Made of Steel: James and Muma Win at Varsity

Sheffield Varsity - a battle of the 2 Sheffield universities across 42 different sports, and the Boxing by far my favourite event of previous years. The Sheffield Octagon was full to capacity, with two rival tribes of Hallam and "Uni of" students creating an electric atmosphere. The Varisty bouts at the end were a frantic affair - with the "8-count" nearing double figures accross the 3 fights. Hallam came short of completing the hat-trick losing 2-1.

An approximate 1000 in attendance makes the Varisty show one of the biggest amateur shows in the country. This creates a great opportunity for other amateur boxers in the region to compete on a big stage. Muma Mweemba, James Linley and Niall Sharp representing Sheffield City ABC, also Combat Conditioning regulars, took to the ring on a great night of boxing. After a valiant effort, Niall lost by unanimous decision, but left the ring with his head held high after a good display of skill and determination. James Linley won his bout by split decision, however many thought he won it quite convincingly. James was the clear aggressor of the bout, dominating the ring for round 1 and 2 by pressuring his opponent to the ropes for the majority of the fight unleashing some good shots in a flurry of combinations. The 4th round was a closer affair, however James showed his fitness by maintaining his high work rate to battle through for the win. 

 

Muma was next up in an elite contest, therefore the use of head guards were prohibited. At a lighter weight category of 65 kg, Muma looked the stronger and quicker from a very game boxer from Grimsby. His opponent was full of confidence throughout the bout, but Muma's skills made sure he was on top over the 3x3 minute rounds. Muma was docked a point by the referee for a clash of heads in the third round, making it a nervy split decision reading from the MC. Despite a differentiation in perception of the fight, Muma came away with the win following a convincing display.







Following his win in the Yorkshire final the previous week, Leon Moulds was also in action at the weekend, competing in the quarter-finals of the National Schoolboy Championships. Leon performed really well and was the more active in the 37 kg contest, but unfortunately did not get his hand raised by the referee. Leon should be proud of what he has achieved in the past few months, becoming Yorkshire champion at his first championships and making huge steps in the boxing gym and weights room. He also smashed the testing a few weeks ago, showing potential in his physical capabilities as well as his technical ones.

Overall, a great weekend for Combat Conditioning. We had a quieter session in the gym due to competition but this allowed more 1 to 1 time with members of the group. The regulars have made substantial improvements in their movement and mobility, therefore have started to load up on key compound lifts allowing for some strength gains.

I should be arranging feedback sessions for the individual testing results this week. So stay tuned for available times and dates coming up in the next few weeks.

Thanks

Danny Wilson BSc ASCC