 With the success of last seasons boxing show back in April, the
anticipation throughout the University was high as we prepared for our
first show of this season.
The show started with the Dance club treating us to yet another flawless performance getting the 500 strong crowd warmed up and ready for the night’s boxing.
As the music went on introducing the first bout of the evening the whole place erupted with cheers and applause, the atmosphere was electric.
Bout 1The first bout of the night was University favorite, Welterweight Olly Hollist against Tom Hughes from Oxford University. Both lads entering the ring glowing with confidence, this looked to be an interesting opener to the show. Olly started the first round quickly landing a solid jab forcing his opponent to the floor gaining a standing count from the referee and a huge roar from the crowd. The Oxford opponent got to his feet quickly and still looked eager to continue, one minute later Olly landed with a well placed two punch combinations sending the Oxford boxer backwards into the ropes, gaining another count from the referee before the bell signaled the end of the round. The second round started faster as the Oxford boxer forced forward with pure heart and aggression making Olly work on the back foot using his long reach to pick points. By the end of the third round both boxers looked tired proving to the crowd how much of a hard sport this really is. Olly took the victory but the crowd applauded both boxers as they shook hands in the centre of the ring demonstrating the sportsmanship and discipline that boxing requires. (Ready for a National University Title Olly?)
 Bout 2
The most interesting bout of the night was two Portsmouth University Boxers facing each other on their debut bouts. In the red corner was James Wheatley and in the blue corner Andrew Spooner, these two team mates who have trained and pushed each other to the limit were now putting all that friendship and teamwork aside. As the first bell sounded James came rushing out of the corner with two solid fast front hand hooks sending Andrew back towards the ropes with a little bit of a shock, it was obvious that James was going to try and use his superior strength to muscle Andrew out of the bout. All throughout the first round James landed quick fast hard combinations looking to end the bout early and forcing Andrew to receive two standing counts from the referee, it was a one sided first round. After the bell went for the second round James was the one in for a shock as Andrew had totally switched tactics and started forcing James against the ropes pressurising him with combinations of three and four straight shots, using his long range to good effect and showing great heart. This evened the whole bout up, leaving both boxers with a round a piece, everything rested on the last two minutes. Both boxers came out quick and hard showing there determination and drive to win causing the crowd to go wild. Andrew landed long straight combinations, but the difference in strength between both boxers began to show and James forced Andrew to back off slightly landing with heavy hands rocking Andrew. After the final bell had rang both boxers shook hands an showed great sportsmanship which is always evident in boxing, James got a unanimous points win from the judges but both boxers got a whole lot of respect from the crowd and from both coaches. (You both done me so proud – next one in February)
Bout 3Paul Kapnesi made his debut for Portsmouth University against the more experienced and last years National University welter weight finalist Cambridge University boxer Tom Britton. This was going to be a hard bout for Paul which he took at short notice, this obviously did not faze him at all cause he started the first round as though he was the more experienced of the two landing quick and fast punches whilst evading any counter punches coming his way. Both boxers stepped up a gear in the second round showing strength technique and stamina, at the end of the round both boxers where at trading stations standing toe to toe not giving an inch. Unfortunately Paul’s fitness started to fade during the third giving the edge to his opponent who wasted no time in pilling on the pressure gaining him a points victory. (Paul – you have everything to be a champ, let’s get the fitness as well).
Bout 4The fourth bout of the evening was Alan Elsworth against J Wiseman (Weacock ABC); this was a classic boxer against a brawler. Alan began the first round nice and relaxed landing point scoring solid shots as his aggressive opponent lunged in with wild swinging unorthodox punches. At the start of the second round Alan increased the pace slightly giving his opponent a lot to think about, using fakes-triggers and lay backs to confuse and gain the edge required to control the tempo of the bout. In the third round Al boxed on the back foot still in full control and obviously enjoying himself picking of points as his aggressive opponent came diving in, showing his class and skill to full effect. Boxing does have its upsets and its dilemmas just like any other sport and to the confusion and anger of the crowd and the coaches alike, the decision was given against Alan who took this bad decision like the keen sportsman he is, shaking his opponents hand as well as the coaches without saying a single word of complaint. (Alan, we all know who won – but you and me know what we are aiming for, mate. Let’s look forward).
 Bout 5
Dave Lawson was the next University boxer to walk to the ring, taking on the much taller R Spandle from Cambridge University. As both boxers walked to the centre of the ring, you could here the crowds comments under there breath regarding this height advantage that the Cambridge boxer had. Dave did not say a word and did not look vexed or bothered at all, his focus was pure and his aggression was evident but controlled. As the first round started everyone was expecting Dave to steam forward and try to push the larger Cambridge boxer backwards, but this was not the tactic used. Dave waited patiently for his opponent to commit to his punches before unleashing quick three and four combination punches rocking the Cambridge boxer every time he stepped into range, winning the first round convincingly. During the second round the Cambridge boxer looked confused not knowing what to do against the very sharp and powerful counter-punches from Dave. Going into the third round Dave was obviously tired and rested on the back foot allowing his opponent to come forward making the crowd think that he was in trouble. There was no trouble, this was another tactic established by coaches and boxer and as soon as a minute of the round had gone Dave launched into a full force attack switching fast from head to body and body to head, yet again confusing his opponent and nearly taking him cleanly of his feet gaining him the victory from the judges. (Patience – lets keep it going Dave, Nationals in April).
Bout 6The next boxer who entered the ring for Portsmouth University was Oz Nusseibeh, obviously a favorite throughout the University by the sound of the crowd as he made his entrance. Oz was against Oxford University boxer J Nunn at middleweight. Both boxers looked very relaxed and in good shape as the first round began. Oz held himself just on the edge of range looking for openings through the Oxford boy’s guard. Oz then landed with a very strong jab rocking the head back of his opponent and then with perfect technique landed a straight right cross square on the button that could have been seen and heard from anywhere in the room, forcing the referee to give a standing count to his dazed opponent. As the referee signaled for both boxers to continue the Oxford University Boxing Coach threw in the towel, showing his experience stopping the bout. A quick victory for Portsmouth University. (Nicely done Oz – massive improvement)
Bout 7The youngest of the University boxers – Aveon Perryman was next up against Oxford boxer J Cuddy. Aveon who is only 17 years old demonstrated great skill from the sound of the first bell against a much physically stronger opponent. Aveon kept his composure continuing to use his technical knowledge picking points as opportunities arose. During the second and the third round Aveon was put under extreme pressure as the Oxford boxer landed multiple combinations of punches demonstrating good fitness. Aveon kept his control and composure against a strong opponent, unfortunately the judges awarded the victory to the Oxford University Boxer. (Still growing Aveon and getting better every time).
Bout 8Next in the ring was first timer Joe Easterbrook against D Mckeon from Oxford University. Joe started training with the boxing squad back in September and was selected to box due to his supreme fitness and potential that he had shown in training. At the start of the first round, Jo demonstrated that he did deserve to be in the boxing ring, landing quick effective straight shots against his taller opponent and obviously taking control of the bout from the start. After a comfortable first round Jo stepped up the pace and started to land with good combinations, until to the crowd’s amazement Jo took three steps back holding his shoulder in pain. On inspection by the Doctor it looked like Jo had dislocated his shoulder, so he laid in the middle of the ring and had the Doctor pop the bone back into its socket with a wince from all the spectators watching. The doctor then stopped the bout and the win was given to Oxford. Jo has since been to hospital where his x-ray revealed that he had also fractured his shoulder. (Back to training in 8 weeks Jo – well done mate).
Bout 9Andy Hemming is another boxer who only started this year climbed into the boxing ring looking comfortable and confidant ready for his bout against Oxford boxer C Walton. Both boxers had never boxed before and they started very hesitantly, testing each other in intervals and small flurries trying to find a way to get on top. As the second round began Andy steamed forward with a flurry of about 8 punches sending his opponent backwards on unsteady feet. Finding this opening Andy using his fitness, started to maintain these flurries of attacks whilst being wary of his opponents long jab that snapped back at him on every attack. The bout was hard to judge and both boxers showed there skill and endurance for first time boxers; the decision was only a point either way in favor of the Oxford boxer. (Andy – Now you have done the hard part – we can now do the rest – happy with that mate).
Bout 10The next bout was a highly anticipated bout featuring the ever recognized Dan “The Mathlete – The Rainman – The Don – The X President” Weideman against local boy T Williams (Stacey ABC). As Dan entered the ring he did not look fazed by his large looking opponent, if anything he looked more excited than focused. This seemed to be the case, as the first bell rang Dan steamed forward with flurries of punches making his opponent respond in kind. With both boxers weighing over 90KGs each this bout looked untidy from the start. During the bout Dans opponents head guard came loose twice in the first round causing the bout to be put on hold twice for a sustained period of time. Dan persisted with his aggressive attacks straight into the second round forcing his opponent back consistently whilst enduring wild punches and even a wrestling move from the unorthodox opponent. Dans opponents head guard came loose again and he was sent back to the corner, the referee then stopped the bout in favor of Dan confusing the crowd slightly. The explanation is simply, in boxing if the headgaurd comes of three times then it an instant disqualification. (A victory is a victory Dan – now we’ll tidy it all up).
Coaches Comments:Firstly I must say thanks to the Dance Club who have shown there professionalism in their approach and preparation towards every performance I have seen them in (getting a good reputation girls). Their dancing was flawless and they looked sensational, a perfect start to the show.
I am very proud of all the boxers who have been training intensely, dropping weight and pushing themselves to their physical limits. They have all grown and proved that they deserve to be in the boxing ring. A quick mention must go out to James Wheatley who gained best boxer of the night for his war against Andrew Spooner.
Since last years show we have had a lot of interest in the boxing team and for that we are grateful, my thanks go out to all the other clubs throughout the Union who I have heard and seen supporting the boxers from the sidelines. This shows how Portsmouth University differs from all other Universities as we do not segregate our teams. Thank you for your support and it will be reciprocated.
My last thanks must be to the Union staff that helped organise this event along with Dan Hendy, Tom Bailey, Coach Q Shillingford and a number of boxers who did not compete due to other commitments.
The next main event for the boxing team is traveling up to Aberdeen on the 1st December to compete in the National BUSA Competition that consists of over one hundred boxers all competiting for only 11 gold medals.
Any questions please contact Coach Wayne Gardiner by e-mail: uniboxingcoach@hotmail.co.uk
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