WALCOT ABC endured a night to forget in Bristol last Friday where two of their stars exited the England Boxing National Youth Championships at the first hurdle in controversial circumstances, writes Dave Veysey.

Sixteen year old Said Eltuyev looked classy during his light-welter weight bout with Charlie Ricketts, from Downend and District Boxing Club.

The former England Schoolboy moved gracefully around the ring, moving in and out of the danger areas to score with fast straight rights.

The teenager kept his hands low throughout the contest, which allowed Ricketts to enjoy some success with his southpaw right jabs and straight lefts.

But the Walcot stylist continued to impress the large dinner audience of more than 300 people with his movement, technique and explosive punching, and he looked a certain winner at the final bell. However, Ricketts was declared the winner by a unanimous points verdict.

The result even surprised leading referee Patrick Lewis, who raised Eltuyev’s arm in victory, before being advised that in fact Ricketts had won.

Walcot coach Lionel McCrea said: “I really cannot believe that decision - it’s awful.”

There was also disappointment for clubmate Orgest Peroshi.

The 17 year old fought like a lion in a brutal encounter with the much bigger Teaken Prior, from Chard, in the under 69kgs section, who took a points decision.

Walcot’s former England Schoolboy Jimmy McDonagh received a bye at this stage, and will contest the U60kgs Western Counties Final on Sunday.