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Sheerness' Apex Boxing Academy return from prestigious Barum Box Cup in Devon with gold and double bronze

The Apex Boxing Academy were in the medals at the Barum Box Cup - one of the UK’s most prestigious competitions.

Among the pool of talent on the Devon coast at Ilfracombe were three teenagers representing the academy. Despite it being their first time out at elite level, they managed to return to the Sheerness gym with a gold and two bronze medals.

Apex Boxing Academy coaches Lloyd Allibone and Kyle Rayner with Barum Box Cup winner Gracie Taylor
Apex Boxing Academy coaches Lloyd Allibone and Kyle Rayner with Barum Box Cup winner Gracie Taylor

Bringing home gold was Gracie Taylor, 13, who competed in the under-52kg category against a tough opponent from Wales.

Taylor won her bout by a unanimous decision and landed heavy, clean shots throughout.

On the second day of the event, Finley Esty-O’Reilly, 14, and Thomas O’Connell, 15, found themselves boxing against much more experienced opponents for a place in the finals.

They both showed they deserved to be at that level but, despite their best efforts, the experience prevailed in later rounds of otherwise-close bouts, seeing both boys securing bronze.

Coach Kyle Rayner praised his team of boxers and coaches.

Apex Boxing Academy's bronze winners Finley Esty-O'Reilly and Thomas O'Connell
Apex Boxing Academy's bronze winners Finley Esty-O'Reilly and Thomas O'Connell

He said: “What an achievement for a small Island club. We only joined the ranks of England Boxing last season, so for these boxers to push on and all secure medals at such a prestigious tournament is a credit to them and their dedication.

“We take our boxers all around the country to give them the best opportunities to succeed in the sport, but they are the ones dedicating themselves to achieve such great things so early on in their journeys.

“We had great travelling support from family, friends and coaches and it was an amazing weekend for all involved.

"It’s the first of many plans we have to help put Island boxing back on the map.”

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