BOXING: Silver lining for James as he impresses in European Championships

Kings Heath ABC's Eithan James has earned a hugely impressive silver medal in the European Championships in Kakau in Hungary.
Eithan James shows off his silver medalEithan James shows off his silver medal
Eithan James shows off his silver medal

James lost out on the gold medal to Alex Baki, in a bout which the Hungarian fighter won on a split decision.

The Kings Heath boxer was representing England and had already eased past champions from Kosova, Poland, Ukraine and Armenia with unanimous point victories before reaching the final.

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These stunning performances pleased the England team through what had been a very tough and physically demanding competition for all of the young boxers involved.

James received praise from many who witnessed his fights, one of whom was his team manager, Tyrone Harold.

James’ season has finished with him being crowned as a double national champion as well as a Tri Nations champion, but he can count himself very unlucky not to have picked up the gold medal in Hungary.

“Eithan set out to win a medal and this was our main objective,” said Kings Heath head coach Arthur Daly.

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“In the run up to this he put in a tremendous amount of time and effort with all of the Kings Heath team and ultimately the sacrifices and his sustained efforts have paid dividends.”

Meanwhile, James’s club-mate James Button claimed a unanimous points victory over Chesterfield scrapper Roman Price.

In what was a thrilling 70kg contest Button, who was making his debut for Kings Heath, showed some smooth and classy skills in a tough but convincing win.

“James is a work in progress, but he’s a young man with a very bright future,” Daly said.

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“We needed to get a good bout before the season ended to see if all the intensity was paying off.

“We are very happy with the outcome!”

Manager Jon Pegg reckons Northampton middleweight Drew Brown is one to watch, writes Matthew Bozeat.

Pegg has a stable of champions and contenders and believes that in time, Brown will also break through.

The 20-year-old from Far Cotton made a winning start to his professional career at the Deco in April, outpointing Kevin McCauley over four rounds.

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He’s back in action in Solihull on Saturday, July 9 and, according to Pegg, fight fans at the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre could be watching a future champion.

“Drew is only young and we look at him as a long-term project,” said Pegg.

“He’s got all the qualities you need to develop into a good fighter.

“He’s brave, tough, has good skills from working with (Far Cotton coach) John (Daly) and the right attitude as well.”

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Brown, sponsored by A1 County Couriers, trains with Pegg and Spencer McCracken in Birmingham twice a week and also with Daly at the Far Cotton ABC gym on Towcester Road.

Daly says he’s been pleased with Brown ahead of his four-round fight with 27-year-old Kent boxer Sonny Whiting next month.

Tickets for the show in Solihull are available from the Far Cotton gym on Towcester Road.

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