Wycombe unearth a new star as Smith shines (From Bucks Free Press)

Fans flock for Wycombe boxing show

12:40pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

BEN Smith consolidated his position as England number one with a dominant victory over the same person he beat to win the national title last year.

The High Wycombe Boxing Club star overpowered Essex champion Nick Tipler in front of about 300 spectators at Holmer Green High School on Saturday.

Coach John MacInnes said: “Ben was under tremendous pressure to produce a top performance in front of his home crowd, but he handled it all and showed a maturity in his performance.

“He amazes me how quick he can move and punch and how he works tirelessly throughout a bout.

“His opponent is a highly respected boxer but Ben showed just why he has been on team GB training squads with an outstanding performance.”

Smith was named best junior boxer of the day while the senior title went to Wycombe team-mate Lewis Oakford, who enjoyed a spectacular debut as he stopped his Russian opponent in the first round.

MacInnes said: “In 19-year-old debutant Lewis Oakford we may have unearthed another big talent.

“I have never seen a boxer with as much destructive punching power in both hands as he has been gifted with and if he continues to progress as he is doing then sky is the limit for him.”

He and Smith were only two of a host of boxers on the bill.

After a skills bout from ten-year-old Chanze Ballantyne and Joe Cole, Alfie Price and Reece Belloti won championship bouts at the start of the day before Wycombe’s senior female boxer Igne Vaitunati had to retire after round one.

However, 15-year-old Billy Allen flew the Wycombe flag high with a majority decision in his bout.

Daniel Burridge and Kamal Brown, both 14, couldn’t keep the momentum going as they lost their fights by majority decisions, but Brendan May got Wycombe off to a winning start in the first senior bout of the day.

He edged out Hanwell’s Milo Abdurazzaq, before Wycombe brothers Zhiob and Amar Keyani were both beaten.

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