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12/11/2007
England succeed in chilly Macedonia
English boxing was treated to another medal bounty this weekend, this time from Skopje in Macedonia. The strength in depth of the squad was evident as recent junior graduates Luke Campbell (54kg), George Groves (75kg), and Obed Mbwakongo (81kg and still just 18) medalled at the Golden Gong, a senior international tournament (gold, silver, gold respectively).
Luke Campbell, 20 year old, 54kg, Bantamweight, St Paul's ABC, Hull.
Semi-final Saturday 10th
Luke beat Zekir Zekiri (Macedonia) RSCO2 showing excellent ring control and authority.
Final Sunday 11th
Luke beat another home boxer Mumin Veli (Macedonia) 17:16 (with one judge scoring it 30:9 in his favour) to claim gold. A top class performance against a very awkward opponent
George Groves, 19 year old, 75kg, Middleweight, Dale Youth PC club, Notting Hill, London.
Semi-final Saturday 10th
George beat Moren Rocai (Albania) RSC2 after the Albania received his third standing count. Groves used skilful, measured aggression for a fine victory.
Final Sunday 11th
George lost 16:17 to Izet Azanov (RUS) a gifted, strong, counter-punching southpaw. George had his nose in front until the last 20 seconds and can rightly feel somewhat aggrieved with the decision. However, he can take a lot of credit from what was, according to coach Jim Davison, his best performance at senior level.
Obed Mbwakongo, 18 year old, 81kg, Light Heavyweight, Fisher and Downside ABC, Bermondsey, London.
Final Sunday 11th
Obed cruised home 23:4 against Doru Livadiriy a strong spoiler from Romania. Obed was never in trouble and demonstrated his class against the Romanian.
Jim Davison, GB Development Coach, was delighted with the form of the three boxers: "This is just the sort of tournament these young guys needed to help them progress to the top international level. There were 20 nations present at the event (including dominant force Russia) and our boxers had to contend with very difficult conditions. It was freezing and the boxing hall was not heated. However, they didn't complain, got on with it, and delivered some more excellent results for the GB squad. They were buoyed by the results the senior squad achieved out in Chicago at the World Championships, but wanted to go out and prove that the talent is not just restricted to our current number ones."
A team of four boxers will be in action next week in Beijing at the test event (51kg Paul Butler, 60kg Tom Stalker, 69kg Antony Ogogo and 91kg Danny Price) with a further match (11 weight categories) against USA on 30th November at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, rounding off a busy month for the squad.
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