Boxing rivals put on a show

Len Whaley, Boxing correspondant Thursday, November 18, 2010
10:40 AM

Local rivals Jakeveer Basi from Fairbairn ABC and Newham club prospect Jervade Skeete produced a high-standard duel in the Fairbairn tournament at the Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell, on Friday night.

It was an exciting clash from the start and after some keenly-fought exchanges, it was Skeete who proved just too strong for the Fairbairn boxer and finished the clash a points winner.

Fairbairn’s Numan Qureshi was involved in a thrilling contest with Arnold Allen (Kings Academy) in the bout of the night on the same show.

He landed the more effective punches to subdue a strong rival and was good value for the judges’ verdict.

There was a good performance from home club boxer Paul Connaghan, who stopped rival Mark Chennell with a cracking right hand in the first round.

Fairbairn prospect Kamil Ragi earned a majority decision against Blerim Pjetri Barking on the tournament.

Mitchell Philpot of Berry Boys Club came through with a points win over Paulo Claudio (Peacock BC).

■ Fairbairn ABC were shocked by the news of the sudden death of club president George Mullally from club sponsors Krypto security, who passed away in his sleep last week.

Fairbairn’s long serving club chief Jumbo Basi recalls: “He was the man who helped us when we were on the brink of extinction.

“He is a very sad loss to us all, and our deepest sympathy goes out to his whole family.”

■ Fight for Peace BC Woolwich flyweight Khalid Hakimi appeared on the All Star’s Mayor’s Cup show on Friday, where he dropped a majority points verdict to Gary Taaru (Tommys ABC).

New boy Hakimi put up a brave display, but tired towards the end of the contest and suffered a close points defeat.

He has the chance to bounce back a winner when he and his North Woolwich clubmate, Ryan Walker, travel to Strood to compete in the Kent club tournament.