A Winning Weekend

It's been a busy weekend for Boxing in the steel city with Coldwell, Hennessy and Dennis Hobson putting on shows at Ice Sheffield, Ponds Forge and The Octagon, respectively. These shows included some Combat Conditioning regulars. We also had some of our junior boxers competing in amateur shows across the country, meaning we had 7 regulars competing over the past few days. I am very proud to say that we had 6 out of 7 win, with impressive performances across the board. Also in action was Sheffield Super-bantamweight Kid Galahad, who added the Commonwealth crown to his already impressive CV. The current European champion has been working in the labs at Sheffield Hallam University with physiologist Alan Ruddock. Alan's role is to structure treadmill interventions and physiological assessments to optimise Barry's physical condition when preparing for his big fights. Here are some headlines from a very successful weekend: 

Steel City Assassin Does The Job 

 
After a frustrating couple of weeks, David Howe finally got his chance in the ring to continue his heavyweight journey. The Steel City Assassin fought Ladislav Kovarik from the Czech Republic, who has come against the likes of Hughie Fury, Martin Rogan, Matt Skelton and Richard Towers. Although these names contributed towards his 17 losses, the Czech had 10 wins to his record with 5 knockouts. Howe used his size and reach advantage by continuously connecting with stiff left jabs. Kovarik's offence consisted of charges at Howe whilst throwing overhand rights. Dave moved and covered up well, keeping his opponent out of reach. As the rounds passed, Howe's punches were coming nicely together started to carry a bit more sting, rocking Kovarik on numerous occasions. Dave finished the fight in the blue corner, with a series of right hands getting through and eventually flooring Kovarik with a right uppercut. A third round knockout win is what Dave deserved after a professional display.

Atif Bangs His Way To 11-0

 
Atif Shafiq has had the perfect learning experience for the start of his career in the paid ranks, with ten wins against very experienced journeymen. His 11th bout came against a very tricky customer in Andrejs Podusovs, who was very game boxer looking for the win. Podusovs constantly came forward, challenging Atif's ability to cope with pressure. As the fight progressed, Atif gained confidence and countered Podusovs attacks with straight shots as well as left hooks. Despite Atif displaying no fear in going toe to toe, he remained disciplined by stepping back and picking his shots. A very high intensity was maintained for the duration of the fight, with Atif looking the much stronger in the closing stages. A fantastic bout, with Atif showing he has the will as well as the skill!

Successful Second Mission for Nassa Boxing

 
Pharys and Ramzy Nassa, two of the five Nassa brothers attending Combat Conditioning, were in action Saturday night at Sheffield Octagon in their second professional fights. Ramzy was up first, coming up against David Kvaratskhelia. Coincidentally, the Georgian was a former foe of brother Pharys in his debut fight. Ramzy won the bout with a points decision. The 'Fresh Prince' also recorded a points victory over another Georgian Khvicha Gigolashvili. The Nassa's are the most frequent attendee's to the Saturday sessions, and I would say the most improved in their movement and strength. They were the first boxers to reach the Gold program, we are looking forward to a productive summer making some serious progress with big lifts. 
 

Niall and Josh Are Just Two Sharp 

The Sharp cousins, Niall and Josh, have been Combat Conditioning regulars for the past 8 months. During this time, they have shown significant improvements in movement and are currently working through the Junior Silver Program on the 'Combat Conditioning Graduation' scheme. The lads both won their bouts by unaninous points decisions over the past few days. I was not present for the fights, but after seeing the lads sparring earlier on in the week I have noticed some definitive improvements. Josh's movement has become quicker and more tactful whereas Niall looks physically stronger. Well-deserved winning end to the season, keep up the good work. 

Leon's Unlucky in Liverpool

 
Yorkshire schoolboy champion Leon Moulds, who is another great example for our Junior program, boxed on Sunday in Liverpool. Unfortunately Leon did not get the points decision he hoped for against a national finalist in his own backyard. However, Leon should be proud after boxing really well against one of the best in the country. He has made great progress on the Combat Conditioning program and we look forward to a productive summer to further develop his athleticism. Enjoy the Yorkshire training camp Leon.

There's No Stopping The Kid

 
Barry Awad, famously known as Kid Galahad, added the Commonwealth super-bantamweight title to his glittering résumé with a classy display against Australia's Fred Mundraby. Following his last two fights for the British and European belts, Barry looked more than comfortable in the Oz's company, finding repeated success with combinations and smoothly switching stance. Mundraby looked puzzled by Galahad's style and eventually ran out of ideas, leading him to quit on his stool and allowing Barry to continue on his journey to the top. 

As a strength and conditioning coach, I love it when an athlete I work with sees marked improvements in strength, speed or movement etc. But there is nothing more rewarding than seeing athletes be successful at their sports, especially in Boxing when you consider the high levels of training loads and effort they have to endure. As we approach the closing stages of the season, the majority of the lads have had a positive end to the season. This momentum should be carried into summer training, making sure we have a fitter, faster and stronger start to next season. 

Thanks

Danny Wilson BSc ASCC