Arranged by boxing promoter, Island resident and Sheffield Wednesday FC fan Dennis Hobson, Leonis went down 4-3 to South Yorkshire Boxing Academy Select after some tough contests.
Daniel Murphy, still unbeaten, won on points against the Academy’s James Butler; Danny Kennedy also triumphed on points against Jerome Wilson of Steel City, with Craig Culkin topping the bill and getting the decision over Kala Whittman of the Academy.
The four reverses were Jason Baker on points against Mo Hoonaishi of Steel City; Tommy Noel on points against junior ABA finalist Louis Taylor of Steel City; Decio Ferreira, again on points, to Ali Shah of Unity ABC; and Danny Maka who lost a close decision to Wayne Reid.
Schoolboy Tom Frame had to be content with ‘skill’ demonstration bout against Ricky Kelly of Steel City, while Kieran Aubert and Ben Murray were without a contest on the night.
The next day, however, Murray was asked to spar with British super featherweight title contender Femi Fehintola – a fantastic experience for the Jersey boxer, who also received expert advice from coach Richard Poxon.
On the Friday evening coach Thompson, Mark Dunlop, the president of the Jersey Dinner Boxing Club, and Gary Bellot from Horizon Group, who sponsored the Leonis party, had watched World lightheavyweight champion Clinton Woods put on a great performance in training.
A great weekend that was topped off with Ryan Powell’s victory in the National Novice quarter-finals in Doncaster.
