ABS is pleased to bring you its latest report on Stephen Boyle’s fantastic performance in reaching the 52kg Final of the 2013 Nikolay Pavlyukov Memorial International Tournament.
52kg Stephen Boyle SCO v Zdravko Mikhaylov BUL
After Stephen’s solid performance in the quarter final, Team Scotland were confident going into the semi-final stage with the Scotsman now facing the Bulgarian Mikhaylov. However, the Bulgarian had showed everyone his strength and power in his previous contest, stopping his opponent in the first round. On the opening bell, Stephen employed his pre-arranged tactic immediately, with the outcome of keeping Mikhaylov off balance to nullify his evident raw strength and power. Once again Stephen’s speed of feet swung the momentum in his favour, using a first phase of attack to draw in his opponent then moving around the blind side to initiate his second phase of attack. Although a fairly close encounter in the first, Stephen deserved to be ahead with the round ending 3 – 2 in favour of the Scotsman.
Mikhaylov came out like a bull at the start of the second, loading up with his shots looking to disrupt the Scotsman’s flow. Stephen absorbed the initial pressure well, and it wasn’t long until the Scotsman answered the Bulgarian with lightening reactions and accurate punching. Using the lead hand to measure, then driving the rear hand through the centre line of attack, the ‘touch and whip’ strategy was working a treat for Stephen. Mikhaylov was beginning to tire in the closing stages of the round, but the young Scotsman did not allow him any space to pinch a rest, bouncing attack after attack onto the Bulgarian like a moth at a light bulb. Once again Team Scotland were confident Stephen had maintained the lead after the second, which was confirmed by the judges with a score of 7 – 4.
Again Mikhaylov came out strong as expected in the third, but also as expected this only lasted for around 30 seconds. Stephen’s ring craft master class again swung the momentum back almost immediately, with the Bulgarian having no answer for the Scotsman’s slick movement. Touching with the lead hand once again, then whipping in the rear hand, Stephen was not only controlling the bout but performing out of his skin against a top class opponent. Finishing the round still looking sharp and definitely the fitter, Mikhaylov had no answer to Stephen’s punch arsenal and ring craft. As the bell rung to end the contest, Team Scotland were confident that Stephen had held onto his lead in the final round. As Stephens hand was raised winning with a score of 10 – 6, Team Scotland let out a huge cheer, with Stephen securing a place in the 52kg final at this tough A Class AIBA tournament – Well done Stephen!
Winner: Stephen Boyle SCO
