Crawley Boxing Club hold thrilling 14-bout show

The capacity crowd certainly got their money’s worth – with 14 hard-fought contests between a good mix of junior novices to seasoned veterans.

Every bout went the full three rounds and there were mixed fortunes for the Crawley team.

Club chairman Rees Hopcraft said: “It was a great return to this venue after a break of about 15 years.

“It was a fantastic afternoon of boxing and value for money you won’t see at other boxing events.

“We are bringing grass roots Olympic style amateur boxing back to the doorstep of Crawley sports fans.

“I am already looking forward to our next show at this venue.”

Randall Barlow, making his first appearance in an amateur vest, beat the experienced Ben Hall of Guildford in a tough 3 x 3 minute rounds at 72kg.

The taller Barlow used his height well to keep the crouching Hall at bay with long-range shots and won the decision of the judges – to the delight of his army of fans.

Club stalwart James Verbeeten had a true slugfest against old foe Dennis Buchanan of Bexhill over three, three-minute rounds at 66kg.

Verbeeten refused to take a step back for the full three rounds and he took a points decision – making him now 2-1 up in his trilogy against Buchanan.

Scott McGovern and Chris Butler both won their debuts.

Former white collar fighter McGovern beat Dominik Zieba from Wandsworth’s Earlsfield Boxing Club on points over three rounds at 71kg and Butler beat Bradley Allen from local rivals Horsham at 80kg.

In the junior ranks Mo Hassine, 17, had an outstanding debut performance against Foster McVey from Odyssey Boxing Club at 72kg.

Both boxers showed skill, ability, and bravery above their experience.

Mo’s stronger punching gave his opponent a standing count in the final round as they both tired.

Dylan Heneghan boxed his heart out to win his first bout in the red and white colours against Napoleon Spahiu from Strood, Kent.

Heneghan won a split-decision of the judges in a fiery show opener.

Counter-puncher Josh McFall took on Keith Mellars of Westside Boxing Club in Hounslow.

However it was the cleaner punching from Mellars that impressed the judges and he got the nod.

Other results: Amaan Khan lost to Nabil Ahmed (Woking), Byron Grimwood lost to Dino Federico (Odyssey), Sher Khan lost to Jordan Pannone (Odyssey), Naito Taylor lost to Ryan Brown (East Brighton), Tobiano Mancusco lost to Carina Monterio (East Brighton) Peter Murphy lost to Phil Nosko (Legacy).