FOUR of Jersey Boxing Academy’s finest prospects recently travelled to Oxford to compete in Abingdon Town Amateur Boxing Club’s Home Show.
Despite mixed results, it is fair to say Vinnie Keating, Sonny Way, Charlton Way and Dolton Marques did Jersey proud, putting on great performances in away territory.
“The event was a good one, with the card of 30 bouts showing its scale,” said Jersey Boxing Academy president and coach Charlie Franks.
“It had a great turnout and a huge venue. It was a great experience for the lads and a fantastic day all around.
“All of the lads held themselves well, to a good account.”
Hopes were high going into the bumper boxing weekend, with all athletes said to possess “extraordinary ability”.
Obstacles presented themselves early, however, as the weight cut proved a little more problematic than expected, with heavy-hitter Sonny Way scrambling to lose two kilograms at the eleventh hour.
The situation was a dramatic one, as the bout would be called off if the weight was missed.
Thankfully, Sonny Way somehow managed to shed the weight, through “getting in a bin liner, skipping and running”, as detailed by his coach.
After overcoming that slight hiccup, the path was laid out for competition to get underway.
First up was 15-year-old talent Marques, who took his first steps into competitive boxing with a skills bout.
Marques’ development was hailed by the club’s president in the build-up, as he “has come a long way” to cool off and control his emotions in the ring.
This development was on full show, as Marques’ skill level was deemed “too powerful” for a skills bout, cutting it short after “about 21 seconds” to sign off the local boxer for amateur competition in his next outing.
“He was a bit disappointed to have it called off, but then again the ref stopped it and pulled him aside, saying to just tone it down and get through the three rounds, as he did what he came out to achieve,” explained Franks.
“But with Dolton, he doesn’t really do that, so he went back in, had a few more punches and that was it, called off.”
Keating stepped through the ropes next, keen to continue winning ways after notching a first victory in his last outing, holding a 1-1 record.
The 17-year-old was the most experienced athlete out of the four, with the rest all making their debuts in the ring.
Known for his tough and relentless style, Keating went on to put on an absolute war, going toe to toe with another big hitter.
“At the beginning, when Vinnie and I saw the other lad, we thought it was in the bag as he didn’t look too fit, but as soon as one of his punches connected, we knew there was trouble,” said the local coach.
“He hit like a juggernaut. I’ve never seen a kid hit like it, and the bout was just a huge punch-off, with punches being thrown left, right and centre.”
“It was very tight. At one stage both coaches wanted to throw in the towel, as it was so much pain for the parents.
“Vinnie stayed there, he moved well and matched him for punches.”
It was an absolute barn burner of a fight but, in the end, Keating found himself on the wrong side of the decision, with “power outmatching the skill”.
At the Jersey Boxing Academy, the team’s camaraderie was a huge part of their success, with Franks saying: “It was a big team effort, as everyone pitched in to help each other.
“Sonny was taking everyone on the pads. They all were helping each other stay warm and cool nerves.”
Following that clash, Sonny Way was tasked with shifting the club’s fortunes, but it wasn’t going to be easy.
“This was a big test for Sonny, a massive test for him, as the lad was big,” Franks remarked.
“He was a very awkward fighter. We call them ‘octopus fighters’ as you just don’t know what their hands are doing.”
Even though he faced a tough test, Sonny Way remained resolute in front of his adversary, edging ahead in the hard-hitting affair to claim a split-decision victory.
“Both lads went toe to toe from the first round, and they were hard-hitting shots,” continued the academy’s coach.
“To combat the awkwardness, Sonny boxed regimentally, straight down the middle, straight shots with a couple hooks, and it paid off for him.”
“There was definitely a knockout to be had there, without a doubt, as Sonny did hold back at times, but he got the job done, learnt lessons and he’s only going to get better.”
With the trajectory now on the up and up, Charlton Way was last to step in, hoping to cap off Jersey Boxing Academy’s day with another win.
Let’s just say the Islander understood the assignment, as he put on a masterful display in the ring, with Franks proclaiming: “He moved beautifully, boxed beautifully, honestly he has some serious talent there.
“He seems all nervous and uptight before the fight, but the minute that first punch went in, he just relaxed right into it.”
“Against a really tough opponent, he controlled the fight from the first minute and just went for it effortlessly.
“He gave the other lad two standing counts, so if there was one more that would have been it.
“The crazy thing is, Charlton never really wanted to box originally, but he really has talent there.”
Charlton Way’s efforts left no room for controversy, as he saw his hand raised with a unanimous decision. Coming back with two wins among their great performances, the Jersey Boxing Academy’s visit was a great success for the club.
“This event has given us a great foundation to build off, without a doubt,” said Franks.
“Off the back of our social media promotion on the event, we’ve had 12 new boxers join the club, raring to get started, so imagine our growth if we had a home with a ring.”
“There’s now a real fire at the club, as everyone is pushing themselves to get fitter and get better, so that they too can have a bout of their own.
“It’s all about getting everyone fit, as pre-season starts soon, and we’re constantly on England Boxing’s website looking to match up bouts, but financially sponsorship is key to travel.”
Once again, Jersey Boxing Academy have proved their mettle, leaving their mark in the amateur scene with memorable performances.
If you would be interested in sponsoring the soaring Jersey Boxing Academy, then please contact info@jerseyboxingacademy.je.
