BOXING: Kings Heath's Eithan James claims east midlands title

James was fighting over three three-minute rounds and eventually secured an emphatic unanimous points victory against Jimmy Connors of Prospects ABC.

The Kings Heath boxer earned the win with a confident display of accurate punching against the tall, rangy Connors, who was full of confidence before the fight.

James highlighted the gulf in class from the outset as he took control from the opening bell.

He dominated the ring with quality footwork as he controlled the bout over the nine-minute duration

“Eithan has grown into this weight category and is stronger now than he has ever been,” said Kings Heath head coach Arthur Daly.

“He finds a way to win but this was particularly pleasing as he found his rythmn early on.

“His hand speed and timing was terrific and he leaves nothing to chance.

“The gym work that he has been putting in has continually paid dividends.”

Meanwhile, Rees Cowdell produced an outstanding performance as he overcame Jackson Purdy (Braunstone) in a thrilling youth contest.

Cowdell claimed a unanimous and richly-deserved points win.

“Rees can be extremely proud of himself,” Daly said.

“Only 18 months ago he came to our gym weighing 74kg and on Saturday he boxed at 56kg.

“He has shed this weight through dogged determination.

“He was in our beginners’ class for over a year and he didn’t win an exchange in sparring, but he has stuck to it, listened and absorbed advice.

“He stands for everything that this club hopes to provide for the community.

“We were made up for him and his achievement is a fine example to anyone starting out in any sport.

“He believed he would box and ultimately he did - in some style.”

Winning debut for Far Cotton’s James Lauder

FAR COTTON ABC fighter James Lauder made his debut at Essington WMC in Wolverhampton last weekend and won on a unanimous decision.

Lauder proved too strong for Louis Falvey from Willenhall ABC.

And Far Cotton head coach John Daly was very happy with the southpaw, who has only been in the gym for nine months.

“He has listened and performed well during his time in the gym and I knew he was ready for his first contest,” Daly said.

On the same bill, Far Cotton’s Finley Hunter also won on a unanimous decision, beating Dylan Bone of Darlaston ABC.

It was the Far Cotton fighter’s second win in his two contests to date.

Lauder and Hunter will both be performing the show at Far Cotton WMC on Friday, February 9.