Home Counties Senior ABA finals by Kerry Duffy Apr 14th 2008

Previous amateur shows I'd attended have proved easier occasions to dress for; a school gym or sports hall doesn't generally call for glamour. Last Friday night, however, my choice of apparel could've been the difference between enjoying the Home Counties Senior ABA Finals and being slung out on my ear. The Auction House in Luton provided the lavish backdrop for the championships, the bejewelled lampshades leading us into the banqueting hall hinted at the grandeur to be found at the top of the stairs. Keen to promote amateur boxing in its most flattering light, organisers Hockwell Ring ABC took full advantage of the spacious and delectable surroundings to give Luton the greatest amateur show it had ever seen. Their intentions of highlighting the good work carried out in the gyms throughout Luton were met with resounding success. Ably assisted by neighbouring gyms, Marsh Farm ABC and Dallow Road ABC the night proved so popular that the dour bouncers were in their element turning people away from the sold out venue. Surrounded by tuxedoed men who all looked on the verge of strangulation by bow tie, I knew it was going to be a good night. The local community turned out in force to enjoy the show and to support the great work done by the local clubs. Those fortunate enough to be seated at a table were promised a night of food, fighting and funny comedian. Two out of three aren't bad, I suppose. Proving my quietly held belief that behind boxing, comedians have the toughest jobs, Russell Kane proceeded to turn the air blue whilst quickly fading from view, quite extraordinary for a man standing in a boxing ring situated at the head of the room, a few feet above the crowd. It's true it takes a brave man to step through the ropes, especially if they're not a boxer! As expected, former world champions, Billy Schwer and Graham Earl were in attendance along with a somewhat discreet Frank Bruno. Unfortunately I was too far away to hear the famous chuckle and before I knew it he had left the building. My juggling act with camera, notebook and purse was all in vain as I was unable to get a picture with the popular heavyweight, but it was lovely to have had him there at all and great for the kids to see three world champions overseeing the occasion. The six championship bouts were preceded by four fights contested between Luton fighters keen to show the crowd what the town has to offer. The enthusiasm shown by the youngster was inspiring and a testament to the coaches in their corner and their vocal families on the sidelines. Unfortunately for us Luton was not represented in the Finals but the twelve fighters who did participate done themselves proud as they battled it out for the chance to proceed to the next round of the prestigious championships. Hats off to Paul Webb, Matty Earles and Dylan Katuwawala, who could not have had a harder workout had they gone 12 rounds with Frank Bruno. Obviously organising a great night of boxing is all you need to make you sweat! So many people benefitted from the nights boxing not least the youngsters who visit the trio of gyms in Luton intent on providing a sanctuary for the youths in their area. All the positive aspects of the sport were laid bare for all to see and any newcomers or the uninitiated I'm sure walked away from the event with a sense of pride that Luton had the means and wherewithal to promote such a wonderful night of boxing. I hope it is the start of things to come in the town and hopefully we can one day add to the two local world champions sitting at head table. Results for the night were as follows: 54-57kg Lawrence Lewis (Oxford Academy) L pts Bradley Evans (Stevenage) 57-60kg Ricky O'Brian (Reading) W via walkover Simon Welsh (Berinsfield) 60-64kg William Cotte (Stevenage) L pts Alan Lever (Bedford) 64-69kg Peter Samuels (Welwyn Garden City) L pts Philip Gill (Cheshunt) 69-75kg Terry Skipper (Stevenage) L pts Christopher Wood (Oxford Academy) 75-81kg Marley Churcher (Thames Valley) L pts Ashley Dennis (Welwyn Garden City) 81-86kg Sonny Jury (Thames Valley) W pts Shaun Richardson (Slough)

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