Burton impressive on debut - News - LIVING SPORT

Burton impressive on debut

Tony Burton set Iceni ABC's opening show of the season ablaze with victory in what was both his first and last outing in the ring.

The firefighter, who is close to the mandatory retirement age of 34 under amateur boxing rules, had plenty of vocal support as he convincingly beat Territorial Army fighter Peter Wilson on a unanimous decision at Shepreth's Cambridge Motel.

A series of straight lefts in the opening round set fellow debutant Wilson's nose gushing with blood and from then on, the damage got worse each time Burton hit the button to the delight of his home crowd.

John Rodgman also clinched a unanimous verdict over Wilson's club-mate Mark Hudson. Hudson may not have been much of a stylist, but he forced Rodgman to go toe-to-toe with his aggressive and rudimentary approach. Rodgman let his superior technique and cleaner punches take control of the bout as it wore on.

Joe Lee made a successful start to his career by winning on a unanimous decision against fellow no-bouter Harry Wells, of St Albans' The Academy ABC. The debutant looks a classy prospect showing plenty of skill and a cool head.

Other Iceni ABC competitors on the evening were; Nathan Dawson, Michael Gilbert, George Brand, Jake Gordon.

Meanwhile, All Comers' Steve Smith won the Mid-Anglia Junior Novice ABA under-60kg title after beating Kieran Brandwood on a majority decision in the final, gaining revenge for losing to the Fulbourn fighter in their first meeting last season.

St Ives' Hayden Beasley again suffered a unanimous verdict defeat in his rematch with Geddington ABC's Joe Burdett after being given a controversial standing count in the second round when it appeared he slipped rather than been put down.

To read more details on the bouts click here.

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