Newark Boxing Academy teenager Ethan Matemadombo wins East Midlands development challenge belt in the U67kg senior final

Talented teenager Ethan Matemadombo has won his first boxing title.

The 19-year-old, a member of Newark Boxing Academy, lifted the East Midlands development challenge belt in Derby.

He beat Evan Clarke Roberts, of Rainworth & Blidworth, over three rounds in the U67kg senior final.

It was the perfect end to the season for Matemadombo, who reached the national development final last September.

“Ethan’s had a really good season,” said coach Gary Springett.

“He’s picked up some good wins.

“He was up against a strong kid in Evan Clarke Roberts but Ethan was the far better boxer.

“The lad was trying to hold him and stifle him but Ethan outboxed him.

“He won by a split decision but I don’t know how because he won all three rounds comfortably.

“It’s the first title he’s lifted and it’s a really good achievement, no more than he deserves because he trains hard and takes his boxing seriously.

“It’s good to see his hard work pay off. We’ll target the Development Championships again in September and I think he stands a good chance in that.”

Newark Boxing Academy clubmate Isobel Priestley missed out in her U60kg challenge belt final.

Priestley, 14, put up a great fight against Rushden & Higham opponent Mai Carter but the older girl got the decision.

“It was a good bout,” said Springett.

“Isobel was well in it but I’ve no complaints with the result.

“I was proud of her - she gave everything.

“She just came up short but it’s all a learning experience.”