Young Bradley won't let coach Guilbert down, given the chance

GRAHAM GUILBERT often has trouble getting bouts for Bradley Watson because the youngster is so light. But, when the Amalgamated Boys Club coach does manage to find him an opponent, Watson does not let him down, as the latest dinner boxing event at St Pierre Park showed.

Up against the more experienced and heavier D. Hopkinson, Watson won the bout-of-the-night prize with another outstanding display.

'Bradley came out like a little rottweiler and won every round in a toe-to-toe bout,' said Guilbert.

'That is four wins out of four now with two stoppages. He was supposed to be in the Schoolboy Championships but he is too light. Their minimum is 30kg and he is 28kg.'

Watson was the first home boxer of six to win their bout against East Lancashire opponents, the second being Adam Rose who overcame M. Julion.

Matthew Clark then proved too strong for A. Tippler, dominating his opponent before stopping him with several body shots, before Michael Duff also secured victory.

'His opponent, Maddock, was short and stocky and that suited Michael.

'He won every round and now that he is getting more experience, he is keeping it clean and tidy - he is looking really good,' said Guilbert.

Michael's brother, Tom, was less fortunate as he was stopped in the first round by Denton Vassell.

'Vassell looked like he was a professional athlete - he was awesome.'

After a win for Guernsey representative L. Partington in an open bout with L. Cavener, Matt Jennings rose to the occasion of topping the bill once more and stopped Paul Owen.

The coach was also impressed with the potential shown by Danny Harvey and Dave Young in their first bouts, despite both being defeated.

Things are looking promising for the Sarnian boxers with the big open show against Manchester Select at Beau Sejour on Saturday 21 February just around the corner.