Walcot's Mark is a big hit

9:17am Tuesday 24th June 2008

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WALCOT season of amateur boxing with a 12-bout feast, nine involving Walcot boxers, at the Premier Club, Stratton.

Topping the bill was popular local heavyweight Mark Beano' Reynolds.

After a quiet opening round the 28-year-old Honda worker began to unload with heavy straight rights to gain the upper hand in his contest with Hugh Roy of Empire ABC, Bristol.

Reynolds continued to pressure Roy and forced a standing count during the second session.

The last round saw the Swindonian well on top, with the ringside judges awarding him a unanimous points decision.

England schoolboy international Tommy McDonagh was always in command in his contest with Alex Kelshall-Spur from Lympstone ABC.

The 13-year-old Golden Gloves champion landed several left jabs and straight rights, causing his opponent to hold repeatedly, and McDonagh ran out a comfortable points winner.

Fourteen-year-old Robert Walklett avenged his recent defeat by Penhill rival Jordan Gilliver in an exciting and close contest.

These two talented young boxers put on a fine display for their local supporters, resulting in a majority points success for the Walcot youngster.

Rahim Nanji was another Walcot boxer to have his arm raised by the referee.

The 13-year-old boxed skillfully to beat Owen Williams of Fleur de Lys ABC in another close contest.

Mukhtair Khan marked his ring debut with a unanimous points win over Gloucester's Nelson Royles.

The 13-year-old landed with several fast straight rights during an impressive display.

Amin Hussain was the sixth Walcot victor of the evening, causing the referee to stop his bout with Louis Jeans of Lympstone ABC in the second round.

Hussain boxed and moved well during the opening two minutes, landing with left jabs and uppercuts.

Fifty eight seconds into round two a left jab-straight right combination sent Jeans crashing to the canvas, and although he bravely beat the referee's count, the bout was wisely stopped with Jeans on shaky legs.

For this performance Hussain received the Best Walcot Boxer' award.

There was disappointment for the remaining three Walcot competitors.

Eleven-year-old Patrick McDonagh was unlucky to drop a majority points decision to Levi Chandler of Capitol ABC.

The pint-sized terrier was involved in his usual entertaining battle, in which the result could have gone either way.

Debutant Dean O'Neil battled bravely against Owen O'Leary of Fleur de Lys ABC.

The 11-year-old was just beaten to the punch by his taller opponent and lost to a unanimous points decision.

Dexter Small, also making his ring debut, lost a close contest with Daniel Hodder, also from Fleur De Lys.

Small, 13, cheered on by a large crowd of supporters, looked as if he may have just edged the contest, but the judges found in favour of the Welsh boxer, although Small looks to have a bright future in boxing.

Chief coach Harry Scott was delighted with the display put on by his Walcot team. He said: "All nine Walcot lads boxed well, I'm proud of all of them.

"We have plenty of talent to work with for next season."

Chairman Dave Veysey said: "It was a great show all round with a large crowd and some fantastic boxing.

"Hopefully we have made in the region of £1,500 profit, which will go towards buying new kit for next season."