The University of Brighton arguably had its most successful year of boxing in 2010/11 which culminated in the club winning the University of Brighton's Most Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2011 Sports Awards Dinner. This year with 4 boxers from the University of Brighton Boxing Team through to the BUCS finals, they were optimistic for a good medal haul in Sheffield and the success to continue.
First up was Welterweight and club Vice Captain Amber Withers (PE QTS Yr 3) against Sara Tabasum of Bradford University. The first 2 rounds were close with both boxers working well behind a well-schooled jab. In the final round, Tabasum managed to score the cleaner shots and ended up taking a well deserved victory and BUCS gold. This was Amber's 3rd bout and she did herself and the university proud against a heavier and more experienced opponent.
Bantamweight (Sport Coaching Yr2) Ryan Conaghan was up against the 3 times BUCS champion from Kingston University, Malik. Ryan boxed out of his skin executing the agreed tactics perfectly to choose his moments to attack landing to head and body. The champion was reeling for the first 2 rounds but managed to pull his boxing together in the 3rd to land some strong, quick shots. Mazik winning on a Unanimous decision. This shows how far Ryan has come, matching it with a more experienced opponent.
A tall order was also in store for Reigning BUCS champion (Master's student) Taka Yamagishi against unbeaten Lewis Adam from Anglia Ruskins University. Taka was defensively fantastic and chose his attacked well, running out to a 9-6 victory. An excellent 2nd gold for Taka who got everything right on the night.
Finally up was Connor Sturt (Sport Science Yr 1) in the Welter weight 10-20's bout final against A. Martin of Essex University. Conceding height and weight, Connor could not get to grips with his taller opponent's jab and back hand. With Connor more suited to the lightwelter category, martin took a unanimous decision.
Brighton's boxing coach Adam Haniver said 'the boxers have been fantastic all year long and have applied themselves with dedication, skill and courage in a sport that is so mentally and physically sapping. I'm very proud of how they have all developed and know with their collective team attitude, they will go on to even greater achievements.'