Le Poullain wants some company in Birmingham

After seeing off the challenge of arguably Wales’ finest light middleweight, Levi Griffiths, Guernsey’s one and only Commonwealth Games-level fighter spoke about how much he is looking forward to a busy pre-Christmas schedule and boxing alongside his big mate, Chris Sumner, and Tommy Teers at the Birmingham Games in 2022.

‘He was one of the trickiest lads I’ve ever been in with,’ said Le Poullain, although the Guernsey fighter was never troubled.

‘He boxed for Wales a couple of weeks back against Scotland and I knew he was good and I knew I couldn’t give away any freebies at any time.

‘Ben [Duff] was saying to me: “Keep probing with your jab, keep him occupied and when the opportunity presents itself get a quick combination off”.’

Despite a significant reach and height disadvantage, Le Poullain dominated throughout but is looking forward to boxing someone shorter.

‘My last four opponents have all been over six foot. I’m due an easier one soon, I’m sure.’

He knew what he was getting in southpaw Griffiths.

‘I went over to Wales last year and did some training with Simon Weaver and saw him at that gym. We did some rounds with him.

‘I knew before tonight I would have my work cut out and I’d need to be at my best to beat him.’

Le Poullain, who believes his old Alderney school buddy Sumner and young Teers are well capable of boxing at the next Commonwealths in three years time, says he remains fully focused on maximising his own abilities.

‘I’ve not taken any time out of the gym, it’s been about being consistent, training hard and stay focused.’

After this weekend’s tournament where he hopes to have more than the one bout in the Olympic-style tournament, he expects to fight the weekend after in Jersey against the RAF.

‘That will be my last three before Christmas and then I can give my head a rest and work on sorting out the little mistakes.’

‘I want to develop to the extent that these close losses I have in big competitions turn into comfortable wins.’