Following an exciting first day of action in Dublin, Scotland now has a fabulous five boxers safely into Quarter-final berths at the 2013 European Schoolboy Championships being contested in Dublin, Ireland.
This means that we have five boxers just one bout away from securing at least a bronze medal.
Our Team Manager out in Ireland, Mr Jimmy Dunn, has provided reports from all our boxers preliminary bouts from yesterday:
44.5kg Nikita Piskunov (Russia) v RYAN BALL (SCOTLAND)
Round 1
The Russian came out fast taking the contest to Ryan and this was the pattern of all the contests. Ryan countered well meeting the Russian as he came in. Ryan kept his shape at all times. Ryan’s round
Round 2
Again in this round the Russian kept coming forward taking the contest to Ryan, this was a non stop round with no quarter given. The Russian edged it.
Round 3
The last round was always going to follow the pattern of the first two, and it did. With both Boxers showing skills beyond their years, Ryan pulled out all the stops, getting the more shots through to the target. Too close to call.
Winner – Nikita Pikunov (Russia) MAJORITY
48.5kg Oleksandr Kravets (Ukraine) v CALLUM STUART (SCOTLAND)
Round 1
These contests were proving to be of a really high standard. Callum took the upper hand in this round beating the Ukrainian to the punch, Callum’s back hand being a real asset.
Round 2
This round followed the same pattern as the first, proving that it is a must for suitable preparation for these Tournaments, as they are non stop action. Callum proved his ability with well delivered shots it was a close round.
Round 3
Once again this was another all action round with both Boxers giving everything showing every punch in the book. It appeareed that Callum’s extensive skills had gotten him through in the end. The Judges saw the bout differently however.
Winner – Oleksandr Kravets (Ukraine) UNANIMOUS
50kg Edgars Korzenevskis (Latvia) v STEPHEN MCKENNA (SCOTLAND)
Round 1
Stephen stamped his authority from the opening bell, landing good solid shots to the head and body against this tall latvian, giving him the round.
Round 2
This round followed the pattern of the first, with Stephen keeping his shape and being first to the punch against the Latvian. This was a tactic he had to employ because the Latvian was very a very accomplished opponent. Stephens round
Round 3
Stephen came out ready for the last round, he was ahead and he was going to stay there, Stephen took the contest to the Latvian with shots to every part of the target. Stephen’s round.
Winner – Stephen McKenna (Scotland) MAJORITY
Both Stephen and Nathan Shaw begin Scotland’s search for medals in tonights session which will commence at 6pm this evening:
50kg – Necat Ekinci (Turkey) v Stephen McKenna (Scotland)
52kg – Augusto Buremi (Italy) v Nathan Shaw (Scotland)
Best of luck to both boxers as they look to progress to the Semi Finals and secure medals.
