Martin cruises into the quarter-finals (From Swindon Advertiser)

Martin cruises into the quarter-finals

8:30am Tuesday 25th October 2011 in Boxing

RYAN Martin booked his place in the quarter-finals of this year’s Clubs for Young People (CYP) Championships with a 25-9 points win over George Stevens in Bristol on Sunday, writes PETE FOLEY.

But it was his Oxford Boxing Academy rival who was quickest into his stride during the initial exchanges.

Martin, who effortlessly switched stance throughout the clash, looked the more stylish of the pair as the bout progressed and had a 20-7 advantage after two rounds.

Irrespective of the Horseshoe Gym ABC’s stance, he was always able to follow through with solid straight shots, uppercuts and hooks to consolidate his authority.

Well ahead on points, Martin made no mistakes during the final period to cruise through to the last eight in the competition.

He said: “Naturally, I’m pleased to have won and George was a worthy opponent.

“But there is no time to reflect on the win as there is plenty of hard work to do as the standard gets much tougher from now on.”

Martin now travels to Newport on Saturday to contest the quarter-final in the class C welterweight (66kgs) category.

Victory in South Wales will see him only one bout away from a second CYP final – Martin was crowned champion the season before last.