SOME of the region’s leading amateur boxers followed up their strong showing at the Senior Elite Championships with a series of impressive displays at the Tri Nations Championship, writes Peter Mann.

Birtley’s talented stable of fighters once again led the way as Callum French (56kg), Pat McCormack (64kg) and Cyrus Pattinson (69kg) all claimed notable victories.

French triumphed via a walkover decision in the final, but McCormack and Pattinson both had challenging affairs to overcome in their semi-finals and final.

Pattinson claimed his first title as an amateur when he defeated first Wales’ Kieran Gethin in the semis then Scotland’s Dennis Broadhurst in the final, both via unanimous decisions. 

It was bittersweet for the Birtley fighter as most expected England’s Connor Loftus to progress against Broadhurst in the semis and set up what would have been an enticing all-England final.

Pattinson said: “We knew going in that this was going to be a tough group of lads for the final four.

“I think people were disappointed though that it wasn’t me against Loftus in the final for a big showdown, I believe that would have been great. For me though I’m happy that I’ve had the opportunity to pull on the England vest, not only that but I’ve managed to win my first title as well.

“I had an off day at the Senior Elite finals and now I’ve proved that I am number one.”

Middlesbrough’s Joe Maphosa gained a bye to the final of the 49kg category, but was beaten by Scotland’s Aqeel Ahmed in what proved the only blip on an otherwise successful day for the region.

Hartlepool was represented by the famed Barmy Army, and they weren’t disappointed in the 60kg category as Adam Cope, younger brother of professional boxer Peter and Daniel, took gold. Both of Adam’s bouts were won via unanimous decision as he dismissed Scotland’s Stephen Tiffney then England’s Jack Wood to much acclaim.

The other victor was Senior Elite champion and Darlington’s rising star, Troy Williamson, in the 75kg category.

Having been guided for a number of years by Darlington Boxing Club’s Andy Marksby, the fighter is showing immense promise and composure on his way through the ranks.

“Troy has come out of the shadows a lot recently and is a welcome addition to a few England lads we have from the club this season,” said Marksby.

“There’s no messing around with him. He’s an absolute joy and lives the boxing life right to the letter. I’d say it all changed for him about three years ago and the past couple of seasons he’s just flown really. He’s set high standards and it’s paying off.”

Williamson won a tough semi via split decision against Scotland’s Kieran Smith and had too much for Wales’ Jamie Evans in the final. With both fighters being southpaws it was a challenge for Williamson, but one he overcame to claim Tri Nations gold.

“Smith was really awkward, a difficult customer, more so when he came in close,” said Williamson. “He’s been to the Commonwealths and his experience showed.”

With Darlington continuing to churn out champions, Williamson will head to Germany for a training camp early next month.