Boxing: Anthony Ward beats Ryan Fletcher at the Ashford ABC dinner show in Kent
Published: 12 May, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT
Top junior prospect Anthony Ward continued to reign in the ring on Saturday when he stepped between the ropes at the Ashford ABC dinner show in Kent
THE 16-year-old, who trains at Islington Boxing Club in Upper Holloway, took on home-grown favourite Ryan Fletcher in a 61kg contest over three rounds.
Ward held the centre of the ring in the opening round as he worked well behind a solid jab, reinforced with commanding bodyshots.
In the second round Fletcher put together some quick-fire combinations, but Ward showed tremendous experience as he slipped, blocked and countered masterfully to stay in charge of the bout.
The Islington fighter added the finishing touches to a great display in the third and final round as he picked apart his opponent with ease to earn a unanimous verdict from the judges.
Club-mate Stephanie Louis-Fernand wrapped up a magnificent weekend when she captured a London ABA title on Sunday at Feltham Community College in Hounslow.
The talented welterweight outclassed Elmbridge’s Sara Jane Gaith, forcing her corner to retire her after only one round. Louis-Fernand started quickly, forced her opponent onto the back foot as she unloaded with two-handed attacks.
Switching her punches beautifully from head and body, the referee was forced to issue a standing count to Gaith, who was saved by the bell only for corner to call a halt to the action.