TWO members of the Launceston Amateur Boxing Club braved the snowy conditions and travelled over to Blandford in Dorset on Saturday February 7, to face opponents on the Blandford Amateur Boxing Club's open show. Surprisingly there was a large turnout considering the harsh weather conditions.

First on for the Launceston club was James Hobson (15) who boxed Frankie Nicoll (15) from Penhill ABC in Swindon. In only his third outing, the Launceston boy looked to have his work cut out against a tall puncher from Swindon.

James wasn't phased and from the opening bell he took control over the centre of the ring with a well-timed jab and body shots. James judged his distances perfectly, negating his opponent's longer reach and began to push his opponent back to the ropes where upon James would unleash a viscous two-fisted attack scoring to head and body.

The second and third rounds were very much as the first with James boxing very intelligently landing the odd right uppercut and scoring well with straight shots to the head and body. This was a very good display of boxing skills from the Launceston boy who boxed his way to a unanimous points victory and is definitely one to watch out for in the future.

Next up for the Launceston club was Craig Charnock (17) who faced Luke Willis (17) from Gosport ABC in Hampshire. Once again the Launceston boy was up against it boxing an opponent with twice the experience making his 25th appearance in the ring.

From the opening bell Craig started fast, putting pressure on the Gosport boy connecting with long jabs and clean right crosses keeping his opponent on the back foot and not allowing him to settle. Luke was no mug and try hard to weather the storm and was glad to hear the bell to end the round.

Craig knew the Gosport boy was going to come out 'all guns blazing' and was ready, firing back with three and four punch combinations to the head and body and once again forcing Luke on to the back foot. Part way through this round the Launceston boxer connected with a solid steep right to Luke's jaw causing the referee to jump in and give Luke a standing eight count after which, Craig kept the pressure on scoring heavily to the head and body. Once again the referee was forced to intervene and give another standing eight count after Craig landed a thunderous overhand right to the jaw of the Gosport boxer who was then saved by the bell to end the second round.

The final round saw Craig carry on from where he left off unleashing a viscous two-fisted assault to the head and body of the Gosport boxer whose corner then threw in the towel to save him from any further punishment and Craig being declared the winner.