Matt Van Emmenis wins again

Bideford’s Matt Van Emmenis went into the lion’s den in Bristol to score an outstanding victory over National Smelting boxer Tyler Davies.

Davies is rarely seen to be beaten and showed his class in the first round, using his longer reach and good footwork. But Van Emmenis rose to the occasion in the second and used controlled aggression to get inside his opponent and launch some fast flurries.

The Bideford boxer needed a big last round to take the fight against the home favourite and set out at a frantic pace, with big shots to his opponent’s head, one big left hook leaving him struggling to stay on his feet.

Van Emmenis upset the odds with a points victory, his fifth wins in six bouts this season and his only loss a controversial one to national finalist Ryan Wheeler.

Barnstaple boxers Kai Avery, Mitch Turner and Harry Sugars travelled to Gloucester to box on the Synwell ABC show at the Lister Hall in Dursley.

There was frustration for 64kg Junior ABA semi-finalist Sugars, whose opponent withdrew through illness, leaving the Barnstaple boxer without a warm-up fight before he takes on Welsh champion Rhys Geishiemer in the Barnstaple club’s own show at the Pannier Market on June 10.

Debutant Mitch Turner had a torrid time in his first bout against the home club’s Kieron Edgeworth. Outgunned in the height and weight departments, Turner struggled to get close to his man and was picked off by long range shots. At the end of the second round the Barnstaple corner withdrew their man. He will have a better chance to showcase his skills at the home show when he takes on someone more his own size in Wallace Atwell from Weston-Super-Mare.

Last up, Kai Avery was in non-stop action against the Synwell favorite Keelan Morris. Fast developing an all-out attacking style, Avery refused to let the big punching Morris settle, throwing clusters of punches from all angles, despite of being caught by some big shots.The bout continued at an exhausting pace set by Avery throughout the three rounds, so it came as a big disappointment when Morris’ hand was raised as winner at the final bell - tempered slightly by being awarded bout of the evening. Avery will also be in action again at ther Barnstaple show, taking on Weymouth’s Fabian Peterkin.

Tickets for the Barnstaple show are available from the Corner House, Barnstaple Gym or by calling Mark Simpson on 07749231121.