The Lions Den ABC in Newark win East Midlands titles: Alfie Holmes wins the U57kg belt and Robert Morton wins the U60kg category
Two boxers from The Lions Den ABC in Newark have won East Midlands titles.
Alfie Holmes took the U57kg belt with a split decision victory against Rudy Taylor of South Derbyshire Boxing Academy.
And Robert Morton Jr is the new U60kg champion after beating Charlie Roberts from Rainworth & Blidworth, also on a split decision.
The pair are both 14 and only became eligible to fight for the titles at the turn of the year.
It was the fourth time Holmes had fought Taylor and their head-to-head now stands at two wins apiece.
“It’s always been a really close fight,” said Lions Den trainer Robert Morton Sr.
“It’s one they could do again and again and it would be close every time. This one was another 50:50 fight but Alfie just did enough to nick it.
“He was over the moon, as was Robert, because they’ve waited years to box for these belts and this was the first month they were allowed to because of their ages.”
Coach’s son Morton Jr grew into his fight against Roberts to win the club’s second regional title of the day.
“He boxed a good kid,” said Morton Sr.
“The first round was a bit sticky but he took over in the second and third round and got the split decision. It was a good fight.”
Simon Willows, 13, was the club’s third winner, beating Preston Deakin of Braunstone in a non-title fight.
Willows stuck to the game plan amid pressure from his opponent, landing nice clean shots to get the job done.
The Lions Den are looking forward to hosting their next show at the Suthers School on Sunday, February 23, featuring senior, junior and skills bouts.
Entry is £20 adults and £10 under-14s. Doors open at noon, with the action starting at 1pm.