Booth boosted by Haringey Box Cup experience

Ellie Booth did well at the Haringey Box Cup

This annual event features more than 500 boxers, making it the biggest event of its kind in Europe.

Booth weighed in under the bantamweight division (51-54kg) at 53.9kg, eager to impress in the senior elite division at class A, the top catagory for boxers of her experience.

She faced Sara Rae-Joy from Basel Boxing Club in Switzerland, a very experienced opponent who Booth had faced in the 2013 Haringey Box Cup.

Coach Jon Mills said Rae-Joy was more cagey in a very close first round with neither boxer landing many clean shots.

The second round was very much the same with both girls still trying to find their range and tempo.

Mills said: “In the third we told Ellie to double up on her jab and follow with the big overhand right as Sara was keeping a very low left hand, and this worked to good effect with Ellie winning this round, in our eyes anyway.

“The last round was more frenetic with both girls chasing each other down as they knew it was close and both landed some good shots – another round that could have gone either way.”

St Gerards coach Gerry Lavelle said: “We were very very proud of Ellie’s performance as she hadn’t boxed for a year since the last Box Cup and missed out on a big female event in London two weeks ago as her opponent pulled out.

“The judges announced a split decision in Sara’s favour and we readily accepted that. Ellie was a little dissapointed, but considering her long lay-off she did herself and the club proud.

“As a club we now look forward to the new and upcoming season.”

“Anyone willing to sponsor St Gerards, help an individual boxer or help the club find a permanent home can contact Gerry on 01243 251248 or can call in at the club any Tuesday or Thursday between 6pm and 8pm.

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