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14/11/2007
Development boxers blossom in Skopje
There was gold and silver glory at the Golden Gong tournament in the capital of Macedonia earlier this week as three of our development boxers came close to unblemished tournament records.
George Groves' (75kg) performance in the final was described as team manager Jim Davison as "one of his very best to date", as the Dale Youth boxer outmanoeuvred his talented Russian opponent Izet Asanov for four intriguing rounds.
Jim added: "Groves was more than fit for the task, putting pressure on or countering effectively as and when required."
George, who beat Albanian Moren Rocai after three counts in the semis, had to settle for silver, but was awarded the cup for Best Overseas Boxer. Asanov took the gold medal and the Golden Gong Champion of the Tournament.
St Paul's Hull boxer Luke Campbell (54kg) put together what Jim called "two outstanding performances of skill and developing power that denoted his blossoming maturity" His semi final opponent, Zekir Zekiri of Macedonia, was rescued by the referee in round two after a series of hurtful, hard and fast counters. The Macedonian was unable to offer anything in return. Zekiri had started energetically but Campbell's constant directional changes soon left him utterly bamboozled.
In the final Luke looked destined to take silver, as his opponent was Chicago World Championships winner Mumin Veli of Macedonia, with the judges pressing in favour of the local lad. The last round was all Campbell, with Veli taking shots as though he was enjoying it. With seconds on the clock, justice and pressure prevailed and the Hull boxer won with a score of 17:16. Luke was presented with the 'Best Technical Boxer' award.
Fisher's Obed Mwakongo (81kg) and Doru Livadariy of Romania boxed a straight final, but it was Mbwakongo who sparkled, with a slashing jab, thumping straight rights and a dislodging left hook. Mbwakongo continually harrassded Livadiriy, but was always astutely aware of his strong, dangerous scything rear hand. The Londoner scored almost at will but survival holding allowed the Romanian some respite from Obed's flashing fists as he cantered to a 23:4 runaway victory.
The Macedonian Boxing Federation were delighted to welcome England's first appearance at the tournament, which was inaugurated in 1969. Countries included Russia, Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Romania, Serbia and Macedonia.
The team were supported by Jim Davison and physio Dawn Borland.
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