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Welsh success for Boxing Britain’s Edwards and Yaxley

Friday evening saw two of Boxing Britain’s amateur boxers competing in the Welsh Elite Championship finals, Billy Edwards was in the lightweight (60kg) final and welterweight Sion Yaxley looked to take the 69kg title.

Both Edwards and Yaxley had been in action the previous weekend boxing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Edwards was up first on the Saturday as he took on Curtis Rodgers of Barry, after a cagey opener the slick Edwards dominated the final two rounds behind the jab earning himself a unanimous points win.

It was then stable mate Yaxley’s turn competing in his first senior finals. He was up against Merthyr based Lewis Parfitt in what was tough draw, both fighters landing good shots but it was Yaxley’s harder punches that seen him claim a split decision.

The semi-finals took place the following day and again it was Edwards who was up first against Callum Bustille of Arthur’s Gyms in Pontypridd. Edwards totally out boxed his opponent landing a variety of punches before getting out of range on his way to another unanimous verdict and booking his place in the lightweight final for the second consecutive year.

Yaxley looked to have the tougher draw, being matched against one of the tournament favourites Ben Crocker. This didn’t faze the Dyffryn ABC fighter as he tactically outsmarted his opponent as he made good use of the ring, flicking out the jab and frustrating his Crocker. The third round saw Yaxley stand his ground and land the cleaner punches in the exchanges to earn himself a hard fought spilt decision win.

Onto the finals this past Friday which took place at Cardiff’s institute of Sport. It was a fitting venue which turned out to be a fantastic evening of boxing. As normal Edwards the lighter competitor was up first in a tough match up against southpaw Kane Shepherd. The opening bell sounded and it pitted counter puncher versus counter puncher, both men hesitant to overcommits in what was a close opening round. Edwards started to find his range in the second, landing a three punch combination before opening a cut on Shepherd’s left eye which seemed to aggravate him throughout the rest of the fight. Edwards picked off his opponent in the final round and was crowned champion via Unanimous decision thus becoming Dyffryn ABC’s first senior Champion.

The Colwyn Bay based club didn’t have to wait much longer for their second senior champ as Yaxley, spurred on by his stablemates success took on Morgan McIntosh. Yaxley’s boxed well in the opening two rounds, seeming to land more in the exchanges and moving well off the ropes to make his opponent miss. The third round seen Yaxley absorb pressure well and answer back in what was a close round to score. The Dyffryn fighter had his hand raised in what was a brilliant night for Dyffryn ABC coaches Wesley Jones and Mike Leary who along with the lads have worked extremely hard to achieve this success.

Congratulations from us all at Boxing Britain.

Billy Edwards Profile

Sion Yaxley Profile

Thomas Lloyd
As far back as I can remember I've always had an interest in boxing. My earliest memories of the sport are that of Prince Naseem, his over the top flashy style had me hooked. As I grew older Ricky Hatton was a favourite but as a Welshman it was Joe Calzaghe that cemented my love for the sport.
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