Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club continues to find new, local talent within the squared ring. Last weekend in Weymouth saw the first ring appearances of Ben Coles and Mitchell Braithwaite – both contesting a skills bout.

These bouts are designed to give both boxers involved the experience of boxing in front of a large and sometimes raucous crowd. The action is controlled by the referee, with jabs only in the first round, left-rights in the second and both hands in the third. There is no result at the end, and both boxers pick up trophies for their efforts.

Both Ben and Mitch showed they’ve got the heart and smarts for it, and can think for themselves using their boxing brains and skills, because once that bell goes, they’re on their own. So it is very pleasing to see them trying things that we’ve been trying in the gym. The third round is always the testing round, when both boxers can use all their punches, but both boys demonstrated that they can mix their shots to good effect. There’s still things to work on, but the the boys will have gained massive confidence and experience for future bouts. I’ll be looking to get them both out again soon as possible!

The club’s newly-crowned Western Counties Champion, Cameron Walker, continued to impress with a recent unanimous points win in Weston-super-Mare, beating Kieran Smith of Blake ABC. Boxing in a controlled and matured fashion, Cameron used his footwork well, showed great defensive skills and picked his punches well to all three rounds.

I’d say that it was quite easily the best I’ve seen Cameron box, the confidence he has gained from winning the Western Counties title was quite evident, even though his opponent had a couple more bouts more than Cameron. The last three weekends have been great for the boys involved, so watch this space as they grow from strength to strength.

Sean Jenkins