Boxing: Mitchell eyes national title on home territory
MITCHELL Roberts will have home support in the biggest fight of his fledgling career when he competes in the CYP national finals at the King's Hall in Stoke on December 6.
The 16-year-old from Fegg Hayes will take on Lewis Edmonson of Southampton, having earned a shot at the title with an impressive victory over Thomas Hart in Sunderland.
Hart, from Liverpool, is a former ABA champion who has boxed for England.
But Roberts showed why he is rated as one of the brightest young talents on the circuit as he out-boxed his opponent to win a unanimous verdict in the 71-75kg division.
GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH A GOLDEN SPRAY TAN .
WHETHER YOU WANT A NATURAL GLOW OR A DEEP BRONZE, COME AND GET YOUR TAN AT KEIDO HAIR AND BEAUTY.
£17 OR 2 FOR £25.50
Terms: QUOTE SPRAY TAN WEB OFFER WHEN BOOKING IN
Contact: 01782 917918
Valid until: Saturday, August 31 2013
The 6ft 3in Hart had a 5in height advantage, but Roberts worked on staying close to his opponent so he couldn't be picked off by his jab.
Roberts' trainer, Tom Lowe, rates him as one of the most talented youngsters he has worked with, and says the teenager deserves his chance to compete for the title on home turf.
Lowe added: "It's fantastic to have this fight in Stoke. Mitchell has done a lot of travelling to get to this stage.
"He's fought in Leicester, Scunthorpe and London, and he was up against a very good fighter in Sunderland last weekend.
"But Mitchell fought the perfect fight. In fact, he fought like a professional.
"He's worked hard and been very disciplined to get this far, and now we are hoping for lots of support in Stoke for the final.
"His opponent will be another England international, but Mitchell is full of confidence now having just beaten one of the top fighters in the country."
Meanwhile, Tom Lowe Boxing Club is staging a show at Goldenhill WMC tomorrow, starting at 7.30pm.
There will be 16 bouts as Lowe showcases the best of his senior fighters and promising juniors.
For further details about the show, contact Tom Lowe on 07713 637409.
EXCITING Fenton prospect Nathan Heaney will gain further experience when he takes part in the first round of the Redditch Cup on Saturday.
The 23-year-old already has 78 bouts to his name and showed his potential when he out-boxed former national champion Michael Pardoe in October.
The 67kg fighter is tipped for a bright future by his coaches at Stoke Staffs YMCA Boxing Club.
Club secretary Elizabeth Buxton said: "The coaches feel he could win the ABAs this year.
"There is no stopping him at the minute, he is the most improved boxer we have ever had.
"He listens and never stops learning, his ability is undoubted as he is facing top class opponents every time."
Meanwhile, the Stoke YMCA club have thanked everyone who supported their home show on November 15.
The sold-out show featured 14 bouts, and 10 home victories from the 11 Stoke YMCA fighters on the bill.
MICHAEL BAGGALEY
Comments
by oatcake_eater
Thursday, November 29 2012, 9:33AM
“Hands up, chin down and best of luck !!”