Another National Finalist for Essex as Niamh beats current Champ
Colchester ABC's Niamh Barton boxed this sunday in Manchester for a place in the National Female ABA Championships. Bartons opponent, Warren won the female ABA championships in 2010/11 and was also runner up in 2009/2010 so the odds looked stacked against her as her experience exceeded Bartons.
Niamh boxed on the backfoot from the start of the bout hoping to use her reach to gain the advantage. Warren was tentative at coming forwards finding it hard to get inside Niamh’s reach. Despite a slow start Niamh was able to score with her jab as Warren attempted to advance. Accurate jabbing in the first round resulted in a score of 5-1 for the Colchester boxer at the end of the round.
In the second round Warren showed a little more determination to close down Niamh and came forwards with some hooks to head and body. Despite being caught by some shots Niamh still landed more quality scoring blows at range, stretching her lead to 10-4 at the end of the second round.
A last round flurry by Warren was met head on by Niamh as both boxers traded punches and picked up points. After the pace slowed a little Niamh returned to boxing on the backfoot catching Warren with her accurate jab and preventing her closing down the range and deficit on the score cards.
The final score of 15 points to 8 means that Niamh has advanced to the final next week where she will face Natalia Gibson of Redcar ABC in Tyne Tees and Weir. A win next week will mean that Niamh becomes Junior Female ABA champion adding her name to Colchester ABC’s role of honour.
Coach Casey Nachman said “Niamh’s form has been excellent. She remains undefeated in four bouts and only boxed her first contest in September. She has gone into all her bouts as the underdog giving away experience and weight but has always come out on top. We are very confident about her chances next week. Watch this space and you will see big things from this talented young boxer.”
Niamh now joins boxers fron Brentwood Youth ABC and Chadwell St Mary that will all boxer in the National Finals this weekend in Manchester.
Finals
Saturday 17 November (Schools and Juniors) & Sunday 18 November (Seniors)
Weigh-in: 10-12
Boxing: 12.30
Venue
Manchester Boxing Centre of Excellence
Cedar Mount High School
Gorton
M18 7DT
GOOD LUCK !