JERSEY Leonis proved that they can more than pack a punch against top-level opposition when their showcase event against Royal Navy boiled down to the final bout of the evening.
Islanders Coen Le Monnier and Joel Kuppe – who earned “performance of the night” plaudits – both won, while a returning Adam Gilley as well as Cris Rodrigues fought valiantly in defeat.
In the fifth and final fight, Jersey’s James Buckley and Navy’s Oliver Betts put on a show worthy of the decider.
Betts had Buckley on the canvas within the opening 20 seconds, who survived the standing count to continue.
Astonishingly, just 20 seconds later, the Caesarean put Betts down in a truly enthralling contest between a pair of elite boxers at the 85kg weight class.
Opinion was divided at the final bell, but Navy’s Betts was given the decision to earn his team the narrowest of victories on a pulsating night at Radisson Blu.
“It was an incredible night,” said Jersey Leonis manager Miguel Ferreira.
“The Royal Navy team were incredibly strong, so for our boxers to have the chance to fight high-quality opposition is exactly what they all want.
“Joel [Kuppe] was outstanding. It was the performance of the night for sure.
“He started with a fast, strong jab and controlled the pace of the fight from start to finish.
“Coen [Le Monnier] was really impressive too.
“He displayed a high level of fitness, moving round and boxing extremely well.”
Kuppe and Le Monnier may have been the two who took home victories on the night for Leonis, but Ferreira was keen to highlight how impressed he was at all five of his boxers who entered the ring.
Ferreira added: “Adam [Gilley] fought first and, although he hadn’t had a bout for a few years, he did very well.
“There was a little bit of ring rust, which is only natural, but he displayed all the attributes required to win, which was positive.
“Meanwhile, Cris [Rodrigues] put in the best performance I’ve seen from him in a long time.
“He was up against a very skilful Royal Marine boxer and it ended up as a really close decision.
“A few people thought he did enough to win, but regardless of the decision, for me it was a brilliant performance and one he should be proud of.
“What can I say about James [Buckley].
“It was such a thrilling contest for the last bout of the night.
“Oliver Betts from Navy knocked him down after just 20 seconds and gave him a standing count.
“But James reacted straight away and knocked him down just 20 seconds later.
“It really was down to the wire and people’s opinions were divided at the end as to who had won.
“The entire night was excellent and there were a lot of comments from spectators about how respectful both teams were, which is what boxing is all about.”
The evening went far deeper than the ten boxers who showcased immense skill in the ring.
As it was the Lieutenant-Governor’s Charity Boxing Event, the primary focus was giving, and this year’s beneficiary was NSPCC Jersey, in which the dinner evening raised around £10,000 for the local charity.
On top of this, Jersey Leonis ABC were presented with a cheque for £5,000 from the Lieutenant-Governor to help support the grassroots club with their associated costs.
With that in mind, the Leonis manager expressed his delight at the direction the club is moving in.
“We have been through a bit of a transformation in the past couple years, losing a lot of senior boxers,” he added.
“But the club have been brilliant at developing the juniors and we are seeing the benefits of that.
“There is a lot of excitement and we have a lot to look forward to in the next few years.
“A few of the novice seniors are coming through and look really strong as well as some younger guys at just 11 or 12 that are ready to box, so by the time they are 15 or 16, they’ll be ready to go.
“I really want to thank the team behind Leonis. The coaches, judges, referees, the doctors and so many more.
“They are all volunteering their time to help this club run and, without them, we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are today.”
Jersey Leonis are back in action against the Wales Select Team on 23 November.
