Memorable weekend for Fitzpatricks gym

Tommy Lee and Solomon Hafid after their contest

A FINE weekend for Leamington’s Fitzpatricks gym, with both past and present fighters shining brightly.

At Bell Green, Coventry, on Saturday the amateur club notched-up two victories. Tommy Lee, aged 14 and 48 kg, boxed smartly to unanimously outpoint Solomon Hafid (Southpaw ABC, West Brom).

Fifteen-year-old Sam Stretton, 64 kg, showed composure and maturity to survive an early storm of leather from Atherstone’s George Coyle. He imposed himself on the contest with each round and registered a stoppage in the third.

Coach Gage Singh was full of praise for both lads. He said: ‘Tommy is a raw but definite talent, he won and won well against a talented lad.

“Sam Stretton came under intense and immediate pressure, but got through it and showed maturity and calmness.”

There was disappointment for Fitzpatricks’ debutant Oscar Marsh. His opponent fell ill after weighing-in and had to withdraw at the last minute.

Sam Stretton, Gage Singh, Oscar Marsh and Tommy Lee

On Sunday at Coventry’s Triumph Standard show, 20-year-old Davey Boswell (69kg) lost out by a whisker to Kassias Marren (Spit N Sawdust, Banbury), but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

Fitzpatricks boss Derek Fitzpatrick said: “Both sets of coaches were happy with their boxers’ performances. We agreed it would make a great return, one not fuelling by revenge but respect. Both boxers gained that for each other.”

Davey Boswell…split decision loss

The weekend was capped by Jess Barry, who formerly trained at Fitzpatricks, winning the pro English featherweight title. She outpointed Chelsey Arnell at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, to take the belt. She retains strong links with the gym.

Derek said: “If ever a boxer deserves success, it’s Jess. Her dedication to the sport is second to none and on par with the very best.”

With two more shows before the festive break, the gym is finishing the year strongly