Big Joe, Reni primed for their biggest test

Reni Bulyka and Joe Bourne in last four of national championships

EDWIN Cleary, with two fighters from his Leamington gym through to the last four of the national ABA championships, is in confident, buoyant mood.

Super-heavy Big Joe Bourne and youth lightweight hope Reni Bulyka compete in the English development semi finals and finals this weekend. They take place on Saturday and Sunday in Cannock.

Edwin, boss of Clearys Boxing club, said: “Unless they get run over or come down with an illness, they are primed. They are in top shape. I’m confident about both of them.”

Bourne, 6fr 4ins and over 19 stone, received a bye to the semis. Reni, aged 17, outpointed Rahan Hussain, from Bolton, in last weekend’s quarter-finals, staged in Manchester.

The draw for the last four takes place today (Wednesday).

“I don’t care who we get, really,” said Edwin. There’s a boxer from Finchley who beat Joe in the Haringey Cup, but, back then, Joe didn’t get a hotel room until 2.30 in the morning on the day of the fight. I’m confident Joe will beat him this time.

“There’s also a boxer Joe has already stopped and a soldier I know nothing about.

“Reni has grown through the competition, he’s got fitter as it’s progressed. He’s got a six pack now, which he didn’t have when it started.

“It’s going to take a very good boxer to beat either of them.”

A few more major tournaments and 26-year-old Bourne, who has tasted defeat only once in 13 contests, will hang up his vest and box for money. To that end, he spars such accomplished professionals as Frazer Clarke.

Big Joe, whose father Trevor fought for Coventry’s famed Triumph Club, enjoys a big following in the Warwickshire spa town.

“He’s very loveable, people like him,” Edwin said. “He’s the kind of lad you wouldn’t mind your daughter bringing home.

“He’s easy to coach because he’s got that rugby background.”

Reni, also with a sporting background in rugby, has already established himself as a switch-hitting: someone with the ability to box orthodox and southpaw.

Edwin said: “The Midlands semis was amazing as I’ve never seen a novice fight the first two rounds orthodox and the last southpaw.

“Reni wants to go pro, but wants to establish himself as an amateur first.”