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17/06/2008
Ahmet Comert Cup Team Manager's Report
9-15 June 2008
Day 1 (09/06/08)
We assembled at Manchester Airport at 9am for the flight to Turkey. After some delay we finally arrived in Istanbul at 6:30pm local time. We were met by a delegate from the Turkish Boxing Federation and taken to the Adela Hotel, where we received our accreditation. Due to the delayed flight we missed the technical meeting, but we then went to the Panorama Hotel where we would stay for the rest of the tournament. On arrival rooms were allocated and once everyone had settled in we had our evening meal. During the meal we discussed the details for the following day, and the boxers had a check weigh-in before everyone retired early for the evening.
Day 2 (10/06/08)
Weigh-in and medical was from 7am - 9am, all boxers passed.
At 9am the bus departed for the draw at the Adela Hotel. Referee Keith Brooking had his medical. We returned to the hotel for lunch before getting the bus for the 15 minute drive to the venue at 1:30pm
63kg. Amanda Coulson (Eng) v Elena Savalyeva (Russ) 17-14 (preliminary)
Amanda was 3 points down at the end of the first round. Her shots were connecting but obviously not scoring. She continued to throw combinations of lefts and rights, the strong right connecting every time. Amanda soon ahead on points, moving around the ring just enough to miss the Russian's powerful shots and taking her into a well deserved 17-14 finish.
57kg. Lucy Abel (Eng) v N Usha (Ind) 18-12 (preliminary)
Lucy went into the contest the aggressor, only ever taking a step back to avoid a shot. Usha, taking a rough approach, had her game plan destroyed by Lucy's stylish boxing, which didn't give the Indian time to settle. A very tough contest against a very experienced opponent who is ranked 3rd in the world. Lucy finished the bout with a well deserved 18-12.
The opening ceremony then took place, after which we returned to the hotel for the evening meal. After a training session the boxers retired early to bed.
Day 3 (11/06/08)
Woke early. Weigh-in and medical 8-9am. We had breakfast and discussed details of the day's events.
As Sharon and Anastacia weren't due to box till the evening it was decided to take a trip to the Grand Bazaar, where we spent a couple of hours before returning to the hotel for lunch. Anna and Sharon rested afterwards and Lucy and Amanda took a light jog along the sea front under the watchful eyes of Amanda Groarke (coach) and me. We took the coach to the venue at 4:30pm for the evening session.
52kg. Sharon Holford (Eng) v Saliha Ouchen (Fra) 3-18 outscored (preliminary)
Sharon started the first round on her front foot, her shots making the experienced French girl continuously hold and lean - despite being constantly warned - making it very difficult for Sharon to step off. Many of Sharon's shots were landing but not registering, and although frustrated, Sharon battled well, being outscored by the gold medallist in the 2nd round by 15 point rule.
60kg. Anastacia Cousins (Eng) v Gulsum Tatar (Tur) 3-18 outscored (quarter final)
Anastacia went into the contest against the existing gold medallist unfazed, throwing a combination of accurate shots which failed to register. She continued to move throughout the round countering her opponent's shots at every opportunity. Although a good contest, it was inevitable there would be only one winner. The contest was stopped in the 2nd round on the 15 point rule.
On returning to the hotel we all had our evening meal where we discussed the day's boxing and went over details for the following day. The boxers then had a training session before retiring for the evening.
Day 4 (12/06/08)
Woke early. Weigh-in and medical 8-9am. We all had breakfast where we discussed details of the day's events. The boxers then had a light training session before Amanda and Lucy rested. The rest of us went for a walk while Anna and Sharon had a light jog before resting. Left for the venue at 12:30pm. Lucy stayed behind to rest as she wasn't due to box until the evening session so would get the bus at 4:30pm.
63kg. Amanda Coulson Vs Csilla Cseste (Hun) 15-5 (quarter final)
Once again Amanda started well, but with points failing to register. She returned after the second round unable to believe that only one point had registered throughout the whole of the round. Amanda went into the third annoyed - a subsequent strong right to the body took the Hungarian off her feet, followed by a powerful right cross that rocked her back. The scores registered consecutively after this - finishing the round on a fantastic 15-5.
57kg. Lucy Abel (Eng) Vs Sandra Bizier (Can) 3-7 (quarter final)
Lucy went into the contest very relaxed, throwing her shots and moving well. On three separate occasions during round one, her powerful shots failed to register, and on two occasions went to her opponent. Lucy moved well, planting her feet only when throwing a flurry of shots. The bout finished on a disappointing 3-7. An excellent display of boxing.
We returned the hotel by taxi, ready for the evening meal. After discussing the day's events and those for the following day, the team went for a walk around the local shops before returning to the hotel for a good night's sleep.
Day 5 (13/06/08)
Woke early. Weigh-in and medical 8-9am. After breakfast we accompanied France, Sweden, Canada, Hungary and India to the venue for some light sparring with other women who were no longer boxing in the tournament. This went very well and we were back at the hotel in time for lunch. Amanda rested before we left for the tournament.
63kg. Amanda Coulson (Eng) Vs Gry Espensen (Den) 25-7 (semi finals)
After watching the Dane the previous day, Amanda knew she was up against a difficult contest. The very strong Dane tried everything to win, although once again Amanda's movement and power completely dominated the whole contest. Sustaining an injury within a clinch in the second round, Amanda went back to the corner showing obvious discomfort and pain in her right arm. Eager to go back into the third she was advised to just throw a left and move. The Dane would not allow this, continuing to come on strong and causing Amanda to continue to throw her back hand, displaying sheer guts and determination. Amanda was unable to move her right arm by the end of the third round and finished on a score of 25-7.
We took a taxi back to the hotel so that Amanda was able to ice her arm before the evening meal. She then retired early to bed.
Day 6. (14/06/08)
Weigh-in and medical 7-8am. The bus left for the venue for the start of the finals. Amanda Coulson was due to box Katie Taylor, but the doctor at the event advised her against boxing and gave her some medication to take. The AIBA organiser was informed and asked if Amanda would like to stay to collect her silver medal, which she did. A banquet was held for everyone in the evening at the Hotel Adela.
Final Day. (15/06/08)
Woke early and had breakfast. We arrived back at Manchester airport at 3pm after a four hour flight.
End Result:
Amanda Coulson returned with a silver medal.
Coaches:
Alwyn Belcher
Amanda Groarke.
Referee:
Keith Brooking.
Boxers:
Amanda Coulson, Lucy Abel, Annastasia Cousins, Sharon Holford.