Published: Monday, 16th June, 2008 10:00
Fighting back
By Andy Stiff
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Noble art: Larry Murphy, facing, keeps his guard tight during the fight
THERE was a treble triumph for youngsters from Slough as a boxing club which has been punching above its weight goes from strength-to-strength.
Anthony McDonagh, Jack Banks, both 14, and Larry Murphy, 12, of Slough ABC (Amateur Boxing Club) were all winners at the Berinsfield ABC Mini Minors competition on Sunday.
McDonagh used his jab well to win his fight, over three two-minute roads on points. Banks’ opponent had to pull out with a injury at the end of the first rounds and southpaw Murphy had control of his contest throughout, winning a unanimous vote from the judges.
Delighted coach, Mark Jago, was on hand to witness the three fighters and says the sport is going through a resurgence in the town.
Eith this being an Olympic year and London to host the 2012 games, Jago predicts things will get even better for the Belfast Avenue-based club. “All of the boys fought brilliantly,” he said. “We now have eight juniors carded to box, which means they have been through thorough medicals and can get in the ring. At one point we just had two.
“Boxing is definitely coming back, especially in the schools where there is such a worry about childhood obesity. It went through a tough time when it got a bad press through the ‘PC’ brigade. But now people are starting to see that it is a noble art and teaches youngsters self-discipline.
“We get a few boys who are a bit lippy when they come in but they are quickly taught respect, especially for their opponents.”
Jago is also seeing a surge of interest in the Asian community inspired by Amir Khan, who won Olympic silver at the Athens Olympics in 2004. “He’s a great role-model for the young lads,” adds the coach. The club is now looking to get funding for an Olympic standard gym by 2010 so it is well-set to cash in on a surge of Olympic interest.
“We’ve got two new coaches,” added Jago. “One who we just know as ‘Lucky’ and Lee Buckland who have both boxed for the club and come back.
“They do such a great job with the lads, giving up so much time and it is really appreciated by the boys.”
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