Old foe and new prospects

Youngsters Barney Stretton, Declan Cairns and Dylan Clegg all impressed in outings in Hull and Cambridge, where Watson had the opportunity to catch up with Dave ‘Boy’ Green, who is known for his world title fights against Carlos Palomino and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Worksop’s Watson, head coach at Manton ABC, beat Green twice in the 1970s.

The former professional stablemates posed for a photograph together, before Green signed autographs for the Manton boxers and dished out advice.

In the ring, Clegg took on local lad Dan Spring in front of a partisan crowd and had to use his movement to keep out of the way of some big punches in round one.

The second round saw some excellent exchanges between the pair but the Worksop boxer, who trains at Manton Athletic Club, got the upper hand.

And in the final stanza Clegg picked off his opponent, knocking Spring’s head back with jabs and landing big combinations to the body to earn a unanimous points victory.

On 11th May Stretton was in action in a skills bout against an opponent from Sedbergh ACB, surprising his man in round one with his southpaw stance and fast jab. In round two the Manton youngster got caught with right hands but landed fast counter punches.

Round three was all Stretton, and the referee was forced to give his opponent a standing count.

The bout was voted ‘Fight of the Night’ and Stretton took plaudits from the audience.

Cairns was up against a Kingston ABC fighter with home support, and got off to a steady start. Round two was close but Cairns came on strong in the final round, using his jab and angles to win a unanimous decision.