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18/09/2007
Team manager's report from Azerbaijan
World Cadet Boxing Championships 2007 (Azerbaijan)
Assembly - Tuesday 28th August 2007 Crystal Palace
All boxers, coaches and officials arrived at the Lodge, Crystal Palace at 5.30 pm. On arrival the boxers were check weighed on two separate sets of scales, before evening meal.
At 7.30pm the boxers were taken for a training session in the main hall, along with the rest of the party, who helped out with the time calling etc. Following this session the boxers had a shower and all weighed again.
Received team managers package from Jim Atkinson at 5.30pm.
Initial team meeting and briefing for the following day took place where the boxers were informed what was expected of them throughout the trip.
All the boxers were congratulated on their representing England and their work so far, and everyone went to bed in high spirits.
Wednesday 29th August 2007
All members of the party were woken at 04.45 and boxers again had their weight checked.
A light breakfast was served at 05.00, which everyone attended. Transport arrived at 05.30 where the bags were loaded and we along with the Welsh party of three made our way to South Terminal Gatwick Airport. We arrived at the airport at 06.15 where we had to wait until 08.15 to check-in.
We landed safely at 20.45 at Baku International. Following the booking-in procedure the boxers were check weighed and we were given a light meal.
Boxers then retired for the night following a small briefing re safety and security and health and safety requirements etc.
Thursday 30th August 2007
Party woken at 08.00 Boxers were checked weighed.
Breakfast was taken until 09.20.
A team meeting was held at 10.00 outlining the day's events; this was followed by a training session at the local boxing club between 10.30 - 11.45. Lunch taken at 13.30. Boxers then advised to relax/sleep until training at 17.30.
I sent text messages to the boxers parents to keep them updated with the boxers' progress and give them a point of contact should they need it.
Following the evening meal Jack Goodwin and myself attended the officials' initial meeting while the boxers were given a shake-out training session.
At 21.30 a team meeting took place regarding the following day's events.
Friday 31st August 2007
All of the party were up at 07.30, and were in attendance for the initial weigh-in at 08.00. All the boxers were within 0.4 of the weight category they had entered in.
Following a relaxed breakfast, Jack Goodwin passed his AIBA medical.
At 11.00 Team Coach John Lyon, Jack Goodwin and myself attended the draw that took place a short journey by coach away from the hotel; due to the inadequate amount of transport we missed half of the draw. Coach Darren Maher remained at the hotel with the boxers.
On our return to the hotel we updated the boxers and Darren on the dates and the country they were to compete against.
A training session was held in the afternoon followed by a check weigh-in.
At 18.00 we attended the boxing venue and participated in the opening ceremony. After getting the transport back to the hotel we all sat down to an evening meal before retiring for the night.
Saturday 1st September 2007
Everyone had a lay-in until 09.30 this morning. Boxers check weighed, followed by breakfast. The whole team took a stroll down the harbour front for a change of scenery. Whilst out we had a trip out on a boat after booking it the day before, this everyone enjoyed giving us all a chance to relax and enjoy the views.
Everyone then went back to the hotel and relaxed before lunch.
In the early evening the boxers were taken to the local gym for a training session, followed by a check weigh-in.
Once all had eaten dinner the boxers had a relaxing game of pool before retiring. All parents contacted by text to let them know how they were getting on. Received texts and phone calls from parents
Sunday 2nd September 2007
Both boxers were taken to the weigh-in and medical, everything ok. Team meeting was held after breakfast giving the boxers the detail for the day. The boxers had a relaxing day ready for the bouts tonight. At the venue the two coaches primed the boxers ready for their bouts, first up was Gamal Yafai.
Preliminary bouts
Gamal Yafai V John Determan (USA)
From the outset Gamal took control of the bout with some telling and clinical shots, this kept the American away for most of the bout. Gamal continued to work hard with a lot of body shots and then switching to the head of the American with great success.
Gamal won the bout 16-6 and now faces the Hungarian representative at 50Kgs on Wednesday.
Antony Fowler V Mashhur Ruziyev.
Second up for England was Antony Fowler, this bout started slowly for Antony. Both boxers appeared to be pacing themselves, scoring punch for punch in the first round. Round 2 saw both boxers picking their punches, Ruziyev edging ahead at the end of round 2 by 4 points.
In the final round Antony stepped the pace up but was unable to catch the Uzbekistan boxer up, losing by a 6 point margin. Antony wasn't helped by the referee who allowed Ruziyev to lay-on follower for a lot of the final round disrupting his rhythm.
In between the bouts Martin Ward was given a training session, keeping him on track. Both sets of parents informed of the results by text/phone call. The boxers were inspired to see Paul King and Keith Walters at the venue.
The defeat of Antony Fowler initially upset the mood of the boxers and team but following a good team meeting and general chat the team spirits were lifted, allowing the remaining two boxers to focus on their next bouts.
Fax of results sent to ABAE office
Monday 3rd September 2007
A lay-in until 09.45 was had by the whole team, followed by a check weigh-in for the two boxers.
Once breakfast was over we all gathered in the team manager's room where we had a good team meeting and the boxers were able to see their respective bouts on the TV using the video camera.
Following lunch the whole team went for a short walk in the vicinity of the hotel.
At 18.30 the whole team attended a training session in a local gym followed by a jog back and check weigh-in.
Dinner was taken and then all retired to their respective rooms.
Tuesday 4th September 2007
Martin Ward was taken to the weigh-in/medical at 08.00, once again everything was fine.
Whole team attended breakfast at 09.30. Following a short team meeting, everything was prepared for this afternoon's bout.
We made our way by the coach to the venue in good time for Martin's bout.
Martin Ward V Robert Kanalas (Hungary)
Martin Ward fought a very technical fight to beat the Hungarian Robert Kanalas.
In the first round Martin caught the Hungarian constantly with a good left counter, scoring well and ending the round 4 points up.
The second round started in the same way, however Martin got caught with a straight left hand from the Hungarian Southpaw and was awarded a standing count. For the rest of the round Martin had to stay away from the Hungarian and pick his shots.
The third round saw the frustrated Hungarian try to push Martin back, this left martin the ideal chance to increase his lead using his superb counter-punching skills. Final score 21-14
Martin now meets the American Lois Cortes.
Following an hour wait for transport and due to the heat I abandoned the wait and got two taxis back to the hotel.
A report of the bout was faxed to the ABAE office Minibus cancelled for Gatwick airport return.
A training session was held at the local gym as a shake-out session for Gamal Yafai in preparation for his bout tomorrow against the 50Kg Hungarian.
Wednesday 5th September 2007
Both boxers attended the weigh-in at 08.00, followed by breakfast.
Team meeting held at 10.00 outlining the day and what was expected of each team member. Boxers were sent to relax for their bouts while the kit was prepared.
At 13.00 we made our way to the venue using the laid-on coaches.
Gamal Yafai was our first boxer to compete.
Robert Konnyu (Hungary) V Gamal Yafai
Gamal Yafai boxed a very tactical bout in order to beat the Hungarian. From the outset Gamal picked off his opponent with both hooks to the body and head as the Hungarian came in. At the end of the first Gamal was 2-7 points up.
The second started scrappy, but Gamal stuck to his boxing skills to regain control. Gamal used a lot of varied shots, which appeared to confuse and frustrate the Hungarian. By the end of the round Gamal had increased his lead to 4-15.
In the third round Gamal was awarded a warning for using the inside of the glove. Gamal kept his composure, drawing his opponent onto some lovely counters. Gamal won the bout 8-21
Gamal will now face Gheorghe Catalin ( Romania)
A taxi was then used to run Gamal back to the hotel and collect Martin for his bout.
Second up for England (evening session) was Martin Ward
Luis Cortes (USA) V Martin Ward
Martin Ward boxed superbly to defeat the American.
The first round saw Martin Ward catch the American with left hand counters to the head that appeared to be landing with ease. Half way through the round Martin landed a superb right hand uppercut to the chin of the American, which forced him back a step. The round ended with Martin 3-7 up on points.
In the second round Martin used some great foot work and body movement to confuse his opponent, this enabled Martin to pick off the American with some ease. The second round finished 6-10 on points in Martins favour.
The third round started as the second finished with Martin in control, however the referee saw it fit to award Martin with a warning for a low head.
This sparked Martin into regaining the points with clinical shots to the head of the American. The bout ended 10-21 on points to Martin. Martin will now face Isayev Elvin (Azerbaijan).
Two taxis were then used to take the boxers back to the hotel for a well-earned evening meal, from the restaurant.
Following a brief debrief on the day the whole team retired at 10.30.
Thursday 7th September 2007
Following breakfast a team meeting was held at 11.00. At the meeting the boxers were given the out line of the day and where they were required to be and at what time
Thursday is designated as a rest day; everybody on the team was in agreement that they did not want to sit on a coach with no air conditioning to participate in the organised 'city visit' trip.
The referees had a visit to the beach (1 hour away) during the day and a dinner/dance function in the evening. J.Goodwin attended.
The boxers remained in the hotel playing pool and using the internet until the training session at 18.00.
Both boxers have little niggling pains, which are being monitored closely by the coaches.
Boxers are spot-on with their weight
In the evening the team relaxed in the recreation room and had a bite to eat. All had retired by 11.00.
Friday 8th September 2007
The day of the Semi-finals. Both boxers attended the weigh-in and were spot-on their weights.
Team meeting was held at 10.00. Everything was checked ready for this evenings contests.
The team is visiting a local restaurant for some nutritional food. The team manager and coaches checked its suitability when we visited numerous restaurants yesterday.
Lunch was taken at local restaurant, all were grateful for good food.
Transport to the venue by coach.
First bout of the day was Martin Ward.
Isayev Elvin (Azerbaijan) V Martin Ward
The Azerbaijanie knocked Martin Ward out of the competition, but he still leaves with a bronze medal.
The first round was a good round for both boxers who appeared to be competing 'punch for punch'. Martin was countering the forward boxing Azerbaijani with accurate left hooks to the head, however the points displayed a totally different view. The score being 8-2 to the Azerbaijani at the end of the first.
In round two Martin upped his work rate to try to counteract the points difference, this was to no avail as his opponent managed to increase his lead to 15-4.
In the third round Martin had to alter tactics and go on the offensive, this was very successful for Martin as the round went on, sadly the score at the end of the third round did not reflect this. Martin lost the bout 18-5. This was a very good display by Martin.
Gamal Yafai V Gheorghe Catalin (Romania)
Gamal Yafai secured his place in the final with a great performance against the hard Romanian.
Gamal Yafai drew the lead of the Romanian all through the first round, only to counter the Romanian with solid left hooks to the body and head, notching up a lead of 7-2 at the end of round one
The second round saw Gamal start as he finished the first. His opponent tried switching to southpaw to find a way through, but Gamal was able to pick him off ending the round 18-9 up on points.
In the third round Gamal came out both relaxed and confident, boxing well within his means. Halfway through the round the Romanian hit Gamal below the belt with a left upper cut. The referee gave Gamal a count of eight to recover and then gave the Romanian a straight warning for the low blow. All though the last round the Romanian tried to land heavy body punches without success. Gamal won the bout 27-11. Another great performance by Gamal Yafai.
Following a quick debrief the team relaxed with a game of pool in the hotel, then all retired to their rooms for the night.
Saturday 8th September 2007
Once again Gamal Yafai was bang on the weight.
The team met at 10.00 in the canteen for a quick briefing regarding the final day, which has been brought forward by 1 hour without any notice or change on the agenda board in reception!
All the team traveled up to the venue on the coaches provided.
Virpin Kumar (India) V Gamal Yafai
Gamal Yafai had to settle for silver following his defeat by the Indian
Gamal stared the bout well with both boxers testing each other out, Kumar being the more accurate with his punches, which got him a lead of 4-1 after the first round.
In the second round Kumar grew in confidence pushing Gamal back constantly. Although Gamal tried various tactics, Kumar seemed to be able to read everything he done.
The third round was much like the second with the Indian becoming more elusive and relaxed as Gamal became frustrated due to the footwork of the Indian.
After the finals the team went back to the hotel for a debrief and relaxed in anticipation of the meal.
At 21.00 we all attended the restaurant along with Fred the Welsh representative, so as Tim Atkinson could attend the banquet with Jack Goodwin.
Following the meal we made our way back to the hotel to retire for the night ready for the early start home.
Sunday 9th September 2007
Everyone was woken up at 06. The journey from the hotel to the airport was 30 mins in duration.
The flight took just under 6 hours.
COACHES
John Lyon - North West Counties
Darren Maher - North west Counties
For me both coaches were great, they instilled confidence and discipline to the boxers where they could. Constantly viewing the recordings of the boxer's next opponents.
I feel that it is down to there professionalism and hard work that got the boxers to the stages they achieved.
OFFICIAL
Jack Goodwin
Jack was the only official we took to the championships, although he was segregated from the team on competition days, he played a big part in the team with helping out on the training sessions and joining the whole team during recreation times. Jack also took the time to advise the boxers daily on what had occurred at the boxing regarding decisions etc
GENERAL
In my view the competition was a success as far as the England squad were concerned. With an entry of only three boxers yet still coming away with a Silver and Bronze medal, I feel the team has done England proud.
All the boxers gained valuable experience on the world stage, not only that they are good enough compete with anyone, but also boxing skills and tactics.
TEAM
46Kg Martin Ward Bronze Medal
50Kg Gamal Yafai Silver Medal
63Kg Antony fowler
Cliff Perkins
Team Manager
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