Falmouth and Penryn ABC held their second show for the 2015-16 Season, with a packed Dracaena Centre, to see a host of local lads in action against boxers from all over the South West. The show was dedicated to the memory of much loved and respected former Falmouth boxer and father of current coach Dan Coles, John ‘Colesy’ Coles, who passed away in January of this year.

Eleven bouts took place, with five boxers representing Falmouth and Penryn ABC in action. First of the local lads in action was junior Lewis Rollason, who faced Torbay’s Kai Draper. Rollason started well but Draper came back in the second and third rounds to pick up points and take the judges’ decision.

Senior Joe True faced southpaw Matt Peters, of St Just ABC, in an enthralling contest. The two had met at the St Just show in Penzance just a few weeks ago, where True had taken a hard fought win.

Peters was determined to level the score, racing out of his corner with big punches from the opening bell in an attempt to put True under pressure. There was a great range and quantity of punches thrown by both boxers throughout the bout, however, True ensured he kept ahead at every exchange of blows and took a clear points win at the end of the contest, as well as claiming the Trophy for best Falmouth boxer of the night, presented by former Falmouth boxer and multi National champion Gilbert Ambrose.

Jack Blackburn faced a tough challenge in Ashley Cauldwell of Gloucester’s Yate ABC.

Blackburn dug deep in the break at the end of round one and came out determined to fight back, which he did in style, avoiding further trouble in round two and forcing a surprised Cauldwell back with clean straight punches. Blackburn also had the better of his man throughout the third round, but was just shy of scoring enough points to overcome the first round deficit, losing the best contest of the night on a split decision by the narrowest of margins.

Ben Cotterill pressed Exmouth’s Keegan Ferreday over three rounds, but lost out to the reach of his taller opponent, who used his height to stay out of trouble and stay ahead on points, despite the Falmouth man’s pressure.

The night was finished off with a hotly anticipated rematch between heavyweights Callum Rollo and St Austell’s Lee Van De Plans.

Unfortunately Rollo slipped awkwardly whilst moving sideways, twisting his knee and leaving him with no option but to retire unable to continue.

Thanks must go to the boxers and coaching staff of all clubs present, the England Boxing officials, M/C Nick Brown, Falmouth School, for providing enough chairs and tables to seat the full house, W.C Rowe, for providing pasties to feed the boxers, our generous sponsors, who provided the funds to hold the tournament, including A&P, Stout Security, TTS Engineering, Cargo Clothing.com, Global switchgear, Brain Associates ltd, Cluster Support team, Relay engineering, Shield environmental services, all who donated raffle prizes, those who volunteered to help on the night in the kitchen, bar and door and the staff of the Dracaena Centre.

Thanks also to Wayne Lewis Photography, Sophie Russell, Natasha Gregovic, Hollie Parkinson and Claire Tresidder of www.facebook.com/ClaraBellaBeautys for ring services and of course those who supported the boxers and club.

If you are interested in boxing, to keep fit, or to compete, Falmouth and Penryn ABC meet on Tuesdays 7.30 to 9pm and Wednesdays at the new time of 6 to 7pm (juniors) at the Dracaena Centre, Falmouth. All ages from 10 upwards and all levels of experience are welcome to join us. Find us on Facebook for more information.