CITY NEWS

ICEMAN SECURES TEXT BOOK WIN

16th December 2011

City of Hull Boxing Clubs own Ryan Gibbons (15) overcame a giant of an opponent, thus giving away reach and weight to get his 2011/12 season off to a flying start by defeating the much fancied Luke Chapman (South Durham). Gibbons only came to the chest of Chapman and gave almost 4 pounds away in weight, but despite this never once looked phased, with a cool, focussed and skilful display of boxing earned praise from his coaches.

Gibbons head movement proved decisive, working to the body of Chapman who was trying to counter punch the southpaw as he came forward, Gibbons moved in and out range well and when switching his attack to the head of Chapman stunned the South Durham boxer who looked the more physically stronger between the two.

Chapman had his argument in the contest when he caught Gibbons square at times, however the pure tenacious work rate of Gibbons earned him a well earned points win and a delighted coach / father praised the talented junior.

“This was Ryan’s first bout of the season and it was not an easy task by a long way. He has been dogged with injury which pretty much ruled him out of action last season after a very promising start. So to come flying out of the blocks the way he did showed his hunger and passion for the sport.”

“He trains incredibly hard and fully dedicated to the task in hand, he showed this on the night. The club is thrilled for him and there is much more to come from the lad.” Said Gibbons senior.

Gibbons started last season by defeating Welsh Champion Kallum Skhane (Gwynfi, Wales) and was lined up to fight 3 x National Schools Champion Scott Rankin, but agonisingly broke his collar bone just 2 days before that fight which ruled him out for most of the season, he came back in May on the City of Hull Show to defeat top junior Aaron Gray who boxed out of the Amir Khan’s, Gloves gym in Bolton. Gibbons hopes for a busier season this season to progress his career as a junior.

Club mates Tom Arnell and Charlie Payton also featured on the show. Arnell had broken his thumb in pre – season training and this marked his return, however the thumb injury reoccurred which forced Arnell to with draw during the contest. While 2 x National Champion Charlie Payton faced a tough test against Junior ABA National Champion and England James Archer (South Durham). Despite a spectacular contest, Payton dropped a points decision to the South Durham star.

“It was bad news for Tom he broke his thumb during the closed season, we along with his doctor felt he was fine to resume training. It looked as though he had made a good recovery. For the injury to reoccur is a set back for Tom.” Said Head Coach Mike Gibbons.

“Charlie proved why he is one to watch. We are always looking to develop our boxers and Charlie is one of those which we have high hopes for both as an amateur and a professional. He has won the 2 Senior Novice titles back to back, so now it was a time to step up as we are preparing him for the Senior ABA’s. Charlie proved he belonged on that stage, he made the transition very well and asked James Archer a few questions, Archer is a quality operator and one to look out for in the future, we are very pleased with Charlie’s performance, a little ring rusty as it was February when he last fought. We hope he will be back out before February.” 

 ALEX SUTTON IS CROWNED NATIONAL BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION

Tuesday 13th December 2011 

He was bloodied but not battered when he came out of the ring. A cut to his lower lip and a bloodied nose caused Sutton no end of trouble through out the bout but his efforts and drive forced him into a national championship zone he only dreamed of a few seasons ago.

He faced the talented Kenny Burke who had only suffered 6 losses from 16 bouts going into this one. A rangy, much taller tidy style of boxer that liked to paw his lead hand out before slamming in the back hand, his jab was fast and caused most of the problems regarding Suttons nose but it was the work rate and varied punches from Sutton that won him the title according to his coach Mike Gibbons.

The opening round Sutton was found second to the shot. The fast footwork of Burke left Sutton punching air and at times off balance, even though there was no knock downs as a result of Burkes shots, Sutton was off balance and pulled to the floor on a couple of occassions, the referee did not count any of them as knock downs and rightly so. The bout was taking a sinister route if you was a Sutton fan, the shots landing from Burke caught the eye of the judges but the City camp knew there was 3 more round to go. Sutton was trailing 5 - 2 at the end of round number one.

"Its 3 points its nothing Alex, triple jab will put you back in this so dont panic" said the words from Gibbons in the corner. "Move closer with that jab and bring that back hand across, work your shots and up the game Alex"

Sutton game out for the second round knowing he needed to do more. He got behind his jab as instructed and caught Burke with a crashing back hand down the middle, Sutton corner that consisted of Mike Gibbons and Danny Thornton (West Leeds) felt Sutton was getting a hold of the contest, Burke looked tired, Sutton still looked fresh despite the heavy flow of blood from his nose which the referee halted the round on a couple of occassions to clean up. Sutton was on top now and the body shots sunk into Burke who's movement was less slick this round Sutton returned to his corner 9 points to 7 up.  He had worked his way back.

The 3rd round was a bruising round for both boxers, both lads got their shots off well and scored to the head. Once again it was Sutton that looked the stronger in his legs, the legs of Burke still able to glide around out of range at times making Sutton miss, this round was closer than the first 2 and the relaxed corners became a little more urgent when the bell rang it was 15 - 14 to Sutton just a point in it going into the final 2 minutes.

"All the sacrifices, all the coaching additional sessions, all your dreams and goals of lifting title could come crashing down around your ears if you dont work in the final round. This is it, last 2 mins of this fight for the title. Keep the jab going, carry on what we are doing but we need this round" urged Gibbons in the ear of Sutton, who was sat on the stool bloodied but focussed.

The final bell sounded out and what a round, the crowd were really behind both lads, it was going to be close all day long, nothing really happened in the final round which didnt in the previous round. The scores were tight, both coaches knew this had their boys done enough. Gibbons was confident but so was Burkes coach, the atmosphere was tense. Sutton won the bout on a 22 - 21 points margin.

"I knew Alex had edged it, he was getting through with some quality shots and caused his lad some problems. But we also knew that Burke had fought a really good contest it was tight, we were hopeful that the judges saw what we did, and they did." Said Gibbons.

"All the coaches have put alot into Alex coaching wise and has pushed him. Tony Hindley has spent many a morning to tidy up a few loose ends skills wise. Alex acknowledges their support which makes this win even more emotional. I am so proud of him, what a journey he has made from where he was to become a National Champion!" smiled Gibbons. 

DODDS ENJOYS DEBUT WIN

Thursday 8th December 2011 

City of Hull debutant Kieran Dodds enjoyed his first time in a City kit by romping home to a points win against a very skillful Jack Miller (York) who was also making his first appearance.

Dodds did not have this his own way, Miller was the one that started the brighter, his boxing skills were well schooled and he came out controlled picking off Dodds with is long reach, using his height and reach to great effect. Dodds was a good way shorter than Miller and when the two met in the middle of the ring.

Dodds looked the more of the raw style between the two of them to start with and it took a while for the City youngster to settle down and apply his skills. Out of the two Dodds looked the stronger, when Dodds connected in the opening round, Miller looked less confident and the instructions from the corner at the end of the round was to apply yourself further and pick up the work rate. 

Dodds worked harder in the second round, Miller found the target less but with Dodds dropping his hands and smiling at his opponent made him easy pickings for the York boxer who looked like he as beginning to tire. Dodds came forward again with big shots which landed hard into the rib cage of Miller, the power and fitness of Dodds was the difference between to the two.

The final round for Dodds was a case of him imposing himself and making sure, the cards at this stage was narrow and the judges no doubt had the scores very close. Dodds came out fighting and landed some bigger shots in the final round, both to head and body, Miller struggled to keep off the ropes and this is where Dodds wanted him, landing the big haymakers Dodds forced a count, the referee Mr Jack Goodwin waved Dodds back out of the corner the bell rang out and the MC confirmed the points decision in favour of Dodds.

"It was a tough one for Kieran in the fact that this was his first contest and one that came a little early for him. He still has some things to learn but he can proud of himself a nice way to kick off your career. No doubt Jack Miller will be back and is for sure one to watch out for."

"The game plan was in place and parts Kieran used it well, other times I think the excitement of his first contest got to him. We are thrilled over all for him. He will take a short break for christmas and then return in the new year." Said Gibbons.

 LITTLE SAVES CITY AWAY TRIP

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Danny Little came out on top by winning a unanimous points decision despite giving away a wopping great 4.5kg in weight in his showdown that was originally matched at 70kg.

Little who returned to training a few months ago following the birth of his baby son was determined to compete even though coach Mike Gibbons was a little apprehensive about the weight difference in the two. Little had trained incredibly hard for this bout and was not prepared to let this get in his way. Little scaled 70.4kg where his Middleton Select opponent James McKardle weighed in 74.9kg which made the difference a huge 4.5kg.

Little convinced Gibbons to allow the bout to go ahead and with discussions with the Official in Charge Mr Tommy Devanney the bout  went ahead. The opening round the bigger McKardle came out swinging, trying to use his weight advantage to drive him back, Little covered up and took the shots on his arms and gloves, McKardle did find the midsection of Little on a couple of occassions however Little absorbed them well and returned the fire, McKardle was backing up when Little came forward mixing his shots under the elbows of McKardle, despite the late surge by Little the City corner was a little on edge.

The second round of the scheduled 3 x 3 min round contest Little took another 30 second serge from McKardle, Little had fired up though and came back strong, McKardle was showing signs of tiredness and Little had only just started.

Backing McKardle up on the ropes, Little unleased a savage assault to the body and head of McKardle, who did well to defend and deflect some of the shots you felt he needed to find the target stun Little, Little did everything asked of him.

In the final round it was a simular story to the second you felt that McKardle had enjoyed his spell and now the attention was on the City of Hull pressure fighter, landing the shots cleaner out of the two the crowd had sensed the Hull lad had done enough to win, and all 3 judges confirmed the unanimous decision.

It was not such good nights for both Josh Kinsley and Liam Gibbons however as the two City juniors had their sizzling runs of form halted by dropping points decisions. Kinsley was outpointed by arch rival Aiden Kelly (Malthouse) in a decider as both lads held decisions over each other. Kinsley started the brighter out of the two marching to a comfortable lead in the opening round landing crisp shots, the second round Kelly worked his way back and put Kinsley behind on the scorecard.

The 3rd round was the more even of the previous 2 but it was Kelly with the cleaner shots that caught the eye of the judges and all 3 awarded Kelly the contest.

Liam Gibbons faced last years Miners National Schools Champion and unbeaten in 7 Pete Smith (Darlington). Smith pushed Gibbons back and forced the fight to him, Gibbons struggled to find his range and land anything of note to Smith who enjoyed a unanimous points win.  

SWEET SUGAR MAKES THE FINAL

Alex Sutton came back from the dead to beat off Royal Navy hopeful Glen Coe and book his place in the coveted final of the Senior ABA Novices Class B Under 54kg division.

Sutton fell behind to Coe from the start, he was punished for his long stand off style and waiting too long as Coe built an early and what looked to be a threatening lead. Sutton was 5 - 2 down by the end of the 1st round and was told directly by his coach Bob Beautyman that unless he changed his attitude things would only get worse. And worse they did, in the 2nd round Alex was found falling short with this shots, Coe was countering well and picking his punches, Sutton now had a mountain to climb if he was to turn things round. 11 - 5 down at the end of the 2nd round.

Sutton rallied an amazing come back in the 3rd, Coe looked to tire badly and his movement was not as sharp. Sutton was gaining in momentum and started to sting Coe with accurate shots he had found his range and for the first time Coe looked concerned.

Remarkably Sutton had pulled back the round 6 - 0 which meant the score cards were now level at 11 - 11 going into the final round.

Beautyman called for his boxer to rally for this final round. Rally he did, he started the round in explosive form catching Coe flat footed, the corner was confident that he scored 3 points in the first exchange but anyone involved in boxing at this level will tell you, you never count your chickens. Coe came back with some good shots this added to the tension in the Sutton corner, it was all on the table by the end of the round it was as tight as it could be.

Sutton won it with a 14 - 12 margin and now looks to the final.