Bideford boxers shine in St Ives with thrilling night of action

Bideford Boxing Club enjoyed an action-packed evening in St Ives, with six of their boxers in action on a lively night of amateur boxing.

Egan Ross made a stunning debut, recording a second-round knockout victory over host boxer Tom Humphries. The 18-year-old heavyweight used his height and reach effectively, remaining composed while weathering early pressure from an aggressive opponent. As the contest settled in the second round, Ross began to land heavy shots, with a right cross forcing a standing count. Showing impressive maturity, he moved in for the finish, unleashing a powerful right hook followed by a left that sent Humphries crashing to the canvas.

Steve Wallace also made his ring debut, stepping between the ropes at the age of 38 against Dylan Kissling of the host club. Kissling started fast, but Wallace’s footwork and sharp jab allowed him to control the distance and pick his opponent off. In the second round, Wallace added a strong right hand behind the jab, knocking Kissling’s gumshield clean out of the ring during a dominant spell. Leading on the cards going into the final round, Wallace was caught by a late right hook just before the bell, forcing the referee to stop the contest. Both boxers were warmly applauded by the crowd for their efforts.

Tucker Mills produced a relentless performance to earn a split points victory over Phoenix Rooney of St Piran’s. Rooney took the opening round by boxing well at range, causing Mills’ power shots to fall short. Mills increased his work rate in the second, closing the distance and targeting the body effectively. The final round proved decisive, with Mills’ superior fitness and aggression helping him overpower the bigger man and secure a deserved win.

James Birch maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive unanimous points victory over the far more experienced Isaac Stock of Exmouth. Birch controlled the opening round with a strong jab before switching his attacks between head and body in the second to great effect. Stock threw everything he had in the final round, but Birch remained disciplined and composed to see out the contest.

Tremayne Reeves delivered a career-best performance despite suffering a narrow split decision defeat to St Ives boxer Kline Rutherford. Reeves impressed early with fast combinations, while Rutherford came back strongly in the second round with clean right crosses as the pace slowed. The final round was a high-quality tactical battle, with both boxers enjoying success and demonstrating excellent skill, leaving the judges with a difficult decision at the final bell.

Daulton Wright completed a strong night for Bideford with a unanimous points win over Max Hughes of Salisbury. The opening round was fiercely contested, with neither boxer willing to give ground. Wright began to take control in the second, doubling up on the jab and boxing well at range. With the contest finely balanced heading into the final round, Wright found an extra gear, landing punishing body shots and sharp combinations to seal the victory.