Frustration for Kilgannon camp

Boxing:

A LONG return trek to the south coast proved to be a frustrating one for Oldham’s Boarshaw Gym starlet Jack Kilgannon and trainer Ben Lancaster.

Having travelled to the Portsmouth Leisure Centre to take on West Ham ABC’s Jordan Reynolds in the National ABA Boys’ Clubs’ Class ‘C’ final, 18-year-old Kilgannon lost in controversial fashion.

After watching a thrilling three, three-minute round contest, Lancaster said: “Jack didn’t get the decision despite almost everyone inside the arena believing he’d won it.

“It was an absolutely brilliant fight, one of the best amateur bouts I’ve seen in many years.

“Jack went toe-to-toe with a really tough opponent, and in the second round Reynolds’ legs went and we thought he’d be given an eight-count.

“That didn’t happen, but then Jack was forced to take a count in the third when it seemed harsh.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get any help from the officials. There was nobody in there supporting us.

“It’s so disappointing, but after the dust had settled Jack and I sat down and we talked about just how brilliantly he had fought. He put in a great performance. We’ll get over this. These things happen in boxing.”

Sixteen-year-old Will Cawley has become the Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre’s first national champion.

Cawley won the ABA Boys’ Clubs’ class ‘B’ king after beating Nathan Brown from the tough Hooks Gym in London over three gruelling rounds.