Mixed fortunes for Horseshoe Gym boxers (From Swindon Advertiser)

Mixed fortunes for Horseshoe Gym boxers

6:40am Saturday 4th February 2012 in Local

THERE were mixed fortunes for young Horseshoe Gym amateur boxers at Cheltenham Boxing Academy.

First up was 11-year-old Kayden Connolly against Rob Simpkins from the host club, and the Swindon boxer was under pressure from the start.

In the second round, Connolly managed to keep Simpkins away with fast punches and quick footwork, but he was caught with a flurry of blows towards the end.

The final round saw more of the same, but Connolly’s pressure saw him take the win.

Next was 15-year-old Bartek Mroszczyk against fellow debutant, Chris Lamb.

Mroszczyk went at his opponent from the off and caught him with straight left-right combinations, bloodying his nose in the process.

The Swindon youngster continued to take the fight to Lamb but his opponent managed to connect with decent shots of his own.

In the third round, Lamb’s fitness began to tell and he closed out the victory.

Jorden Rye, 15, was Horseshoe’s next boxer up against a taller opponent in Ryan Spears, and the former edged the first round.

The middle session saw Rye find the target with leading right hands to the head as he dominated proceedings.

The Swindon youngster never looked in trouble in the final round and took the win.

Andy Reeves, 15, was the final Horseshoe representative taking on Bristol’s Ryan Lloyd, with both boxers undefeated going into the contest.

Reeves stepped in and caught Lloyd at will in the first round. After the first break Lloyd appeared more confident and threw long left jabs and left-right combos, but Reeves then took control and completed a comfortable win.

The Horsehoe Gym amateurs host their first tournament at Next Generation Gym in Kembury Park on February 25.

Doors open at 6.30pm with boxing starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from Next Generation or Brian Roberts on 07960 009472 at a cost of £10.