Six Phoenix Fire fighters triumph in club's first tournament of 2013 (From Warrington Guardian)

Six Phoenix Fire fighters triumph in club's first tournament of 2013

4:09pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Sport

PHOENIX Fire Boxing Club celebrated six winning bouts at their first tournament of 2013.

Thirteen-year-old Harry Payne won the junior boxer of the evening with his performance in the 52kgs category, with an excellent display of text book long-range boxing against the strong Aqib Fiaz of Northside ABC, Manchester.

Harry controlled the bout by using intelligent tactics throughout and took a clear unanimous decision from the judges.

Debutant light middleweight Josh McCormack, aged 21, also won a unanimous points’ decision against James Kelly of Higherside ABC.

McCormack used his long jab to control his opponent and scored throughout the bout with clear rear hand shots, winning him the senior boxer of the evening award.

Sean Pollock, aged 12 in the 32kg section, won a close points decision against Owen Vernon of Gloves ABC, Bolton.

In a bout between two southpaws the styles gelled excellently and both boxers showed skill levels far in advance of their years.

Casey Brown, aged 14 in the 56kg section, won a clear points decision against Zac Williams of Maelor, North Wales.

Casey adopted a hit and run policy against his stronger, more mature opponent, keeping Williams on his toes.

George Farrelly, aged 14, won a unanimous points decision in an excellent contest against Benito Baldini, St Johns, Manchester, showing high work rate and cleaner shots throughout.

Grady James, boxing on his 15th birthday at 61kgs, also won a unanimous points’ decision against much taller James Buckley of 12 Quays, Birkenhead.

It was James' excellent defence that allowed him to nullify Buckleys' efforts and counter effectively.

Billy Dunne and Joe Payne, both aged 10, competed in no decision skill bouts and impressed with performances above their years.

An honourable mention must go to James Dunne, who after clearly leading in his bout, sustained a nose bleed in the last round and on the advice of the ringside doctor the bout was terminated.

Jordan Newton and Sam Ayres both lost close points decisions in the evening, though they boxed well in excellent contests.

Female boxer Courtney Swanton, aged 14, was unable to find an opponent but boxed in Liverpool the following day and won a clear points’ decision against Leila Hargreaves of Southampton ABC.

Courtney used excellent combination and counters throughout the bout against much taller Leila to earn the decision in a high quality contest.

Phoenix coach Damian Ridpath said: “As head coach the performances of all the boxers recently have been excellent.

"The club is now firmly placed in the fire station and our coaching programs are starting to show dividends.

“This is down to the hard work of the boxers in partnership with all the coaches at the club working together very effectively to achieve each individual’s given outcome."