Walcot’S young boxers endured a night they would rather forget when they attended Far Cotton’s boxing event in Northampton last Friday, writes Dave Veysey.

Delays due to heavy traffic meant the 65-mile journey took two and a half hours, then the show was very late getting started.

With 15 junior bouts on the card this meant Walcot teenagers Charlie Hatfield and Jimmy McDonagh didn’t face their respective opponents until after 11.15pm, having left Swindon at 4.45pm.

Not surprisingly both boxers appeared jaded during their contests and did not perform to their usual high standards.

Fifteen-year-old Hatfield’s bout was a re-match with Charlie Lee from Kings Heath ABC in Northampton.

The Swindonian had beaten Lee on points last May, but this time the Northampton boxer gained his revenge.

From the outset the Kings Heath boxer was quicker to the punch, and although Hatfield did manage a few scoring shots, Lee was a deserved points victor.

It was also a rare off-night for clubmate Jimmy McDonagh, who also lost on points.

The 14-year-old met the unbeaten Connor Downs from the host gym.

From the opening bell these two talented teenagers went toe-to-toe, and after three close rounds the home boxer was correctly awarded the points decision.

The Swindon club will be parading their skills in front of their own fans on Friday when they host their first event of the season at the Supermarine Sports and Social Club.

Entry is £10 and doors open at 7pm, with boxing starting around 8pm.