The Merseyside/Cheshire Schoolboy championships that took place on Sunday were the final leg of an exhausting boxing weekend. Arriving early, the majority of the pre-action conversations were focused on Tony Dodson's massive effort at the previous night's Prizefighter tournament. A photo of Dodson's battered eye had made its way to my phone and each person who viewed it made the same squinted-eye grimace.
John Rice, Dodson's long-time amateur mentor was immensely proud of his former student's effort. "He done okay didn't he? Asked the Gemini ABC coach, "After the [Paul] Smith fight, I thought it might have been time for him to pack it in but I think I might have been wrong after last night. He's got himself into a good position now and I'd like to see a fight between him and [Danny] Macintosh."
Rice was shortly placed back in his favoured corner position as the Speke club featured in two of the opening four bouts. Jake Harrison was beaten by Stockbridge's Bradley Johnson, whilst Alex Pattison continued to show why he must be considered a favourite for the competition as he used his obvious strength advantage to eliminate the threat of Golden Gloves' stylish youngster, Kieran Sutton. Pattison has caught my eye on both occasions I've watched him, the kid certainly has potential.
The category for those born in 1996 was blatantly dominated by Paul Stevenson's booming Red Triangle club in devastating fashion. Six boxers with six victories is a sensational standard for the Everton institution to be hitting and it's a testament to the sheer hard work and dedication provided by the knowledgeable E.R.T. staff.
Andrew Cain, one of my boxers to look out for in 2011, had to rely on his vast array of skill and speed as he was given a tough test by Vauxhall's Ethan Bibby. Bibby had moderate success with his quick back hand but he was unable to maintain his attacks against the energetic Cain.
Meshech Russell, another Triangle star, was the day's standout performer for me as his rapid win over the unfortunate Charlie Read was done in the manner that remains in the memory for a sustained period. Patient and precise, Russell walked down his opponent and landed a textbook body shot which felled the rangy Higherside talent. For the second time in the competition, the Toxteth Terror had stopped his opponent with only seconds on the clock.
A lot of fuss has been made about Russell's developed physique and strength but that should only be called into question if he is using that size difference to bully and maul his opponent. Russell is a highly-talented kid who seems to have mastered the basics and is more than capable of picking a quality shot when required. Combine the natural skill with his blessed strength then it's fair to assume that the kid has a good chance of going a long way.
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