The latest news from the local boxing scene
Repton schoolboy Harry Johnson brought back the club’s latest national award when he claimed an England Schoolboys title at Manchester last week.
Johnson claimed the Class A 35.5kg award with a superb display to outpoint talented Darlington rival Bobby Doyle at the Trafford Park finals.
Northern Area winner Doyle launched fast attacks in the opening round of a keenly fought final, but Johnson’s accurate punching saw him move into an early lead.
Doyle made a bold attempt to turn the bout his way, but it was the Bethnal Green club hope extending his lead to earn a unanimous verdict from the ringside judges.
On the day Repton, for so long the dominant club in schoolboy and junior boxing, saw Berkshire club Pinewood come out on top in Manchester.
It was a disappointing day for London clubs who had just four winners from 17 finalists and two other Repton hopes brought home runners-up awards.
The points were in the balance at the end of the Class A 38.5kg final between east Londoner Kenny Smith and High Fell BC opponent Shane Patterson.
The judges were split, but it was a majority vote that went against Smith in favour of his rival.
Also losing on the judges votes to a north east club hope was Repton’s Class B 34kg finalist Bill Harber.
His clash with Birtley boxer Lee Rogers produced another lively final with the verdict and the national title going to the northerner.
Repton seniors bid for honours in next week’s Haringey Box Cup tournament - Europe’s biggest international box cup event - taking place June 16-18 at Alexandra Palace.
• East London Boxing trainer Johnny Eames welcomed former WBO world champion Colin McMillan to the opening of his new Lighthouse TKO gym in Barking.
Eames, who built up his former TKO gym in east London into one of the best-known in boxing, looks to follow the success at the new centre.
Meanwhile McMillan celebrates the 25th anniversary of his world title success with a special charity dinner at the Prince Regent Hotel in Chigwell on June 16.
The evening features middleweight greats Steve Collins and Michael Watson alongside other boxing celebrities. For tickets, call 0208 599 6823.
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