Hackney Wick boxer beats tough Geordie in final

Repton’s hard-hitting light-heavyweight Simon Lewis captured the ABA National novices title in Portsmouth on Saturday and is hungry for more success as he sets his sight on the ABA senior title trail which gets underway in February.

The Class B (up to 20 bouts) 81kg victory came at the Mountbatten Centre last weekend, when he earned a clear points win over Newcastle rival Geoffrey Mulholland from the Leam Lane BC.

It was a welcome win for Lewis after his cruel luck on last year’s title trail when he battled right through to the national finals in the Class A (up to 10 bouts) 81kg division only to lose on a countback in his final against Birmingham rival Otis Treasurer after they were level on points at 13-13.

“After going so close last year, it was great to come through with the victory in the final Portsmouth,” said the Repton boxer.

“Now I’d like to enter the ABA senior championships in the new year.”

His final rival on Saturday, Mulholland had looked good moving through his northern area qualifying bouts but hardly got the chance to impress in the final as Lewis took early control of their meeting.

Powerful hooks ripped through the defences of the Geordie hope and blood was soon gashing from his nose, an injury which troubled him throughout the contest.

Mulholland gamely tried to come back in the second round but was again on the receiving end of solid attacks as Lewis’s more powerful attacks extended his advantage.

As his opponent became more desperate to turn the bout his way, the Bethnal Green club boxer continued to find the target with his powerful attacks and there was no doubt about the judges’ decision at the final bell, Lewis credited with a 23-7 points victory.