Title dreams alive after cancelled '˜threat to life' event
Team Wiseman’s Tyler Hallawell, Gosport’s Amy Cooper and Heart of Portsmouth’s (HOP) Paris Williams have been handed back their dreams of fighting for national titles.
The final stages of the competition were dramatically cancelled in the city last month over a ‘threat to life’.
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Hide AdOrganisers took advice from the police to pull the plug on the event, and dash the ambitions of the youngsters aiming for glory.
Now it has been reorganised for this weekend – but will take place at Birtley ABC in Gateshead.
Hallawell will have to box twice to secure his title with the northern finals already staged.
The 15-year-old meets Pinewood Starr’s Andrew Taylor before the winner tackles Darlington’s William Ward on Sunday.
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Hide AdHis coach, Daron Wiseman, explained Hallawell thought his hopes of glory had been dashed.
He said: ‘Tyler thought he was out of the competition.
‘But they’ve sorted it out and we’re in still. That’s what matters.
‘We’ve carried on training and have been flat out since it was cancelled.
‘We’ve had to keep Tyler’s spirits up and keep him at the weight. That’s not easy.
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Hide Ad‘Taylor’s a good, strong kid and they always produce strong boxers at that club.
‘Ward beat Tyler last year in the final and is unbeaten in 17 bouts. We know what he’s about.
‘So, it’s going to be tough.
‘But this is Tyler’s life. He’s in it to win and he’s ready.’
Cadet champion Cooper is aiming for another title as she goes up against England international Georgia O’Connor tomorrow.
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Hide AdShe meets the Brandon Boxing Club talent at 70kg in the junior competition.
And pushing towards an England call-up will be an extra motivation, according to coach Darren Blair.
He said: ‘Amy wants that belt.
‘She has been boxing in Sheffield (at the English Institute of Sport) and knows the girl she has to beat.
‘Amy knows she’s in with a good shot and wants to box for England. She knows what she has to do.’
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Hide AdWilliams will travel the length of the country along with father Terry Williams and HOP coach Colin Brown to meet Chadderton’s Ellie Hibbert at 48kg.
The 14-year-old is ready for her chance, according to HOP’s Q Shillingford.
He said: ‘Paris was disappointed when she lost the chance to box in front of her home crowd.
‘But she now finally has the chance to become champion.
‘It’s been a massive club involvement from all our boxers and coaches to get her ready.’