John Smurthwaite reports from the ringside

ALTHOUGH the boxing season is still young, Willaston ABC's never-say-die featherweight, Peter Allen, has already had two contests.

His first bout, in a divisional Under-19 match against a London Select at the Moat House Hotel, Liverpool, should have seen him in action against an opponent from Repton ABC.

But he was too light and Wavertree's Neil Bradshaw stepped in. In an evenly matched contest over five two minute rounds, Peter built success behind a solid jab to obtain a majority points win.

A fortnight later, at the St George's Hotel, Liverpool, Peter boxed Salisbury's multi-titled Darren Vlashman, again over five two minute rounds.

Usually a slow starter, Peter came out fast, catching Darren napping in the first 30 seconds and had him under severe pressure. It culminated with a right over the top which dropped Darren for a mandatory eight count.

To his credit, Darren came back and took the second and third rounds with his superior boxing technique, Peter being unable to build anything behind the platform of his left jab.

In the fourth round, Peter closed down on the space he was giving Darren and enjoyed more success with hooks.

The final round was all action as both boys went to finish with a flurry to catch the judges' eyes, but it was Darren who was awarded the spoils with a unanimous points victory.

Peter's good friend, Willaston ABC's Dave Waters, boxed on the same show at lightwelter against Wigan's Mike Murphy over three two minute rounds.

The frantic pace dropped in the second round and Dave took command with solid shots and his ascendancy was illustrated in the third and final round when a powerful right made referee Paddy Kelly administer a standing count with Murphy in trouble.

Dave was good value for his victory - a win which pleased Senior coach Ray Bellis.

Willaston ABC's juniors have not been inactive either, with Jamie Bateman and Mark Bramhall travelling to Cumbria.

Jamie boxed winner of nine bouts Chris Ramshaw and had to pull out all the stops in the third round to gain a majority points verdict.

Mark boxed John Ellerey. He lost the first round, sneaked the second and was on top in the third before being trapped on the ropes, forcing the referee's intervention.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.