SWINDON Brunel Amateur Boxing Club’s teenage talent Ashton Shin claimed a split-decision victory in his first competitive bout recently.

Swindon Brunel ABC sent Shin to Bristol alongside Manpreet Kumar for the pair to experience their competitive debut against opposition from Ashton ABC.

Coach Brian Roberts admitted that while Shin and Kumar experienced mixed fortunes, they were both winners in his eyes as the knowledge and understanding they picked up was priceless.

Shin was first up against Ashton ABC’s Rocco Conn. Both boys came out trying to impose themselves on the other, but Shin was able to gain the upper hand early on.

The Swindon teenager showed slick movement of the head and body that continued to make Conn miss. Shin then struck his opponent with some sharp counter-punches to record the best of the first round.

Knowing he had to step his performance up a level if he was to win, Conn attempted to grab hold of the initiative early in the second round.

But Shin continued to hand out a smattering of hard counter-punches which put his Bristol-based opponents back on the defensive. Ultimately, the Swindon talent was awarded the win via a split decision.

Brunel’s second fighter was Kumar, with the 14-year-old battling the more experienced Alfie Harrington from National Smelting Company Boxing Club in Bristol.

Kumar battled away admirably on his competitive debut, and the difference in punching power was clear as the 14-year-old hurt Harrington in a handful of punch exchanges.

But, it was not to be for Kumar as Harrington’s cleaner long-range blows helped the Bristol-based fighter record victory.

Swindon Brunel ABC – which is run by volunteers – is in the centre of town and open every day and evening for anyone as young as six.

The club runs mixed classes for anyone who is looking to break into boxing as well as offering general fitness and wellbeing sessions.