aThe Imperial Hotel, Torquay, was the venue for a grand dinner and boxing show, hosted by the Apollo Boxing Club. This out-of-season show was given the go-ahead by the Devon ABA as this was the only slot available at the hotel. The show had its thrills, spills and disappointments as many boxers had pulled out at the last minute or failed to attend. The Royal Marines (Lympstone) were due to put out Barry O'Connell against a Torbay ABC opponent only to pull him out on the. One boxer made the long journey from London to be let down on the night by a Paignton boxer who insisted he would only box four rounds rather than three rounds as agreed by the matchmaker. This left many boxing fans somewhat disappointed as the Paignton boxer had a big advantage anyway. Two boxers from the Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot Boxing Club were matched to box on the show. Schoolboy Darryl Parker (14) 64kgs, from Coombeshead College, Newton Abbot, and Wayne Bellamy (17) 66kgs, a student studying media and photography. At the weigh-in, Bellamy's opponent came in at 71kgs, which was disappointing for the Newton club and for his coach Chris Rattenbury, as Bellamy had boxed and beaten Joe Cooper (Taunton) two seasons ago. The weight given away in any bout is roughly 2kgs between boxers in their weight division, but kgs (11lbs) was far too much to give away despite Bellamy's skill advantage and safety had to be adhered too, despite parental pressure for Bellamy to box. Parker was primed and ready for his last bout of the season, and on a high after his overwhelming victory thre weeks ago. His opponent, and first out for the Apollo club, was Gary Mazdon (15) from Westlands school, Torquay, who had been in the gym for two seasons and had more experience than Parker, who only started training in October last year. From the first bell Parker fired off quick powerful jabs followed by short right hands landing heavily and scoring with virtually every punch. Mazdon rose to the challenge and fought back bravely, scoring with the jab and using body punches up close. This forced Parker into a slugging match, resulting in who could throw and land the most punches. This was pleasing for the crowd who cheered on the boxers' performance as they gave everything they had, with Parker managing to produce the better work and punch rate. This took its toll on both fighters as the ferocious exchange of punches tired them both toward the end of the second round. Parker gave his best and Mazdon was given two standing counts to eight during thebattle. Before the start of the final found, Parker's coach pleaded with him to stick to the fight plan and avoid standing toe-to-toe as he was way ahead on points, but Parker waded in with every punch he had in his repertoire for the first half of the round, but as tiredness drew in Parker allowed his opponent to score unnecessary punches in the last minute. Parker won unanimously and deserved the performance of the night award. Mazdon was awarded the best Apollo boxer of the show, as sadly all their boxers competing failed to win a contest. Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot Boxing Club are holding their end of season presentation evening at the Oakford Club, Kingsteignton, on June 24 at 7.30pm. The club will be showing their appreciation to their boxers, trainers and sponsors W G Underhill and Keyline building supplies as well as presenting an award for sportsman of the year – the Jimmy Whyte Cup. Club secretary Val Whyte, matchmaker Lee Whyte and head coach Chris Rattenbury would like to invite any former members, past boxers to the presentation, buffet and disco and would welcome their support for the coming season. The club has been established since 1968 and has seen many boxers and past champions come and go during this time and has a new sense of pride, with some outstanding boxing displayed by the new squad this season.
