Finchley and District ABC's Joe Smyth seeks to win his third national boxing title in four years at the National Association of Boys' Clubs finals at Peterlee, Durham, on Friday, December 7.
There will be plenty of support for 16-year-old Joe at Durham. Former British featherweight champion Sean Murphy, a trainer at the Finchley club, organised a travelling party for the long trip to Bristol for the semi-finals on Saturday and he was cheered on by nearly 40 followers.
They saw him demonstrate his punching power with a spectacular win over Abdul Hakimi (Newham ABC) in 90 seconds in their Class B 71kg semi-final. Hakimi was floored by a fierce left hook to the chin, and after struggling to beat the count, he was in trouble again from a flurry of forceful blows, causing the referee to step in.
Joe has been recommended for the Young England 'cadet' squad. Victory in the final would guarantee his place and boost Finchley's tally of national title winners in recent years to 14.
Last season Joe became English Schools' champion for the second time in three years. Another champion from Finchley was 14-year-old Ashley Sexton. He's been selected to make his debut for England against Ireland tomorrow.
Finchley's first show of the season is at the Irish Centre, Camden Town, on Tuesday. Tickets are available from Jimmy Oliver on 020 8445 2177.
November 28, 2001 19:57
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