Walcot ABC’s Danny Bharj is hoping this season will be his best ever, starting with victory at his home show on Friday, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

The 20-year-old has been at the Walcot gym for over 10 years, and during that time he has experienced the highs and lows of competitive sport.

In his first season aged 11 he won nine bouts from 11, which is still a Walcot club record.

As a 14-year-old he reached the national schoolboy final, beating a host of young talent along the way.

At the weigh-in for the final he was 0.4kgs too heavy and was not allowed to take part.

Two years ago he won the Junior ABA Lightweight title, and then a gold medal for England U18s at the Four Nations Tournament which followed shortly afterwards.

Last season he lost a close and controversial points decision to Lydney’s Chris Higgs, in the Western Counties Final of the Senior ABA Championships.

Bharj is determind that this season will be his best ever, saying: “With world amateur champion Frankie Gavin turning pro, I feel I can win the Senior ABA Lightweight title this season.

“He was the best, no doubt, but now he’s gone now so the division is there to be won.

“I’ve seen Jamie Cox from our gym win a senior ABA title in recent years, and I want to be the next boxer from Walcot to achieve that.”

But his hopes of a classy display in front of his home fans at Walcot’s event on Friday have been dashed for the moment.

Chief coach and matchmaker Harry Scott explained: “Danny’s opponent went down with the flu yesterday. But rest assured I’m doing all I can to find him a suitable replacement.

“Danny hasn’t competed since last season so it’s important that he gets a few quality contests under his belt before the ABAs in the Spring. He’s also a great crowd-pleaser, so fingers crossed he will be in action on Friday.”

The Walcot show starts at 8pm on this Friday at the Premier Club, Stratton.

Tickets are available by calling Harry Scott on 01793 490996 or Keith on 07789890453.

  • Walcot ABC came away from local rival Malmesbury’s boxing event with honours even after their two contests finished with one win apiece.

The star of the evening for the central Swindon gym was Faizan Qamar.

The 12-year-old performed brilliantly on his debut to outclass Charlie Ferris from the host gym.

From the outset his neat and nimble footwork belied his inexperience as he danced around his opponent and landed with fast jabs.

He appeared to win all three rounds comfortably, and the Walcot camp were dismayed that their boxer only received a majority points verdict.

But there was disappointment for clubmates Robert Walklett and Syedamal Ali.

Robert, 15, had previously beaten his opponent, Jack Williamson of Malmesbury, but could not reproduce his best form on this occasion.

A scrappy return went to his Wiltshire rival on points.

And 15-year-old Syedamal Ali lost narrowly on points to John Nevin from St Albans ABC.

Coach Sarah Wicks remarked: “All three Walcot lads did their best but Faizan was very impressive for a young lad on his debut.

“I hope he keeps training hard because he looks to be a star of the future.”