Leamington lads in Haringey Cup action

Aman Kumar…came home with a silver medal

LEAMINGTON fighters performed well at the major Haringey Box Cup, staged at Alexandra Palace, London, last weekend.

Aman Kumar, from Edwin Cleary’s gym – a sweat-shop that bursts with talent, certainly looks one to watch.

He made a statement by beating highly regarded Callum Seedhouse in the lightweight semis, but came up short in the final against Mikey Evans (Rotunda). It was a cracking, see-saw battle won by Evans on a split decision.

Kumar, aged 17, felt an injustice was done, but further glory surely awaits the Warwickshire lad. Aman has lost just six of 29 bouts and represented England.

He said: “I thought I won, but I’m not going to dwell on it.”

Cleary’s 33-year-old light-middle, Gary Mandhiza, fought well, but was outpointed in his first bout by a Navy representative.

Edwin’s other hope, super-heavy Joe Guest Bourne, featured in possibly the best bout of the weekend tournament. He and his Finchley opponent traded punches non-stop on day one. Joe lost out, but showed real character.

Henry Faizey….looked so unlucky to lose out

For Henry Faizey, a highly regarded light-welter from Derek Fitzpatrick’s gym, there was heartbreak and controversy.

The 18-year-old, from Stratford, lost out on a wafer-thin 3-2 decision to Amoot Farooq of Yorkshire Boxing. Many felt reigning Midlands champ Faizey should’ve been better rewarded for his precise punching.

Derek certainly felt his fighter did enough and told me: “I’m honestly gutted.” Others have described the decision to me as baffling.