Newark Boxing Academy teenagers Ethan Kettleborough and Isobel Priestley help the East Midlands beat Isle of Man on their regional debuts

Two young fighters from Newark Boxing Academy enjoyed successful debuts representing the East Midlands.

Ethan Kettleborough and Isobel Priestley, both 14, helped the region to a dominant 12-2 victory over their Isle of Man hosts.

“Both work really hard in the gym,” said Newark coach Gary Springett.

“They’re getting their rewards and we’re really proud of them.

“It was their first time representing the East Midlands.

“They went along to squad training and got talent-spotted.

“They’ve got to show the attitude and ability at squad training and show the coaches they’ve got the quality and class to get selected.

“It was a comprehensive victory for the East Midlands, 12-2, and it’s really nice to think we had two of our boxers as part of that team.

“It was a great experience for them to get on a plane to the Isle of Man and box somewhere else.

“As a club we’ve had four boxers representing the East Midlands now, which is really good.

“It’s nice to see all the hard work in the gym rewarded and it’s not just us seeing the talent, it’s other coaches as well.”

Kettleborough earned a split decision over Drew Suwinski in a 52kg bout.

Suwinski took the first round but the Newark boy, whose dad Adam is a former pro, fought back over the final two rounds to get the verdict.

“Ethan started a bit slow but he picked it up,” said Springett.

“He was giving away a little bit of weight as well but he boxed really well in the second and third rounds and pulled it back. It was a really good result.”

Priestley won her 58kg bout against Amy Haywood on a first-round stoppage.

Haywood took a standing count before the referee called a halt at the end of the opening round.

“Isobel came out really strong,” said Springett.

“She threw big shots and took it straight to her opponent.

“The other girl was a bit stunned how quick she came out.

“The referee jumped in and gave her a standing count.

“He had another look and to save her from more punishment, he stopped the fight after the first round.

“Isobel boxed really well.”

Kettleborough and Priestley have been training with Newark Boxing Academy for about three years.

As well as being an ex-pro, Kettleborough’s dad is one of the club coaches.

Based at Carl Greaves’ gym, Newark are a small but thriving club.

“We’re growing,” said Springett. “We have 15 or 16 carded boxers and people on the fringes who come down.

“We’re not a massive club but we’re all a family and a nice small group who work well together. It’s really good.”