Ryan mighty makes another final (From Swindon Advertiser)

Ryan mighty makes another final

8:40am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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Walcot fighter Ryan Martin booked himself a place in another national final after a thrilling knockout win in his National Association of Children and Young People’s semi in Surrey.

The two-time National Schoolboy Champion met Michael Burrows from Epsom and Ewell ABC in the Class A, 70kg category.

Initially Martin found his tall opponent tricky, but as the opening round progressed, the Greendown schoolboy was soon slipping inside Burrows’ defence to land heavy left hooks and straight rights. A comfortable 7-0 scoreline after the first round reflected his dominance.

The middle session was slightly closer as Burrows used his reach to land a couple of scoring shots of his own, but Martin kept up the pressure to finish the round 11-2 ahead.

The final round saw the Walcot boxer totally dominate, landing with left jabs, left hooks and straight rights.

His lead had increased to 18-2 when a powerful straight right floored Burrows heavily, and the referee immediately waved the fight over.

Martin said afterwards: “He was an awkward and strong opponent, and he took a lot of shots from me.

“I performed pretty well, and now I have to focus on raising my game another notch for the final.”

Coach Harry Scott added: “Ryan boxed very well once again and has done Walcot proud.

“This will be his fourth national final in four consecutive years and that is a club record.

“Now he must get back in the gym and prepare for the final next weekend.”

The NACYP Class ‘A’ Final is a dinner event at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, on Saturday, March 20.

Walcot's boxers endured winless outings at Gloucester and Shepton Mallet this week.

Seventeen-year-old Danny O’Brien lost a close, scrappy bout to Scott Gibbon at the Gloucester City ABC Dinner Event.

Each time the Walcot middleweight landed with punches the Gloucester man held him and despite repeated warnings, no points were deducted by a very lenient referee.

Gibbon had occasional success, leading to a points victory for the hosts’ fighter.

Coach Danny Hughes said afterwards: “Danny did his best against an awkward opponent and if the referee had been more strict and deducted points for holding, we would have probably got the decision.”

Meanwhile, at the Shepton Mallet Showground, Taylor Rowe,12, was involved in a thriller with Martin Pirret from Downend ABC in Bristol.

From the outset Rowe landed with good scoring shots to take the opening round.

During the middle session the Walcot fighter was caught with a heavy right hand which led to a standing count.

The final round was close but the Bristolian was awarded a unanimous points victory.

Coach Sarah Wicks was pleased with the performance of Rowe, saying: “Taylor gave a hundred per cent in an exciting bout.

“Tonight was only his second contest and he will have learnt a lot from it.”