Dylan just missed out – but great win for Kyle alongside ‘Best Bout’ award
 




The second half of a 16-bout programme saw Dylan Thomas box against Kieran Matthews Davies (Bonymaen), sponsored by Boyce & Co, and certainly could have gone either way as the Merlins Bridge boxer was always in contention as he moved well behind s strong right hand that tended to keep his opponent away.

Thomas has had only four bouts and is learning fast and there is no doubt that he was in contention until the final bell - and might consider himself unlucky to just miss out by the split decision of the judges.



 









This was followed by a scintillating contest where Kyle O’Sullivan showed how much he has improved over ten bouts with his ability to move well and jab before drifting out of distance.
 
He took on an equally experienced opponent in Jayden Williams, from Maerdy in the Rhondda Valley, sponsored by S7 Events, and the crowd were treated to some amateur boxing of the highest order before it came as no surprise that the second of the O’Sullivan boys on the card eased through to victory by a unanimous verdict.
 
It was also fairly obvious at the end of a long and entertaining evening that Kyle and Jayden each received an extra trophy as reward for being chosen by the officials from the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association as being part of ‘The Bout of the Evening’.

 
 








 




Promising debut for Callum as Miley wins again
 
Callum McQuarrie encountered Arran Piplock from Cwmavon Hornets in a bout sponsored by Dai Rees Fencing and with both boxers having their first experience in the ring some early nerves were understandable before both settled to produce a contest that was both entertaining and skilful.
 
Callum showed his neat jab and move to good effect whilst Arran always tries to stay on the front foot but wasn’t always successful as the Merlins Bridge boxer kept him at bay for most of the time.
 
It certainly was a bout that could have gone either way and in the final analysis Callum just missed out on the verdict with a split decision going to the visiting boxer.












 
Miley Flynn is definitely up and coming star as he had already won six out of his nine bouts and he showed his ability as he took on Harry Spence (Llynfi Valley) in an absorbing clash of styles that was sponsored by Jamangie Trading.
 
But Miley always looked to edge the verdict with his greater work rate against a very good opponent and that is the way it turned out as two of the judges gave him their vote and the other opted for Harry so that Miley deservedly collected the winner’s trophy.
 
 
 











Osian goes so close as Arran gains the verdict
 
Osian Warden was the next home boxer to appear as he fought Sonny George (Gwent ABC, Swansea), with Ffion Evans as sponsor - and the 14 year-old boxed really well against a lively opponent.
 
Osian made a strong start and forced Sonny to take a standing count but the Gwent boxer deserves credit for overcoming this set-back and clawing his way back into contention - and managed to catch the judges’ eyes with his power late on that earned him a very narrow victory against a Merlins Bridge boxer who is clearly going to be a useful boxer as he gains in experience.












 

Arran James is quite an experienced boxer who at 15 has already had 10 bouts and won six of them in shows across South Wales. On this occasion he boxed against Ralphy Plowman ((Llynfi Valley) and the action was fast and furious from the outset against an equally determined opponent.
 
But Arran used his strong right hand to good effect and showed great ring craft to take a deserved verdict of a bout sponsored by SHM Electrical Services.
 
 
 
 













Sucker punch halts James’ hopes – but Alex tops the bill in real style!
 
James Griffiths returned to action after a long lay-off and he looked really to fit and confident against Tom Griffiths (Prizefighter), starting well and getting his heavy punches working to put pressure on his opponent - but as he went in on the attack in an eventful first round he asked straight into something of a sucker punch and it ended there for a disappointed James against his namesake Tom. Link Taxis were the sponsors for this contest.




 











It was perhaps appropriate that the final bout, a senior contest between Alex O’Sullivan and Kian Davies (Prizefighter) was a perfect end to an amazing evening of endeavour, commitment, skill and great sportsmanship.
 
Alex has had a tremendous 42 bouts in his career, no mean feat at his age, winning the majority of them - and adding another winner’s trophy here alongside the coveted Mikey Boy trophy in memory of a great character with the club until he passed away.
 
This bout had everything – speed, punch power, terrific defence and, above all else, total commitment and great sportsmanship.

Sponsored by S7 the crowd was on its feet almost from the first bell and when Alex was announced as winner by a majority verdict the crowd almost raised the roof!
 





 
**GRAHAM BROCKWAY WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GENEROUS SPONSORS AND THE HUGE CROWDS WHO TURNED OUT, THE BOXERS AND TRAINERS FROM OTHER CLUB, THE EVENING’S OFFICIALS FROM THE WABA, TOBY ELLIS FROM THE PURE WEST RADIO WHO WAS THE MC FOR THE SHOW PLUS THE FOLLOWING ASSISTANT COACHES WHO WERE THERE TO HELP, AS ALWAYS.
NAOMI DALTON
WAYNE O’SULLIVAN
ALEX WARD
BARRY FREARSON
MARK JENKINS
IAN SMITH
SCOTT KEANE
IAN ROBERTS
GARETH WILLIAMS
ROB DAVIES
JOE KELLY