Boxing: Deva ABC quartet shine on return to action

FRESH from their club’s presentation evening, four Deva ABC stars have returned to the ring.

Andy Jones, the reigning British and Welsh Amateur Super Heavyweight champion, was called up for Great Britain duty in Blackpool and stopped his Canadian opponent Chris Young in the third round.

Joe Lovell, meanwhile, was in action at the British Youth Championships at Everton Park.

Lovell, who won the National Association of Clubs for Young People of Wales title earlier this year, went down 10-7 on points to eventual winner Anthony Fowler, cousin of legendary Liverpool striker Robbie.

Lovell could be proud of his display, though, which underlined why he is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming fighters in the land.

Joe Rigg and Ash Appleby then enhanced their growing reputations with eye-catching performances at the Blackburn with Darwen Boxing Academy’s big show against the RAF.

Rigg proved his exceptional display on his debut was no fluke by forcing the referee to intervene in the second round of his bout while Appleby recorded a majority-points success over his RAF opponent.

Deva’s Tommy Dix said: “It is a great achievement for the club to be invited to such an event.

“Credit must go to Mark Shepherd, Dave Evans and the committee.”