Euro Juniors 2022: Mixed fortunes for Team England on day one

It was a mixed first day of the EUBC Junior European Championships 2022 for Team England as their boxers experienced three victories and two defeats.

Things started well for the Three Lions in the afternoon session with three wins out of three on Montesilvano, Italy.

However, that joy was tempered in the evening session when team members were knocked out, despite battling performances.

Joshua Jarvis opened England’s tournament campaign in the very first bout in Ring A, as he took on Grigorianas Matas  of Lithuania at Under 50kg.

The West Ham boxer tamed his southpaw opponent with an assured display to book his place in the next round via a unanimous points decision.

Next up for the Three Lions was another Irons boxer in the shape of Luke Rodda, this time at Under 57kg, and he demonstrated superb ring craft and fast hands to prove too much for Alperen Yamaz.

The Turkish southpaw had no answer to the England boxers quick feet, who made it two wins from two for the squad.

In the final bout of the afternoon session in Ring B, Under 66kg contender Callum Kilmore-Walsh boxed Drew Limond of Scotland, an opponent he had lost to in the summer’s GB Junior and Youth Three Nations 2022 in Barnsley.

But this time, The Wycombe Warriors Fight Factory teenager boxer turned things around to get his revenge, securing a 4-1 split decision victory on the back of some smart pressure tactics.

Zayan Sadiq won the opening round 4-1 after fast start with uppercuts and short range work finding the target in his Under 60kg bout as he took on Renat Krepstul of Lithuania.

However, the deduction of a point by the referee in the second round for repeatedly lowering his head proved crucial in the final outcome, the Pinewood boxer eventually losing by an overall 3-2 margin.

The final England bout of the day paired Conor McCormack with the giant figure of Ireland’s Adam Olaniyan at Over 80kg.

Facing an opponent enjoying superior height and reach, the Panthers boxer did his best to get on the inside at every opportunity and the scores were level on three of the judges’ scorecards going into the final round.

But it wasn’t to be for the England boxer as Olaniyan took it unanimously to advance.

Outside of the ring, Leighton Birchall and Ella Lonsdale were selected to represent England for the ring parade, with Conor McCormack chosen to give the athletes’ oath of allegiance.

Tomorrow’s bouts

All afternoon session

Ring A, bout 5: Under 52kg – Julie Polednikova (Czechia) v Keira Bowden.

Ring B, bout 1: Under 48kg – Ruby White v Eliska Ostra (Czechia).

Ring B, bout 4: Under 50kg – Maria Petrache (Romania) v Alice Pumphrey.

Ring B, bout 7: Under 57kg – Monae Smith v Panagiota Kouzilou (Greece).

Ring B, bout 14: Under 46kg – John Tom Varey v Stefan Boncu (Romania).