By JO HARRISON
THE bone-crunching action of Fight Night at the Armidale Jockey Club on Saturday proved to be the highlight of a big weekend of sport in Armidale.
Presented by Guyra Team Rowe Boxing, the Jockey Club was buzzing with a healthy crowd of around 250 spurring on the region’s top young amateur boxers as they battled it out over 20 bouts.
Youngster Liam Roberts from Guyra performed well, as did John Adams also from Guyra in his first bout. Logan Beechey won his bout to take out the New England Light Welter Weight Belt and James MacDonald proved too strong for his opponent Luke Austin from Yamba claiming the New England Welter Weight Belt.
The highlight of the evening was the women’s bout for the Northern NSW title between Armidale local Alina Lazareva and Keeley Stapleton from Nambucca.
The bout was over four rounds and from the go Keely was on the offensive looking to stamp her authority early. Alina held her nerve and her guard, fending off a flurry of punches. Technically Alina looked to make punches convert to points more than Keeley but to the crowd it looked like Kelely had the better of Alina.
The bout came down to a split decision and to the surprise of the very vocal crowd Alina was victorious. Keeley Stapleton’s corner was clearly disappointed with the decision.
“It was pretty unexpected; split decisions are pretty unpredictable no matter how well you think you did,” said Alina.
“I didn’t feel particularly confident so it was the most nerve-wracking time just before the decision.”
Cliff Rowe from Team Rowe Boxing who organised the event was pleased with the way the night unfolded.
“We had great support from the community and a terrific field of boxers who all performed really well,” said Cliff.
“I was very proud of all my boys who gave it so much in their bouts, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
