Tyler Quintal’s and Emile Prevel’s successes in Bath over the weekend, together with Finn Walsh’s earlier walkover to his own crown, leave the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club in a truly enviable position on the national stage.
As all three boxers prepare to begin their National Development Championships this weekend, Ben Duff is one proud GABC head coach.
‘Having three Western Counties Development champions at the same time is a fantastic achievement for both the club and the boxers involved,’ he said.
‘It reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment that the boxers have shown in training over a long period, as well as the support they receive from our coaches and volunteers.
‘For a club of Guernsey’s size, to have three boxers holding Western Counties titles simultaneously is something we’re proud of.’
Quintal had actually gone into these championships with a title to his name, having won the under-63.5kg honours last year.
Now boxing in the under-65kg category, he started this year’s campaign in the semi-finals, where he beat Sturminster Newton’s Kenet Tamolis with a show of intelligence, composure and late-round dominance.
Quintal refused to be drawn into a brawl, managing his distance and making the ring work for him.
He truly had to work for his victory in the final against Mason Smith of Cheltenham Kings ABC, against whom he edged the 3-2 split decision.
Quintal finished this close contest strongly in round three, persuading the majority of the judges to score in his favour.
Prevel emerged a more convincing victory in his straight final.
Fighting for the under-62.5kg title, he stopped Hamad Rahman from Bristol’s Broadplain ABC in the third and final round.
The Sarnian boxed well throughout the contest, controlling the range to give his opponent three standing eight counts, and ultimately prompted a stoppage towards the end of the fight.
Walsh had earlier been credited the 57.5kg title without having to step into the ring due to a lack of opposition in his weight class.
These boxers will now compete for the Western Counties at the National Development Championships in Kettering, starting with the pre-quarter finals this Sunday.
As the trio all take aim at the Amdavad 2030 Commonwealth Games, Duff has underlined how they could serve as further inspiration to other up-and-coming boxers.
‘Winning these championships is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates the progress the club is making in developing talented young athletes,’ he added.
‘It’s also encouraging for the future of boxing in Guernsey. Seeing Tyler, Emile and Finn achieve this level of success provides a great example for the younger boxers coming through the club and shows what can be achieved through hard work, discipline and commitment to the sport.
‘We look forward to seeing how they perform in the Development National Championships and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for all three of them.’
You need to be logged in to comment.