GB Olympic hopeful proves a step too far for Billy

Teers finished on the wrong side of a 3-2 decision in a close 52kg contest, Le Poullain outpointed at the University of East London’s SportsDock venue.

Amalgamated Boxing Club head coach Ben Duff, who supported from ringside, expects both to come back stronger.

First up, Teers had very little separating him from Acocks Green’s Jaden Cayenne in a frenetic clash of two technically skilled super-flyweights.

‘The two of them are the best in the country at that weight and level, and the result shows how evenly matched they are,’ Duff said.

‘If they boxed a week later, that result could be flipped, so Tommy can be proud of his performance today and performances on his journey to the final.

‘This experience will only make him stronger, hungrier and a better boxer.’

Le Poullain had already done the work required to qualify for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and become the Bailiwick’s first National Amateur Championships elite finalist.

But even the domestic No. 1 was up against it when facing Beartown’s Ramtin Musah, an Olympic hopeful.

Le Poullain struggled with range and reach in the first two rounds of their 75kg showdown and took a brief standing count in the second. Yet he more than held his own in the third round, pushing the fight and capping off a commendable effort.

‘He lost to a fantastic opponent, so no shame there,’ Duff said.

‘He has learnt a lot over the last six weeks, having to fight virtually every weekend against the best boxers in the country to deservedly reach the final.

‘The journey has been both physically and mentally demanding, and he showed true professionalism and resilience to stay focused and keep getting the results.

‘Billy didn’t get the decisions today but the experience has been invaluable and we’ll review the bouts, learn and and come back better and stronger.’