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10/06/2008
The First International Independence Championship for Boxing
Aqaba City, Jordan. June 2008
Team
James Allen, 57kg
Nik Gittus, 75kg
Michael Fielding, 81kg
Chris Cain, coach
Alan Deary, referee and judge
Tuesday 3rd Wednesday 4h June
Team met at Heathrow airport at 3pm. The flight to Jordan consisted of a six-hour flight to Amman and then a six hour wait for an internal flight to Aqaba city. On arrival officials of the Jordanian Boxing Federation met the team. After a short coach journey we arrived at the accommodation, which was a hotel situated in the city centre. Due to the time distance and travel the team rested for the remainder of the day. Later that evening there was a technical meeting of team managers, giving the schedule for weigh-in, medical and draw for following day.
Thursday 5th June
Boxers weighed in at 8-10am at the hotel. The draw was made later in the day. First to be drawn was James Allen at 57 kg he received a bye to the semi-final stages against a Jordanian boxer scheduled for 5th. At 75 kg Nik Gittus was next to be drawn straight into a quarterfinal bout against a Saudi Arabian to be boxed later that evening. Finally at 81kg Michael Fielding was drawn to box against a Jordanian at the semi-final stages.
The boxing venue was a well attended open air arena situated on the spectacular seafront of Aqaba. The opening ceremony was an elaborate affair with the usual parades speeches and musical entertainment. The first bout eventually started at 9pm with the temperature still hot and dry it was clear that it would be quite an uncomfortable climate to box in.
Thursday 5th June
QUARTER FINALS 75 kg
Nik Gittus v Aheed (Lebanon)
Nik controlled the bout from the first bell, using his height and reach advantageously. The 17-10 points win never really reflected Nik's dominance with the Lebanese points haul appearing very generous. On the whole a solid opening performance for Nik under difficult conditions, which added to the team's confidence.
Friday 6th June
SEMI FINALS 57 kg
James Allen v Jeehad (Jordan)
James was at the wrong end of a 17-20 score line. This was a scrappy contest, with persistent holding by the Jordanian which appeared to go unnoticed by the referee. James gave an honest performance, working hard throughout. He unfortunately received a warning in the third for apparently punching low. James never really got going during the bout but I still feel he'd done enough to warrant a win.
Friday 6th June
SEMI FINALS 75 kg
Nik Gittus v Abed (Saudi Arabia)
Nik's second bout of the tournament was against a strong orthodox boxer who liked to push on. Again Nik's reach and height advantage plus long range scoring saw him overcome his Arabian opponent in this awkward encounter, which saw Nik receive a seemingly unfair and vague warning in the final round. Score: 13-12.
Friday 6th June
SEMI FINALS 81 kg
Michael Fielding v Ahmed (Jordan)
Michael's semi-final saw him up against the local Jordanian boxer Ahmed a brave and strong opponent but which saw Michael have no difficulties in beating. Having picked up a 9 point lead after the first round Mike cruised through the next two rounds scoring freely with both hands eventually stopping his opponent in the third on the 20 point rule with a score of 31-11.
Saturday 7th June FINAL 75kg
Nik Gittus v Akrutum (Tunisia)
The final, Nik's third contest in three days, was similar to preceeding bouts - contested in the hot temperatures usually found at Mediterranean holiday resorts. Nik boxed well throughout the bout but had it all to do after being a precarious 4 points down after the first round. Battling on, Nik finished the final on the end of an unlucky 9-5 points defeat.
Saturday 7th June FINAL 81 kg
Michael Fielding v Muhad (Egypt)
In the Final Michael was up against crowd favourite Muhad - a cagey southpaw from Egypt. The pattern of the bout was set early on, with the Egyptian smothering Michael by throwing shots and then immediately holding, with no apparent protection from the referee, who allowed a potentially good contest turn into a wrestling competition. Michael's best work came in the latter end of the bout when Muhad was tiring, connecting with good scoring shots. Unfortunately it finished a 16-8 defeat.
After the finals the Jordanian Federation laid on a reception attended by officials, coaches, boxers and local dignitaries. A presentation was then followed by a banquet and entertainment
Sunday 8th June Return journey home.
Arrived at Heathrow at 4pm
by Chris Cain (coach)
North West Counties