Lion ABC boxer triumphs in London final

Lion ABC’s Billy Underwood has been crowned London champion after taking a split decision in the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs championships.

Underwood triumphed after an all-action clash against Terry Conroy (Lansbury ABC) in the Class C Under-75kg final at Harlow.

The Lion boxer made good use of his straight left jab and followed up with right hooks over the top, but was caught with counter-punches when he tried to force Conroy onto the back foot.

Nonetheless, Underwood did enough to edge the verdict and go forward to the national quarter-finals, which are due to take place at Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent, a week on Saturday.

Also through is Underwood’s team-mate at the Hoxton club, Michael McDonagh, who received a walkover in the London final of the Class A Under-75kg.

But there was disappointment for a third Lion boxer, Frankie Arnold, who was matched against the far more experienced Shiloh Defreitas in the Class B Under-50kg final.

Arnold gave it his all against the Repton ABC boxer – who went into the fight with 37 previous contests to his name – but a unanimous decision went against him.

Former Lion ABC welterweight Jamie Arlain secured his third straight professional success with a points win over Bulgaria’s Todor Bovadjiev at York Hall on Saturday.

The 27-year-old dominated from start to finish, with superior hand speed and movement around the ring, and eventually triumphed by 40 points to 37.

Arlain said: “That was without doubt the best I’ve boxed and I really enjoyed myself.”