Last updated at 15:04, Thursday, 09 December 2010

THE DARK DESTROYER: Former World Champion Nigel Benn with Barrow Amateur Boxing Club members Levi McMeekin (left) and Mason Strickland at Penrith SUBMITTED PICTURE

BOXING

FIGHTERS from Barrow Amateur Boxing Club laced up their gloves for a series of tough bouts in Blackpool and Penrith.

Liam Conroy and Ashton Coward made the trip to the Fylde coast, with Coward taking on Jamie Mitchell, from Kirkham ABC.

Coward’s hard work, constant attacking style and fitness proved too much for Mitchell as he won by a unanimous decision.

Next up for Barrow, Conroy stepped into the ring to face Scott Fitzgerald, of Larches ABC, over three three-minute rounds.

Both boxers tried to out-box the other, working hard for the full bout, but the judges saw the fight in favour of Fitzgerald for a points win.

This was Conroy’s 40th competitive bout and his first defeat in the last 15 fights.

With that loss fresh in his mind, Conroy jumped at the chance to box less than a week later at Rheged, in Penrith.

Former world champion Nigel Benn was the guest of honour for the evening and he was treated to some fine boxing displays.

First up for Barrow was 11-year-old Mason Strickland against Morgan Guest, of Wellington ABC, Middlesbrough.

Strickland worked hard in the first round, giving it his all. But his nerves set in in the second round and Guest proved too strong for him, earning a standing count and the bout.

Next up for Barrow was Levi McMeekin, who boxed Leighton Roberts, from Hatfield ABC.

McMeekin was like a tornado in the first round, working shots to the body and head of his opponent.

The second round saw Roberts receive a standing count from McMeekin, who went on to win for his second success in as many weeks.

Conroy then took to the ring against Guiheen in a bout of four two-minute rounds.

The Barrow pugilist took the fight to Guiheen, who at times matched his shots, only to feel the blow of Conroy’s straight right stop him in his tracks.

The referee stepped in straight away to give a standing count and stop the contest in favour of Conroy.

Coach Jeff Moses said: “The Penrith event is always a great show and a must for any Cumbrian club.

“As always, the lads did themselves, the club and the town proud.

“They also got to meet Nigel Benn, who commented on their fitness levels and good demonstration of boxing techniques.”

First published at 13:08, Thursday, 09 December 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk