Semi-Final Report – Belgrade Winners
60kg Berik ABDRAKHMANOV (KAZ) v Charlie FLYNN (SCO)
Charlie started slick and mobile, catching the Kazakh with a sound variety of punches from all angles. Swiftly manoeuvring in and out of the Kazakh’s range, the Scotsman was undoubtedly landing with the clearer scoring punches. Towards the end of the round however, Abdrakhmanov quickly adapted to Charlie’s onslaughts, adopting a high tight guard to absorb the first attack then countering with neat body and head counters. Unfortunately this change of tactic proved successful for the Kazakh, which saw him clinch valuable points towards the end of the round, with the score on completion of the first 4 – 3 in favour of the Kazakh.
Starting positively again at the start of the second, Charlie knew he had to launch multiple phases of attacks to nullify the countering tactic from his opponent. With most of the action now taking place at close to mid-range, both boxers began to feel the tempo of the bout as the round matured. Unfortunately for Charlie, Abdrakhmanov was landing with the eye catching last punch of the exchanges, however Charlie persevered until the bell sounded, with the Kazakh increasing his lead to 10 – 6.
4 points down going into the third and final round, Charlie had nothing to lose, throwing caution to the wind by jumping on his opponent from the off. Charlie picked up a point early on, which forced the Kazakh into a pinch and move strategy, unfortunately halting the momentum Charlie had just gained. Not to be found giving up without a fight, the Scotsman dug deep once again in the tournament and made his opponent work hard to defend his lead. The penultimate round proved to be close, but unfortunately the Kazakh had managed to protect his lead to clinch the victory with a final score of 13 – 8. Beaten by the better opponent on the day, Charlie can return home with a Bronze medal very happy with his well-rounded performances in the tournament.
Winner: 13 – 8 Berik ABDRAKHMANOV (KAZ)
64kg Suleiman BERDUKAYEV (KAZ) v Lewis BENSON (SCO)
Lewis was up against the slick southpaw Berdukayev in his Semi-Final contest. The position of the feet would form a crucial factor in the contest, and Lewis progressed well in the first round by provoking his opponent with quick angle changes followed by piercing rear hand counters. Once again Lewis utilised his long lead hand to disrupt the rhythm of his opponent, forcing the Kazakh to become agitated and fall short with his attacking punches. Berdukayev did find the target with neat bent arm punching from mid-range, but it appeared Lewis had edged slightly ahead at the end of the first. However, the scoring had both boxers at a stalemate with a score of 3 – 3.
The second round started how the first had finished, with the Kazakh displaying his full feinting arsenal, looking to draw the long lead of Lewis and close down the range. However, it didn’t take long for Lewis to match like for like and play Berdukayev at his own game. Taking away his opponents ability to build up his attacks, Lewis scored with cute leading rear hands to stop the Kazakh in his tracks. The Kazakh’s gum shield hit the canvas towards the end of the round, which would occur again in the third in the favour of the Scotsman. Score at the end of the second round, 6 – 8 in favour of Lewis.
With a lead to protect going into the final round, Lewis couldn’t afford to immediately apply a negative defence as the Kazakh’s experience could edge him back into the bout at any moment. With his confidence growing throughout the bout, Lewis attacked to defend which once again confused and agitated his pressing opponent. Keeping the momentum as best as he could, all of a sudden the gum shield of the Kazakh hit the canvas once again, forcing the referee to issue a warning on the agitated Kazakh. Nudging Lewis’s lead even further, Lewis wisely used the entire ring to his advantage to keep a stronghold on his precious lead. Much to the delight of Team Scotland, the Kazakh’s gum shield hit the canvas once again resulting in another warning to Red, and as the final bell sounded, Team Scotland let out a big cheer as there could be only one winner. Sure enough, the Scotsman’s hand was raised, by a victory of 9 – 16, to give Team Scotland a well-deserved representative in the Belgrade Winners 64kg final – well done Lewis!
Winner: Lewis BENSON (SCO)
