Amateur boxing: Denbigh do North Wales proud in national finals with Harri Watkin crowned Welsh champion
Pride of Bala Harri Watkin Jones has become a national boxing champion.
The 20-year-old member of Denbigh and District Amateur Boxing Club won the Welsh Elite Novice Championship 71 kg title at the weekend.
In the final, Harri boxed superbly to win a unanimous decision over Cameron Walker of the Premier ABC club, Swansea.
A club steeped in great tradition when it comes to winning national titles, Denbigh and District ABC showcased its prowess by entering five talented boxers into the highly regarded national novice championships.
The preliminary rounds and quarter-finals were held at the Plas Madoc Leisure Centre in Acrefair, Wrexham, where hundreds of quality boxers from across Wales provided an electrifying display of skill, fitness, discipline and determination.
The boxers from Denbigh and District ABC showed remarkable tenacity and skill throughout their matches.
Harri Watkin Jones, along with Harry Windsor (St Asaph) and brothers Tomos Evans and Seth Evans (Denbigh), all shone in the ring, advancing to the semi-finals in Ebbw Vale, South Wales.
Scott O’Shaughnessy (Ruthin) secured a direct route to the semis when his opponent pulled out of the competition.
SEMI-FINALS
Ebbw Vale became a battleground as Denbigh and District ABC and other North Wales clubs squared off against contenders from across the whole of Wales in the exhilarating semi-finals on February 24 and 25.
Tom Evans, weighing in at 63.5kg, set the tone with a masterful display, outmanoeuvring his rival from Merlin’s Bridge, Haverfordwest, with grace and precision, securing Denbigh’s first place in the championship final.
Seth Evans took to the ring at 57kg, unleashing a barrage of blows over three great rounds against his opponent from Always ABC in Newport.
Despite Seth’s fantastic performance, victory was not his on the day.
O’Shaughnessy, 63.5kg, and Windsor (67kg) fought fiercely in their respective bouts, their skills and fitness dazzling even in defeat against opponents from Maerdy ABC and Gilfach Goch ABC.
However, the tide turned again with Harri Watkin at 71kg, delivering a superb performance against his Mold ABC counterpart, clinching victory with a resounding first-round stoppage, securing his place in the championship final alongside Tom Evans.
FINALS
Tom Evans faced off against a tall opponent from Caerau Ely ABC in Cardiff, showcasing his prowess with a flurry of body and head shots and great movement during the 3 rounds, but unfortunately did not get the win.
Hope soared with Harri Watkin Jones, who dominated in his bout, delivering a great performance and powerful shots, earning a unanimous decision victory over Swansea’s Walker, thereby becoming the 2024 Welsh 71kg Boxing Novice Champion.
Denbigh and District ABC were proud to have five boxers do so well in the championship with one becoming a Welsh champion.
The dedication and perseverance displayed by each boxer reflected not only their individual prowess but also the unwavering support and guidance of coaches Peter Mackie, Nathan Hanika, Neil Evans, Les Jones, and Tony Murphy.
The club gave a big thanks to Janes Evans and Kay Murphy for supporting the team over the weekend and extended heartfelt gratitude to Jones Bros. Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co. Ltd for their steadfast support and unwavering commitment, acknowledging their pivotal role in the club’s success.
Coach Tony Murphy said: “It’s great to have a local company like Jones Bros by our side. Their contribution to our success has been an absolute game-changer for us.”
Denbigh and District ABC invites sponsorship enquiries, encouraging prospective supporters to contact Tony Murphy at 07768 375714.