Boston ABC bring medal haul back from Sweden

The event itself drew over 600 competitors from across the world to compete to be the best boxer in their age, weight and experience class over the course of 3 consecutive days, in 5 different rings in the same venue - it really was a spectacle to behold.

The club travelled with 10 of their local young boxers, who’s ages range from 10 to 17 years old - for many of these boys this was their first major championship tournament they had entered into and hadn’t boxed in consecutive days before, this was an exciting experience and opportunity for them to perform in such a high profile event against international competition.

On Friday evening Bostons Freddie Carman and Alfie Doughty was the first called to duty as they stepped under the bright lights in the packed out arena, it was Carman vs Sweden and Doughty vs Scotland - both boxers stepped up to the plate, commendably putting in top notch performances beating their opposition 3-0 to secure their places firmly in the semi finals stages the following day.

Day 2 was scheduled to be a busy day, Denver Woodcock would be the first to enter the arena, in only his second contest he had drawn another Swedish competitor and didn’t show any nerves against his more experienced opponent as he got to work. Denver showing good variation in his combinations working shots in upstairs and down to good effect against his taller opponent, he appeared to land the cleaner shots in the bout.

The results was announced - Denver disappointingly losing out by a 2-1 split decision. Olly Boswell was next to be called to action against English opposition. Boswell was boxing with great confidence as he glided around the ring dicing in and out of range, landing his crisp shots in another breathtakingly tight contest, the judges favouring the opposition on this occasion. A solid performance was given from the Boston boxer. Simultaneously, across the venue Youth boxer Oscar Watson announced himself in his high energy 3x3 minutes semi final bout vs Sweden landing spiteful punches that his opponent surely felt as he made his mark.

Watson taking the win 3-0 and planting himself into the final. It was then over to Austin Beecham who appeared in his semi final contest. Beecham executed his game plan to a T, boxing on the front foot with his long range shots, coming off best in the exchanges and taking the match by a split 2-1 verdict in an entertaining bout. Freddie Carman shook off his soreness from his previous encounter by comprehensively outboxing and outscoring his Swedish counterpart 3-0 to advance to the finals.

Alfie Doughty brought the clubs activity to an end for the day by boxing in the central ring in his 3x3s contest against an experienced Swedish southpaw. After falling behind in the first round Alfie increased his intensity and got himself a foothold in the contest to set up a grandstand finish, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be with Doughty losing out by a 2-1 split decision.

On Sunday it was finals day with Boston having 7 boxers appearing in gold medal matches! Our first 3 competitors were appearing in 3 of the 5 rings of the venue simultaneously.

In ring E was Jacob Bartram who was against English opposition, Jacob boxing commendably well as he delivered his shots to good effect against his rangy opponent mixing in shots to the head and body. The results was shown as a draw, a winner needed to be declared and it was the opposite corner that cruelly got the nod over a devastated Jacob who had given everything.

In the central ring was Arya Baker boxing and showing his class as he systemically went about his work delivering sharp combinations against his Swedish counterpart in a 3x3s contest, coming in after the first Baker was ahead. The remaining rounds was nip and tuck and the bout was on a knives edge as the scores were announced - a 2-1 split going against Baker.

In ring D it was middleweight Oscar Watson vs another strong Swedish opponent, Watson was feeling the fatigue from his previous outing and was a little slower off the mark and found it difficult to get going in the early stages of the bout. A rocket from his cornermen in the interval sprung him to life, now punching with purpose he had better success and got back into the contest. The Swedish boxer was very fit and had enough reserves to see out the bout taking a split 2-1 verdict.

Austin Beecham was next boxing a clever fight against Irish opposition picking his shots and moving off in a close bout going against him by a split decision.

Herbie Locke who’d turned 11 years old a day prior was in above his experience and age boxing a decorated Scottish opponent, showing grit and determination to succeed that will serve him well in his boxing career, losing out on a points decision.

Youth light heavyweight boxer Lyndon Morley fought another Swedish opponent and began the bout brightly only to fade down the stretch, Morley dug deep into his reserves when he had to and fought fire with fire losing out on a points decision.

It was over to Freddie Carman who had been impressive in his previous 2 bouts to box in his final match against a strong Swedish competitor, Carman was a step in front as he edged the first, in the 2nd Carman pulled away to give him the cushion he needed to be comfortable.

Into the last Carman oozed with confidence as he routinely stabbed in his hard combinations using his matador style picking his opponent off when he rushed in with attacks and skirting off to make his opponent miss, cruising to a split decision win, grabbing his gold medal - his 3rd in as many years that was celebrated with his supporters, coaches and teammates - a remarkable amd unforgettably achievement for all our Boston boxers. The trip was a great success and marked a great experience for them all and helped put the club on the map gaining lots of admiration from others over the weekend. They can take this momentum into their scheduled home show on the 15th November at the Peter Paine Performance Centre where they will get to perform in front of their own families and friends.