Brilliant Bognor boxers fly flag at Riviera show

They joined more than 250 other boxers from across the nation taking part in the Riviera Box Cup.

All did themselves and the Bognor club very proud – with one having a particular impact.

Alfie Lister, 21, outshone all other boxers. Not only did he take gold in his final after beating tough opponents from London-based clubs, he also won the belt for the most outstanding boxer of the entire tournament.

This gives kudos to Alfie and to Bognor ABC and the coaching team.

Evan Bailey Cope, 17, was on top form, boxing better than he has before – and many thought he should have got the win in his final. His loss was a split decision with one judge giving the fight to him but two giving it to the opponent.

Evan is a young novice with bags of talent and it’s starting to show. He brought home the silver medal.

Kian Lavelle, 17, made the final in his class losing a tight split decision – despite giving his opponent a standing eight count in the third round and cutting the opponent’s eye with clean punches.

The silver medal winner also moves to the next challenge. The young novice will find his feet very soon.

Another silver medal winner was Johnny Newland, 23, who boxed his final with pure aggression. He landed some big shots and took some too.

Johnny is a slick clean box fighter with a jab to die for and body shots that would fell a tree. Once he can stay cool and calm in a contest he will soar.

Thanks go to injured club captain Charley Mason for assisting behind the scenes and at ringside in Torquay.

Charley has had an MRI scan but is still waiting to see his specialist. Since his injury he has not been able to train or compete.

It is tough for him to not be able to take part in things like this. He will know more soon.

The club said: “Charley will get past this and back to what he loves doing.”

In the short time since they have been in their new home, Bognor ABC have experienced freedom they have never had before – to open when they like and host lots of visitors for sparring.

They have up to 50 boxers and an increasing amount of talent.