (Limerick) and Alex Richardson (Bristol) lost (RSC) to Sam Johnson (DCU).
Everyone at Downend is extremely proud of our involvement with the boxing teams from both universities. The boxers have represented both organisations superbly, and we are confident there is a bright future ahead.
Craig Turner