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Debutants excel as Sandwich Amateur Boxing Club host their first show since pre-Covid

05:00, 17 March 2022

updated: 08:06, 17 March 2022

Sandwich ABC made up for lost time with their first show in more than two years on Saturday.

Eighteen clubs were in action alongside the hosts at the Guildhall, and with anticipation at fever pitch after a Covid-enforced hiatus, the fighters delivered plenty of memorable action.

Sandwich ABC's Daniel Haughie, left, impressed in his skills bout
Sandwich ABC's Daniel Haughie, left, impressed in his skills bout

The home stable were represented by five boxers, four of them making their debut.

Daniel Haughie impressed when he took on Maidstone ABC’s Kane Richards in a junior skills bout, with both fighters putting in excellent displays in front of an appreciative crowd.

Fellow debutant Rian Clubb did enough over three rounds to beat Alfie Webb, also from Maidstone ABC, in another junior bout, while the fight of the day was won by Jules Dharni.

Dharni, another first-timer for the home club, and Cosmin Dobrescu from the Prince of Wales Boxing Academy in Canterbury, served up a contest that had their supporters on their feet from the first bell to the last, with Dharni getting the nod after six minutes of thrilling action.

Sandwich ABC's Jules Dharni, left, beat Cosmin Dobrescu from Prince of Wales Boxing Academy in what was the fight of the show
Sandwich ABC's Jules Dharni, left, beat Cosmin Dobrescu from Prince of Wales Boxing Academy in what was the fight of the show

Sandwich took part in two senior bouts. Ryan McDermott went toe-to-toe with a fighter from Sobers Boxing Clinic in Surrey, but just fell short despite a brave performance in his first bout for the club.

Joe Marsh found his stride after a slow start against his Maidstone ABC rival, but the away fighter edged the contest and got the decision.

Coach Mac McCarthy saw enough heart in all of his fighters, and win or lose, he was delighted with their efforts.

He said: “We couldn’t be any prouder. Daniel, Rian, Jules, Ryan and Joe boxed their hearts out and left everything in the ring.

“It’s been over two years since our last show so we were buzzing for a great day of boxing and it didn’t disappoint.

“A massive thanks to the officials and helpers for their time and hard work, and a massive thanks to the paying public for supporting our show.”

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