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'Golden' talents

Dave Lawrenson
13/ 3/2008

BRIDGEWATER Salford Amateur Boxing Club head coach Paul Faulkner is beaming with pride after two of his students effectively became national champions at the weekend.

Marc Leach, aged 13, showed his class to defeat Perry Lovejoy from the famous Repton ABC club 9-2 on points in the 36 kilograms Golden Gloves national final at Nottingley Sports Centre.

Marc has recently been selected to box for England.

And his clubmate Connor Mannion, aged 11, also effectively became a national Golden Gloves champion as there was no one else to fight him in the 34kgs category after he won at the north west counties stage.

But Martin Mongan, aged 16, failed to completed a trio of Bridgewater Salford national titles when he lost to five-times Welsh champion Nico Morrison at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

Martin’s national final curse struck again as he underperformed in the National Young Person Club competition’s 54kgs final and lost 5-2 on points.

It was the third time that Martin has been defeated in national finals.

Head coach Paul said: "I am very proud that two of my boxers have effectively become national champions.

"Marc showed just how good he is in what was a comprehensive points win.

"And Connor can also be classed as a national champion as there was no one left in his category after he won at the north west counties stage.

"It’s just a shame that Martin underperformed in his final. He could have won his fight had he been on form."