England ‘learn a lot’ from duel victory in Wales
May 16, 2022 | by Matt Halfpenny
Team England Junior and Youth boxers clinched an overall 10-8 win from their double header duel with Wales in Cardiff.
After a 5-5 draw in the 10 bouts contested on Friday evening, the Three Lions enjoyed an excellent Saturday session to win 5-3.
Regardless of the results, however, it was a great development opportunity for all those involved and, in some cases, was their first chance to compete internationally.
The Saturday bouts saw Joshua Jarvis (West Ham) kick off the action by winning by an unanimous decision, giving Kai Powell a count in the second and third round.
Joe Turner (Halifax) shortly followed and won by unanimous decision in a ‘good bout’ against Mickey O’Sullivan.
Archie Bell (FFG) was unlucky in his bout as he just missed out on a spilt decision, in what was another entertaining encounter against Alife Lewis.
Martin Nathan Barrett (Powerday Hooks) also just missed out after a split decision loss against Kai Powell in a Male Under 63kg clash.
However, Team England were soon back to winning ways as Callum Kilmore-Walsh (High Wycombe) triumphed against Milwyn Lloyd.
Next was Guildford City’s Leo Wood, who won his Under 51kg clash on a split decision against Cory Jones.
Harris Zaman (Middlesborough) missed out in his bout against Joe Williams before Nelson Birchall (Sharpestyle) capped off a terrific weekend by securing a unanimous decision against Axel Hagarty.
Team England coach Ivan Cobb said: “It was a great performance by England Team in one of our first international outings since Covid and every boxer can take added confidence and knowledge away with them.
“It was fantastic to be boxing Wales again and all the boxers conducted themselves in a manner befitting of wearing the England vest.
“I am very proud of our boxers and coaches, who have learned a lot throughout, and massive thanks to Welsh Boxing for being amazing hosts.”
“These duels are all about giving the Youth and Junior squad the chance to develop and learn – and they have done just that.”
