SOUTH Moreton Boxing Club’s efforts during lockdown have paid off with a host of medals across multiple disciplines.
When gyms were closed, the south Oxfordshire outfit ran online classes and even launched an app to keep their members in shape.
South Moreton have felt the benefits since competitions restarted, with medals in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA).
The team picked up ten gold medals, two silvers, two bronzes and a title belt at the BJJ Open in Coventry, before claiming gold and silver medals at the European Junior Championships in Wolverhampton.
More individual success has followed in recent weeks, with Adrian Lusiak winning his cage fight at the Raged UK show in Swindon.
Boxer Josh O’Brien made his debut in the QBL League at Epsom Racecourse, winning on points, while Adam Chetnik returned from the BJJ European Championships in London with two silver medals.
South Moreton now have about 400 members, with some using the club to keep fit and others training for competitions.
Other fighters across the county have also been busy in recent weeks.
Blackbird Leys Boxing Club’s Jacore Collins-Austin reached the English ABA Development final in Hereford.
Jacore Collins-Austin (centre) with Blackbird Leys Boxing Club secretary Keith Perisi (left) and coach Tony Gibson. Picture courtesy of Keith Perisi
He matched the experienced Tommy Speight early on, but his opponent edged the final round to win on a unanimous decision.
Meanwhile, Oxford ABC light heavyweight Lesley Sackey was beaten by his opponent from Crawley, before overcoming Aylesbury’s C Mullens by a unanimous decision.
Featherweight Dayon Joseph beat Harlow ABC’s O Higg on a unanimous decision, while Decson Silva Cruz boxed the skills bout against S Tharmatias.
Oxford ABC Boxers Picture: Fiona Griffiths
Coach Harley Mace said: “The boys did themselves proud and boxed tidy and superbly.
“It’s been a tough year with Covid, but the club is beginning to pick up again and looking promising for the season ahead.”
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